Canoe The Ozarks

Pulltite Spring/Current River

The state of Missouri is endowed with an abundance of springs, especially in the Ozark regions.  Much of the state is underlain with limestone and dolomite bedrock which lends well to a process that has created a myriad of springs and caves.  Learn more about this and why Missouri is one of the principal “Karst” regions in the world @
http://www.dnr.mo.gov/env/wrc/springsandcaves.htm

There are over 3000 springs(includes many small ones)in this state and I have seen about 30 of these treasures.  From the largest of springs,“Big Spring(flows into Current R.),” to the smallest of springs, I’m always entranced by the beauty of a spring.

At Big Spring, you will see water discharging from the bottom of a bluff in dynamic shades of aquamarine.  The churning force of the water is so strong you can see white caps, then it suddenly calms to a crystal clear.  Awesome site!  The visitor center is run by the National Park Service and it’s only a couple of miles from VanBuren.

Larger springs that well up into larger pools show off shades of light blue to blue-green, or greenish blues(teal) to even a bluish gray(slate).  These wondrous colors(and many variations)can change depending on where you are observing the water flow and how much sunlight is available.
There is lush vegetation under the water and all around the outer areas of the spring.  And floating beds of Watercress whose dark green leaves are so hardy that visions of a fresh salad are easily conjured.

Watercress afloat

These springs are sacred schemes of nature.

The smaller springs have a big place in my heart as well, especially when I experience them on the river.  On an Ozark river, you will typically encounter numerous spring outlet creeks that feed into the river.  These are scenic places to stop, but of course the spring is usually much farther back in the woods.  Time permitting, it’s fun to hike back along these creeks to observe the different plants and critters in and around this ecosystem.

Sometimes you may encounter a smaller spring when they emerge from the bottom of a small bluff just right above the river.  Falling Spring on the Big Piney River is a shining example of this scenario.  This little spring sits about 15 feet above the river and though it’s small, you can hear its falling waters from quite a distance as it stair steps down to the river.
Crystal clear waters spilling down over rocks with mosses and GREENS that you’ve never seen.  This little spring is a gem.

Regardless of size, springs always draw me in with their unmatched beauty.
Observing all the different colors and textures with a soundtrack of splashing waters is truly mesmerizing.  I could sit by a spring for hours…

And sometimes I do.

(no pics of Big Spring or Falling Spring at the moment)

by William Hughes.