Lampher Spring, Cherokee Pass, Missouri

## Overview Lampher Spring is a year-round cold spring located near Cherokee Pass in Madison County, Missouri, just south of Fredericktown along US Highway 67. Rather than flowing from an exposed rock face, the spring boils up into a man-made basin, creating a steady pool of clear, cold water. The area around the spring supports fresh watercress — a classic indicator of clean, mineral-rich spring water — growing naturally in and around the flow. Madison County sits within the St. Francois Mountains region of the Missouri Ozarks, one of the oldest exposed rock formations in North America. Springs in this area typically emerge from Precambrian igneous and Cambrian-age dolomite formations, producing reliably cold water year-round. Lampher Spring has historically been used as a public drinking water source by locals and travelers passing through Cherokee Pass, though as with any natural spring, water quality can vary and visitors should use their own discretion. The spring's surroundings show signs of past misuse — it was once used as an illegal dump site — but the area beyond the debris has been reclaimed by nature and the spring itself continues to flow strongly. ## Directions 1. From Fredericktown, Missouri, head south on **US Highway 67**. 2. Travel approximately **one mile south** to the **Cherokee Pass** area. 3. Turn onto **Madison County Road 401 (MCR 401)**. 4. Look for the trailhead on the **left side** of the road. 5. Follow the trail approximately **100 yards** to reach the spring. 6. You will need to **cross a small stream** to access the spring basin. The old dump site is visible nearby, but the spring and its basin are just past it. **GPS Coordinates:** 37.4676, -90.3004 ## What to Expect Lampher Spring flows year-round, making it accessible in all seasons. The water emerges cold and steady into a constructed basin, and fresh watercress grows in the surrounding waterway — a pleasant sight and a traditional sign of quality spring water. The trail from MCR 401 is short — only about 100 yards — but you will need to cross a stream to reach the spring. Waterproof footwear or shoes you don't mind getting wet are recommended, especially after rain when the stream may run higher. The spring is open 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, with no gates or restricted access. Visitors should be aware that remnants of past illegal dumping are visible near the approach, though the spring itself and the area beyond remain in natural condition. The setting is rural and secluded, nestled in the rolling Ozark landscape of southern Madison County. There are no facilities, signage, or amenities at the site — plan accordingly and pack out anything you bring in.