Spout Springs

## Overview Spout Springs is a small rural spring located along Gum Road near Carthage in Jasper County, Missouri. Situated in the heart of the Ozarks region — an area renowned for its karst geology and abundant groundwater — this public drinking spring is one of many natural water sources that have served local communities for generations. The name "Spout Springs" suggests a piped or channeled flow, a common feature of rural Missouri springs where locals historically installed pipes or troughs to make the water easier to collect. Jasper County sits atop layers of Mississippian-age limestone, and the region's extensive network of underground channels and aquifers gives rise to numerous springs. Spout Springs is a quiet, unassuming example of this geological heritage — a place where clean groundwater emerges naturally and has historically been used as a drinking water source by area residents. ## Directions 1. From Carthage, Missouri, head south and navigate to **Gum Road** (County Road 6654). 2. The spring is located along Gum Road at or near the address **6654 Gum Rd, Carthage, MO 64836**. 3. GPS coordinates: **37.148894, -94.17624** — use these for the most reliable navigation, as the rural roads in this area can be easy to miss. 4. Watch for the spring along the roadside; it is a small, modest site that can be easy to pass if you're not looking carefully. ## What to Expect Spout Springs is a small, understated rural spring typical of the Missouri Ozarks. Visitors should expect a modest natural water source in a quiet, pastoral setting along Gum Road. The surrounding landscape is characteristic of rural Jasper County — rolling hills, scattered timber, and open farmland. As a public drinking spring, the water here has historically been used by locals for drinking, though visitors should be aware that water quality can vary with weather and seasonal conditions. The flow may be stronger during wetter months in spring and early summer, and could slow during dry spells in late summer and fall. The site is roadside and easily accessible by car, making it a convenient stop for those exploring the natural springs of southwest Missouri. There are no facilities or amenities at the spring — it is simply a natural water source in a rural area. Visitors looking to explore more of the region's spring heritage will find numerous other springs and natural water features throughout Jasper County and the broader Ozarks.