Shannon

Points of Interest:

• Explore a large and remote natural area with over 14 different natural community types.
• See shortleaf pine woodlands in the process of restoration.
• The longest sinkhole valley in Missouri.

Natural Features Description:

Over 6,000 acres of hills and hollows draining into Boyds Creek and the Current River. At the center of this natural area is a complex of sinkholes, depressions caused by the dissolving of the underlying rock, in this case dolomite, followed by a collapse of the land’s surface.

Points of Interest:

• Explore one of the most scenic and rugged Ozark natural areas from the geologic wonder of Rocky Falls to the wide-open views from atop Stegall Mountain’s glades.
• Investigate the beauty of Rogers Creek, a high-quality Ozark headwater stream.
• Look for characteristic birds and reptiles in the restored woodlands and glades.

Natural History:

The rugged Ozark landscape of Stegall Mountain contains a cross-section of Ozark natural communities of the Current River Hills region.

Points of Interest:

• Enjoy the views across a rugged Ozark valley from the open glades.
• See a succession of blooming wildflowers from Indian paintbrush to silky aster.

Natural Features Description:

The glades of Spurgeon Hollow occur along the break between the Gasconade and Eminence geologic formations. These scenic openings in the extensively wooded lands to the north of Eminence support a rich diversity of native wildflowers. One species, Bush’s skullcap, is restricted to the Ozark ecoregion.

Points of Interest:

• Stand amongst some of the oldest known white oaks in Missouri.
• Enjoy a hike along the Brushy Creek Trail through a remote part of the Current River Hills region.
• Look and listen for forest interior songbirds such as the ovenbird, worm-eating warbler, and wood thrush.

Natural Features Description:

This site features old-growth white oaks (some nearly 400 years old) scattered about an exemplary dry-mesic chert and limestone/dolomite forest natural community.

Points of Interest:

• Take a float along the scenic Current River and marvel at the bluff top 500 feet above you.
• Hike along the top of the bluff looking down to the scenic river valley below.
• Fish for smallmouth bass, goggle-eye, walleye, and suckers along the Current River.

Natural Features Description:

This natural area contains a scenic stretch of the Current River and is a part of the Ozark National Scenic Riverways.

Points of Interest:

• See the 6th largest spring in Missouri with a discharge of 90 million gallons per day.
• Enjoy the scenic bluffs along the spring and spring run that support good spring wildflower displays.
• Gaze into the azure depths of Missouri’s deepest known spring (300 feet).
• Look for colorful warblers and kingfishers along the spring run and the Current River.

Natural History:

A large, beautiful, undisturbed spring and spring branch with associated aquatic plants and animals surrounded by forest in the Current Ri

Points of Interest:

• Visit an unusual “raised fen” wetland.
• See a wetland oasis in an otherwise dry and rocky Ozark landscape.
• Access this site from the Ozark Trail, the longest hiking trail in the Missouri Ozarks.

Natural Features Description:

The fen found here is dome-shaped from the accumulation of peaty materials. A thick deposit of mucky organic soil forms a mound here higher than the surrounding land.

Points of Interest:

• See the 7th largest spring in Missouri with a discharge of 81 million gallons per day.
• View old-growth shortleaf pines and white oaks that once covered large parts of the lower Ozarks.
• See the scenic Alley Spring Mill and spring run.

Natural History:

Alley Spring, the natural area’s namesake, is the seventh largest spring in Missouri. The spring conduit is known to extend at least 3000 feet underground and reaches at least 155 feet below the surface.