Ozark National Scenic Riverways
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Ozark National Scenic Riverways |
Contact Information:
Ozark National Scenic Riverways
404 Watercress Drive
PO Box 490
Van Buren, MO 63965
573-323-4236
http://www.nps.gov/ozar/
Size: 80,785 acres.
Location: 134 miles of the Jacks Fork and Current rivers in south-central Missouri. Accessible via I-44 or US 60.
Description: The nation's first national scenic riverway protects 134 miles of the Current and Jacks Fork rivers in the Ozark Highlands. Much of the area is underlain by soluble limestone and dolomite, giving rise to sinkholes, caves, and springs of a classical karst topography. There are more than 300 recorded caves within the boundaries and nearly 100 springs that pour thousands of gallons of clear, cold water into the streams. Big Spring, one of the largest springs in the United States, has an average flow of 276 million gallons of water per day. Ozark culture is also preserved throughout the area.
Activities: Canoeing and floating in tubes are the most popular recreation activities at Ozark National Scenic Riverways. The rivers are considered to be Class 1 streams, which is the easiest classification used. Also, johnboating, fishing and hunting, horseback riding, camping, and picnicking are popular activities. Most hiking is done in the spring and fall. Horsepower limitations on outboard motors are in effect above the Big Spring Boat Landing (Current River) and on the entire Jacks Fork River within the park.Operating
Hours: Ozark National Scenic Riverways is open on a year round basis. There is no formal visitor center for the park,
but the Alley Mill is open to provide information in the summer, and the park headquarters in Van Buren is open year round during business hours.
History: Authorized on August 27, 1964; established on June 10, 1972.
See other National Rivers
See other Missouri National Parks
