Area
Ozark National Scenic Riverways is the first national park area to protect a river system. The Current and Jacks Fork rivers are two of the finest floating rivers you'll find anywhere. Spring-fed, cold and clear they are a delight to canoe, swim, boat or fish. Besides these two famous rivers, the park is home to hundreds of freshwater springs, caves, trails and historic sites such as Alley Mill.
The Ozark Riverways offers a few facilities for the mobility impaired. There are wheelchair friendly picnic tables in the major campgrounds and picnic areas and the newer restrooms and showers are wheelchair accessible.
There are a few trails that are level and paved with gravel. These may be accessible depending on your abilities and equipment. Specifically these are the Slough Trail at Big Spring, the access trail to the actual spring at Big Spring, and the trail to the Round Spring. While not strictly speaking in the park, there is a boardwalk at Watercress Campground, located just past park headquarters in Van Buren that will help you access the river bank and even try your hand at fishing from a wheelchair.
A new ramp at the Alley Mill makes this historic site easier to access. Park offices at Van Buren are accessible as well.
Entrance fee is $0.00.
There is no entrance fee at Ozark National Scenic Riverways.
The Headquarters for Ozark National Scenic Riverways is located at 404 Watercress Drive in Van Buren, Missouri. It's located at the corner of Watercress Drive and Main Street, across the street from the Van Buren Public School complex.
Ozark National Scenic Riverways is located in southeastern Missouri. Summer temperatures generally range from 75-100 degrees with high humidity. Winter temperatures generally range from 0-50 degrees with periods of intermittent freezing and snow.
