National Park Guide: Missouri's Ozark Scenic Riverways

— -- The Ozark National Scenic Riverways in southeast Missouri is home to hundreds of caves, miles of trails and rare wildlife, but it is recreation on the rivers that draws guests to the park.

Kent Schnurbusch of Springfield, Mo., hauls his family, friends and four canoes to the bluff-lined Current or Jacks Fork rivers several times each year.

"With all the springs, they flow year-round," he says.

In fact, the park is home to some of the largest freshwater springs in the country, says Faye Walmsley, public information officer.

The aptly named Big Spring moves 286 million gallons per day and could fill nearby Busch Stadium in St. Louis in 33 hours, Walmsley says.

She says the 300-foot-deep Blue Spring could swallow the Statue of Liberty whole.

Walmsley says parkgoers also like to visit the historical Alley Mill or Storey's Creek one-room schoolhouse to get a taste of how Ozarkers lived more than 100 years ago.

Others may swim at their own risk near Akers Ferry.

Schnurbusch, who grew up near the park, prefers floating sections of rivers that are less frequented by tourists.

"If I don't see anybody else, it's better. Whoever I bring is plenty," he says. "It's easier to enjoy the scenery when there aren't as many people."

On a long float, Schnurbusch might pull onto a gravel bar along the banks of the Jacks Fork River and try to catch a glimpse of wild horses known to roam parts of the park.

During another trip, Schnurbusch can paddle to a favorite fishing hole near Cave Spring, a large cave opening on the Current River.

With a lack of houses and farms along the park's river ways, Schnurbusch says floats can be enjoyed without reminders of civilization dotting the landscape.

"For getting away for peace and quiet, I'd rather go to places where there aren't residences right on the river," he says.

***

About the park

Size: About 80,785 acres along 134 miles of both the Jacks Fork and Current rivers

Visitors: 1,365,960 in 2011

Established: 1964

History: In 1962, President John F. Kennedy endorsed the formation of Ozark National Scenic Riverways. The three largest campground areas — Alley Spring, Big Spring and Round Spring — were Missouri state parks until the sites were donated to the federal government in 1969. A formal dedication ceremony was held at Big Spring in 1972 presided over by Patricia Nixon Cox, who cut the ribbon.

When visiting: Park headquarters at 404 Watercress Dr. in Van Buren, Mo. Visitor information: 573-323-4236.

Of note: The park is one of the few places home to the Ozark hellbender, a giant salamander on the endangered species list.