Ozark National Scenic Riverways
Ozark National Scenic Riverways
Located in the Ozarks area of south central Missouri, the Ozark National Scenic Riverway was created by an Act of Congress in 1964 to protect the Current and Jacks Fork Rivers. The clean, clear waters of these spring-fed rivers make up the Ozark National Scenic Riverways, the first national park area to protect a wild river system. Today the visitors use the park for many forms of recreation including johnboating, tubing, swimming, fishing, horseback riding, hiking, and camping. Approximately 1.3 million visitors come to the area each year to canoe, making it the most popular park activity by far. Hunting is also an authorized use within the Riverways' boundaries. The park is also notable for its many caves, including Round Spring Cave that offers ranger led tours in the summer. Other notable caves include Devils Well and Jam-Up Cave.
At A Glance
In The Park
Superintendent: Noel PoePhone Number: 573 323 4236
Entrance Fees: No Entrance Fee
Sights: Alley Mill;
Endangered Species: Big-Eared Bat
Important Dates
By The Numbers
Acres: 80,785.00Annual Visitation: 1,491,380 (2006)
Location
Latitude / Longitude :37.000390 / -91.016550 (map it)
State: MO
Nearby Big City: Eminence, MO
Gateway Communities: Fremont, MO; Van Buren, MO; Winona, MO; Briar, MO; Ellsinore, MO; Doniphan, MO; Ellington, MO; Mill Spring, MO; Grandin, MO; Gatewood, MO; Piedmont, MO; Alton, MO; Fairdealing, MO; Oxly, MO; Williamsville, MO; Martinsburg, MO; Warm Springs, AR; Naylor, MO; Riverside, MO; Harviell, MO
Nearby Airports: Fort Smith Regional Airport (FSM)
Green Features
Has Recycling? : YesHas Shuttle System? : No
Has Volunteer Program? : Yes
Park Photos
Ozark Riverways, 2079
National Park Service
Ozark Riverways, 2080
National Park Service
Ozark Riverways, 2094
National Park Service
View More Ozark Riverways Photos
Ozark Riverways In Depth
News from the Parks
Frommer's Top 5 Parks for Cozy Camping
November 21, 2008 - 10:01am
I always look forward to getting my Frommer's newsletter every week. Not only are they budget travel saavy, they inspire me to get out there no matter the weather! Here are their top five picks for cozy camping.
November 21, 2008 - 10:01am
I always look forward to getting my Frommer's newsletter every week. Not only are they budget travel saavy, they inspire me to get out there no matter the weather! Here are their top five picks for cozy camping.
Park to Reopen Today after Crews Repair Road, Channel Kautz Creek
November 21, 2008 - 9:56am
The Nisqually Road in Mount Rainier National Park will reopen today, a day earlier than expected. The road, and the park, have been closed since Nov. 12 when Kautz Creek jumped its banks and flooded the main road into the park.
November 21, 2008 - 9:56am
The Nisqually Road in Mount Rainier National Park will reopen today, a day earlier than expected. The road, and the park, have been closed since Nov. 12 when Kautz Creek jumped its banks and flooded the main road into the park.
Jenna Otter Returns to Scene of Grizzly Bear Attack
November 21, 2008 - 9:55am
Reporting from Glacier National Park -- No one knew what to expect on the trail to Grinnell Glacier one late summer morning, but a second bull moose less than an hour out was hardly a good sign. During September and October -- mating season -- it's always best to give the spindly-legged animals plenty of room.
November 21, 2008 - 9:55am
Reporting from Glacier National Park -- No one knew what to expect on the trail to Grinnell Glacier one late summer morning, but a second bull moose less than an hour out was hardly a good sign. During September and October -- mating season -- it's always best to give the spindly-legged animals plenty of room.
Expected Rule Change Would Benefit Bicycling in National Parks
November 21, 2008 - 9:07am
An upcoming National Park Service (NPS) rule change could greatly benefit mountain bicycling by improving the administrative process for opening trails to bicycles. IMBA has been asking the agency to revise its policies since 1992, because the current "special regulations" process is needlessly cumbersome and treats bicycles like motorized vehicles.
November 21, 2008 - 9:07am
An upcoming National Park Service (NPS) rule change could greatly benefit mountain bicycling by improving the administrative process for opening trails to bicycles. IMBA has been asking the agency to revise its policies since 1992, because the current "special regulations" process is needlessly cumbersome and treats bicycles like motorized vehicles.
Things Slow At Hawaii's National Parks
November 21, 2008 - 8:55am
On our recent trip to Hawaii we had a feeling that things were less busy than usual. Now there are some numbers to back up our hunch: The national parks in the state saw a drop in attendance of more than 50,000 visitors during the month of October.
November 21, 2008 - 8:55am
On our recent trip to Hawaii we had a feeling that things were less busy than usual. Now there are some numbers to back up our hunch: The national parks in the state saw a drop in attendance of more than 50,000 visitors during the month of October.
