Blue Spring Trail

Area Status: Open

Blue Spring Nature Trail around Blue Spring

This very short walk takes you from North Fork Campground to the beautiful Blue Spring. The Trail parallels the North Fork of the White River and travels into the Devil’s Backbone Wilderness. Among the trees, cardinals and other birds sweep from one branch to another. Flowering dogwood and redbud catch sunshine from the gaps between branches and leaves and display brilliant spring colors.

Blue Spring on North Fork River is in an oval shape, about 30 feet in diameter. It averages 7 million gallons per day of cold, clear blue water. The pool is colorful and the setting dramatic - on three sides, the stone wall made of cherty Gasconade dolomite surrounds the spring and represents the karst topography of the Ozarks.

Title:	Blue Spring Nature Trail
Date:
Location:	North Fork Recreation Area, Willow Springs RD
Credit:	USDA, Forest Service
Description:
Source:	USDA, Mark Twain photo 1-01102003-0001.jpg

Title:	Blue Spring2
Date:
Location:	North Fork Recreation Area, Willow Springs RD
Credit:	USDA, Forest Service
Description:
Source:	USDA, Mark Twain photo 1-01102003-0002.jpg

Title:	Blue Spring
Date:
Location:	North Fork Recreation Area, Willow Springs RD
Credit:	Kale Horton
Description:
Source:	USDA, Mark Twain photo 1-07112003-0002.jpg

At a Glance

Current Conditions:	Gate at CC Highway is closed 12/1-3/1.
Operational Hours:	This is a day use area, hours of operation 6:00 AM – 10:00 PM.
Fees:	$2.00 per vehicle day use fee at the Blue Spring trailhead within the North Fork Recreation Area
Usage:	Light
Closest Towns:	West Plains; Willow Springs; Cabool; Dora; Mountain Grove
Water:	Drinking water available within the North Fork Campground 5/15 - 10/15
Restroom:	Vault toilet available within the North Fork Campgrounds
Passes:	Pass information can be found on the Passes and Permits page of the website.
Operated By:	USDA Forest Service
Information Center:	Ava Cassville/Willow Springs Ranger District Email \| Phone and Address

General Information

Directions:

From West Plains

take Highway CC west 16 miles to North Fork Campground/Recreation Area.
The spring is located with the North Fork Recreation Area.

Recreation Map

Map showing recreational areas. Map Information

Activities

Day Hiking

This 0.6 mile trail includes steps and short , steep slopes, but goes through lush vegetation & leads to a gorgeous view of Blue Spring, unique rock formations and the North Fork River.

Backpacking

Trail leads to the 12.5 mile Devils Backbone Wilderness Trails.

Viewing Scenery

Hikers along this 0.6 mile trail are treated to variety of spring wildflowers and fall foliage displays, as well as a gorgeous view of Blue Spring, unique rock formations, and the North Fork River.