Bartlett Spring

## Overview Bartlett Spring is a significant natural spring located approximately 4 miles west of Waynesville in Pulaski County, Missouri. With an impressive reported flow of approximately 12 million gallons per day, Bartlett Spring ranks among the larger springs in the Missouri Ozarks — a region renowned worldwide for its karst geology and abundance of freshwater springs. The spring feeds a stream that flows roughly 100 meters before emptying into the Gasconade River, one of Missouri's most celebrated float streams. The Ozark Plateau's underlying dolomite and limestone bedrock creates an extensive network of underground channels and aquifers, giving rise to springs like Bartlett that have been flowing for thousands of years. The Gasconade River watershed is home to dozens of notable springs, and Bartlett Spring is one of the more prolific contributors to its flow. Please note that this is listed as a private spring, so access may require permission from the landowner. Visitors should respect private property boundaries and seek authorization before approaching the spring. ## Directions 1. From Waynesville, Missouri, head west on a route toward Plato/Roby Road. 2. Travel approximately 4 miles west of Waynesville. 3. The spring is located near **12394 Roby Road, Plato, MO 65552**. 4. GPS coordinates: **37.5049, -92.1502** — use these for precise navigation, as the spring may not appear on all mapping services. *Note: Because this is a private spring, there may not be public signage. Contact the property owner in advance to confirm access and get specific arrival instructions.* ## What to Expect Bartlett Spring produces a substantial volume of water — reported at around 12 million gallons per day — making it a visually impressive site with a strong, steady flow. The spring-fed stream runs a short distance (approximately 100 meters) before joining the Gasconade River, creating a scenic confluence that is characteristic of the Ozark spring landscape. The surrounding terrain is typical of the Missouri Ozarks: rolling, wooded hills with exposed rock formations and lush riparian vegetation along the waterways. The Gasconade River corridor offers additional recreational opportunities including canoeing, kayaking, and fishing. As this is a privately owned spring, facilities and trail access will depend on the landowner's arrangements. Visitors should plan accordingly — bring appropriate footwear for potentially uneven or muddy ground near the spring outlet, and be prepared for a natural, undeveloped setting. Water flow may vary seasonally, with higher volumes typically following periods of heavy rainfall due to the karst system's responsiveness to precipitation.