Big Spring,Carter County, Missouri

## Overview Big Spring is one of the most powerful natural springs in the United States and the largest spring on the Ozark Plateau. Located at the base of a limestone bluff on the west side of the Current River valley in the Missouri Ozarks, this massive first-magnitude spring produces an average flow of approximately 470 cubic feet (about 13,000 liters) of water per minute, making it the second-largest tributary feeding the Current River. Big Spring lies within the Ozark National Scenic Riverways — the first national park area to protect a wild river system — and is managed by the National Park Service. The spring is situated just a few miles south of Van Buren, the county seat of Carter County, making it relatively accessible despite its wilderness setting. Geologically, Big Spring is a spectacular example of Ozark karst hydrology. The spring rises where groundwater, having traveled through vast networks of dissolved limestone passages, emerges at the surface in a dramatic upwelling. The majority of the spring's known drainage basin extends into the northern regions of the Eleven Point River watershed, meaning water that falls as rain miles away eventually resurfaces here. The karst system feeding Big Spring is actively growing: groundwater continues to dissolve limestone at an estimated rate of 175 tons per day. To put that in perspective, the amount of rock removed by the spring system each year is roughly equivalent to carving out a cave one mile (1.6 km) long. As this dissolution continues and additional streams are captured underground, the size and flow of Big Spring are steadily increasing over geologic time. The spring water maintains a constant temperature of around 58°F (14.4°C) year-round, typical of deep Ozark groundwater. Where it rises, the water forms a stunning aqua-blue pool before settling into a clear, calm channel that flows roughly 1,000 feet (300 m) to its confluence with the Current River. ## Directions 1. From **Van Buren, Missouri**, head south on **MO Route 103**. 2. Continue approximately **4 miles** south — the road leads directly to the Big Spring area within the Ozark National Scenic Riverways. 3. Follow signs for **Big Spring** and the National Park Service facilities. There is a paved parking area near the spring. 4. GPS coordinates: **36.952222, -90.994167** (Garwood, MO 63965). *Note: Route 103 is a paved, well-maintained road. The spring and its facilities are clearly signed from Van Buren.* ## What to Expect Big Spring is set within a beautifully maintained National Park Service area surrounded by steep valley slopes blanketed in hardwood forest. The setting is dramatic — the massive blue-green pool at the base of a towering limestone bluff is one of the most visually striking natural features in the Ozarks. A short, paved path leads from the parking area down to the spring and its outflow channel. The trail is relatively easy, though there is some elevation change as you descend into the valley. The spring branch itself is remarkably clear, and the vivid aqua color of the water near the boil is unforgettable, especially on sunny days. The park includes picnic areas, restrooms, and interpretive signage explaining the geology and history of the spring. Historically, Big Spring has been a landmark and gathering place in the region for well over a century, and the area includes a historic Civilian Conservation Corps (CCC) lodge and structures built in the 1930s, adding a layer of architectural and cultural interest to the visit. Because the spring is located within the Ozark National Scenic Riverways, it is also a popular base for canoeing and kayaking on the Current River. Seasonal flooding from the Current River can cause backwater conditions that temporarily obscure the spring's outflow, so visiting during normal or low water levels offers the best views of the spring's true character. Big Spring has historically been regarded as a source of clean, cold water, and the spring branch has long been appreciated by visitors for its clarity and purity. The constant 58°F temperature makes the water refreshingly cool in summer and relatively warm compared to winter air temperatures, creating misty conditions on cold mornings that add to the atmosphere. Whether you're a geology enthusiast, a paddler exploring the Current River, or simply looking for one of the most awe-inspiring natural springs in America, Big Spring is well worth the visit.