About the Area
Alley Spring is the seventh-largest spring in Missouri, in terms of discharge volume. The spring conduit extends 3000 feet underground and reaches 155 feet below the surface. The cool waters of the spring branch leading to the Jack’s Fork River are home to a great diversity of Ozark fishes. Visitors to the spring can view a historic gristmill in the woodland surrounding the spring. The ridges surrounding the spring are comprised of high-quality old-growth oak and short-leaf pine. Considered to be among the best preserved stands of oak and pine in the Ozarks, these woods offer a glimpse into what the area would have looked like in the mid-19th century before the timber industry took its toll on the area. After visiting the old mill, check out the Natural Area located in the adjacent Angeline Conservation Area. While you explore the area, keep a look out for Yellow-billed Cuckoo, Cerulean Warbler, and Yellow-Breasted Chat. This is an especially good place to search for wood warblers and vireos, given the quality of the woods surrounding the old gristmill and springs.
From Eminence, take Highway 106 west nearly 6 miles to the Alley Spring picnic area on the right (east). The Natural Area can be accessed by hiking the 0.75-mile Spring Branch Trail or the 1.5-mile Overlook Trail. The trails can be accessed near the historic Alley Mill.
Scattered throughout the scenic Ozark region are many small towns that cater to the many tourists that visit the area to enjoy the woods and waters. Depending on where your journey through the Ozarks leads, you may pass through Van Buren, Eminence, Winona, or one of many other small tourist towns. Stay at a cozy bed and breakfast and ask for the local favorite restaurant-each town has one.