
In 1964 , the United States Congress created the Ozark National Scenic Riverways to protect and provide recreational opportunities on over 130 miles of the Current and the Jacks Fork
Rivers in south central Missouri.
Administered by the National Park Service, the Ozark National Scenic Riverways
furnishes the visiting public with a unique experience to see what the Ozark wilderness first looked like to early pioneers and native Americans.
Day float trips remain the most popular event here on the Current River. If you do plan on floating overnight on the river,when
you camp, we recommend you put your watercraft on the upper side of your river campsite
Wildlife is abundant along the river. From your watercraft you can often see many of the 112 species of fish,196 species of birds,
58 species of mammals and 25 species of snakes, all found within the Park.
Some special points of interest along the Current River are the following:
Welch Spring, Thomas Welch, the first settler there, built a general store and a gristmill beside this spring. Much later a
Doctor built a two store sanatorium for asthma sufferers on the bluff above Welch Spring. Cool mineral air was was drawn up into
the hospital room from a tunnel connected to the cave. The results of the "Cure" are not known but plans to turn the town in a
health resort never materialized.
Akers, This access point at the Ferry crossing is a favorite with our floaters.
Cave Spring, this is the halfway point between Akers and Pulltite . The cave is large enough to float back into for about 150 feet. The flowing water out of Cave Spring originates 1 mile from the river and can be reached by vehicle off of Highway KK.
Pulltite The spring and cabin are just downstream from the Pulltite Campground. The average daily flow is 38 millions gallons.
Round Spring and Cave The waters of Round Spring rise into a deep blue basin, then pass beneath a low natural bridge. The flow discharges an average of 26 million gallons of water daily. The cave which can be seen via National Park Service
tours last about two hours.
Two Rivers The access point is just below the union of the Jacks Fork River.
Powder Mill/Owl's Bend Here the Current River sweeps south in a wide arc where great horned owls perch in the high
bluffs. The canoe landing is 1/4 mile past the Highway 106 Bridge on the left at the campground.