About the Area
Big Spring discharges the greatest volume of water of any spring in Missouri and is among the largest springs in the U.S.! It supports an impressive diversity of native fishes, and the surrounding woodland offers excellent birding. The Nature Conservancy considers Big Spring, and in connection to the Current River, to be an area of global conservation significance because of the great diversity of native fish and plants that depend on this watershed. Hiking along the trail leading to the spring, you might see any number of warblers, including the rare cerulean warbler. A variety of woodpeckers, vireos and thrushes also frequent the area. Also keep an eye out for American redstart, summer tanager, pine warbler, and fish crow.
From Van Buren, go west on Highway 60. Just after Highway 60 crosses the Current River, head south on Highway 103. Follow Highway 103 south for 4 miles into the Big Spring area of the Ozark National Scenic Riverways. Follow area signs to the parking lot and trailhead to the spring.
Big Spring in Van Buren.
Dining and lodging accommodations can be found in nearby Van Buren. Small Ozark towns like Van Buren typically cater to the tourists floating the many Ozark streams. Cozy bed and breakfasts are scattered throughout the Ozarks, and each town has local restaurants that are favorites of the locals and tourists alike.