Mammoth Spring, Mammoth Spring, AR 72554

## Overview Mammoth Spring is one of the largest natural springs in the United States, located in the small town of Mammoth Spring in Fulton County, Arkansas. This massive first-magnitude spring discharges an estimated nine million gallons of water per hour (approximately 214 million gallons per day), making it one of the most voluminous springs in the country. The spring forms a stunning, crystal-clear pool roughly 80 feet deep and about 200 feet across before flowing into the Spring River, a beloved destination for trout fishing and kayaking. The spring is believed to be fed in part by the Grand Gulf, a collapsed cave system located across the state line in Grand Gulf State Park, Missouri, roughly eight miles to the north. Dye-tracing studies have confirmed a hydrological connection between the Grand Gulf sinkhole and Mammoth Spring, with water traveling underground through ancient Ozark limestone karst formations before emerging here in spectacular fashion. Mammoth Spring has been a significant landmark for centuries. The area was used by Native American peoples long before European settlement, and the spring's abundant water supply later attracted mills, a fish hatchery, and eventually a railroad depot in the late 1800s. Today, the spring and its surroundings are preserved as Mammoth Spring State Park, a free Arkansas state park that welcomes visitors year-round. The park features a historic train depot (circa 1886, now a museum), walking trails around the spring pool, and interpretive exhibits about the spring's geology and history. The water temperature of Mammoth Spring remains a remarkably consistent 58°F (14°C) year-round, typical of large Ozark springs fed by deep karst aquifers. The water has historically been regarded as exceptionally clean and clear, and the spring has long been used as a water source by the local community. Visitors have reported the water tastes fresh and pure, though as with any natural water source, conditions can vary. ## Directions 1. Mammoth Spring State Park is located in the town of Mammoth Spring, Arkansas, right along the Missouri–Arkansas border in Fulton County. 2. From US Highway 63, head into the town of Mammoth Spring and turn onto Main Street. 3. The park entrance and spring are located near **15 Main Street, Mammoth Spring, AR 72554**. 4. The spring pool is easily visible from the park's paved walking paths and is just a short walk from the parking area. 5. GPS coordinates: **36.495672, -91.536531**. 6. The park is free to enter and open daily. The train depot museum has its own posted hours. ## What to Expect Upon arrival, you'll find a beautifully maintained state park centered around the enormous spring pool. The water is a striking shade of blue-green, and on clear days you can see deep into the pool thanks to the spring's exceptional clarity. A paved trail loops around the spring, making it accessible for visitors of all mobility levels, including wheelchairs and strollers. The Spring River begins its flow directly from the spring pool, and you'll often see anglers casting for rainbow and brown trout in the tailwaters just downstream. The historic 1886 Frisco railroad depot sits on the park grounds and houses a small museum with exhibits on the area's railroad heritage and natural history. The park includes picnic areas, restrooms, and benches overlooking the spring. It's a peaceful spot that rarely feels overcrowded, even on weekends. The spring flows year-round with little seasonal variation in volume or temperature, so it's a rewarding visit in any season — though spring and fall offer especially pleasant weather in the Ozarks. There is no swimming allowed in the spring pool itself, but the Spring River downstream offers opportunities for wading, canoeing, and kayaking. Several local outfitters in the area rent boats and gear for river trips.