Harmon Spring

## Overview Harmon Spring is a natural spring tucked into the rugged Ozark hills of Christian County, Missouri, roughly 30 miles southeast of Springfield. Situated in the karst-rich landscape that defines the Ozarks — where limestone bedrock, underground rivers, and countless springs shape the terrain — Harmon Spring offers visitors a rewarding backcountry water source surrounded by beautiful scenery. The spring has no tapped line or pipe; water flows directly from the rock bottom, and visitors have historically regarded the water quality as superior. The spring appears on DeLorme's Missouri state atlas, a testament to its longstanding recognition among local spring seekers. Because the spring requires a short hike along a creek with multiple crossings, it feels genuinely remote and unspoiled. Flow rates can vary significantly with the seasons — expect stronger flow after wet periods and reduced output during dry spells. The effort to reach Harmon Spring is well rewarded by the pristine setting and the experience of collecting water from a true Ozark hillside source. ## Directions Harmon Spring can be a bit tricky to locate on your first visit, but the route is straightforward once you know the landmarks. The nearest address is 1124 Loving Ridge Road, Chadwick, MO 65629. GPS coordinates: **36.908333, -92.952222**. 1. From Springfield, Missouri, take **Highway 125 southeast** toward Sparta, MO. 2. Continue on Hwy 125 approximately **6 miles past Sparta** to the community of **Chadwick**. 3. In Chadwick, turn **left onto Chadwick Road**. 4. Follow Chadwick Road for about **5 miles** until you reach the **Swan Creek bridge**. 5. After crossing Swan Creek, stay on the main road for approximately **3 more miles** until you cross a **smaller creek**. 6. Continue past the smaller creek for about **1 mile** until you reach **Monarch Road**. 7. The **trailhead** is located roughly **100 yards ahead on the right** side of the road. 8. From the trailhead, walk **south** along the trail. The path descends into a **rocky valley** and then bends **southeast** toward a creek. 9. Follow the creek **upstream**, crossing it **multiple times**, to reach Harmon Spring. *Tip: Wear waterproof footwear or shoes you don't mind getting wet — the creek crossings are unavoidable.* ## What to Expect The hike to Harmon Spring is a moderately rugged walk through classic Ozark terrain: wooded ridges giving way to a rocky creek valley lined with limestone bluffs and hardwood forest. The trail is not formally maintained, so expect uneven footing, especially in the rocky valley section. Once you reach the spring, you'll find water emerging from the rock bottom rather than through a pipe or spout. **There is no tapped line**, so be prepared to collect water by siphoning or bailing it directly from the source. Bringing a small cup, ladle, or hand pump can make collection much easier. Flow varies considerably depending on recent rainfall and the time of year. After heavy rains, the spring may run strong; during dry summer months, flow can slow to a trickle. Visitors have reported the water quality to be excellent, though as with any natural, untreated water source, testing or filtering before drinking is a personal decision. The surrounding scenery — especially in spring and fall — is a highlight in its own right. The creek valley is lush and quiet, offering a genuine sense of solitude that's hard to find just 30 miles from a city the size of Springfield. Keep an eye out for the diverse Ozark wildlife and wildflowers along the way.