Ozark National
Scenic Riverways was created by an Act of Congress on August 24, 1964, as a
unit of the National Park Service to protect 134 miles of the Current and
Jacks Fork Rivers in the Ozark Highlands of southeastern Missouri. The
clean, clear waters of these two beautiful rivers are fed by intermittent
streams, which wind their way through narrow valleys in the gently rolling
countryside, and by numerous springs. The springs are associated with a
network of more than 300 caves that extend along the river corridors. The
landscape remains predominately rural, with broadleaf forests and occasional
open fields providing habitat of wildlife and a scenic backdrop for the
rivers. Many of the local residents are descendants of the self-sufficient
Ozark settlers, whose history is represented by numerous historic buildings
and archeological sites throughout the park. This environment provides an
excellent opportunity for johnboating, canoeing, swimming, fishing, and
tubing. Hiking, hunting, and horseback are also enjoyed at the park.
We are an authorized
Concessioner of the National Park Service. For more information, check out
the National Park Service's webpage at
http://www.nps.gov/ozar.