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POINTS OF INTEREST – 4

From the last 2-car ferry in Missouri to a viewing platform suspended above an underground lake, there’s several interesting places to visit.

Points of Interest West Plains, Missouri

North Fork Recreational Area

  • Ridge Runner National Recreational Trail and the Blue Spring Trail
  • Area rebuilt after the Flood of 2017

https://www.fs.usda.gov/mtnf

North Fork Recreational Area Missouri

18 miles From West Plains

Take CC Highway west from Highway 63 in West Plains. In 17.5 miles, the North Fork Recreation Area will be on the left.

The Narrows

  • The last river access for the Eleven Point River
  • Hike to Blue Spring overlook and Morgan Spring

The Narrows gets its name from a narrow ridge of land between the Eleven Point River and Frederick Creek. A footpath leads to the overlook at Blue Spring where a part of a karst complex known as “The Narrows” can be seen. The footpath continues to the remnants of Tommason Mill, consisting of a dam and rockwork on Fredrick Creek. Within one square mile are four springs: Blue Spring, Morgan Spring, Jones Spring, and Sullivan Spring.
https://www.fs.usda.gov/recarea/mtnf/recarea/?recid=21706

 

The Narrows Missouri
The Narrows Missouri

Ozark National Scenic
Riverways

  • First National Park to protect a river system of Current and Jacks Fork Rivers
  • Hundreds of freshwater springs, caves, trails and historic sites

https://www.nps.gov/ozar/index.htm

70 miles From West Plains

To reach the Visitor Information Center, take Highway 63 north toward Willow Springs. Just before Willow Springs, take Highway 60 east toward Mountain View. Continue on Highway 60 east to Van Buren. After crossing the Current River, turn left on James Street then turn right on Main Street. In less than a quarter mile, turn left on Watercress Road. The Visitor Center will be on the right.

The Narrows Missouri
Wild horses Shannon County Missouri
The Narrows Missouri

55 miles From West Plains

Take Highway 63 south toward Thayer. At Thayer, turn left at the stoplight onto Highway 142. In approximately 23 miles, the entrance to The Narrows is on the left, just before crossing the Eleven Point River.