US - Ozark National Scenic Riverways in MO

Labor Day weekend we headed down to see the Ozark National Scenic Riverways.

 我還沒去過九寨溝…

"Goundwater plays a premier role in the makeup of the springs and rivers of this spectacular national park."  

這河能比美九寨溝嗎？

Big Spring, the water is a beautiful blue color coming out of the spring.

看了這麼漂亮的色景，我的心情即刻被療愈。

 "...This park exists to protect these largely spring-fed streams that run through some of the Ozarks' most beautiful scenery."

Big Spring Trail

Rocky Falls

Klepzig Mill (far right)  

A few people came here to swim, as it was much less crowded than Rocky Falls.  We didn't think this mill was worth the drive.  It isn't far from Rock Falls, but the access road is very rugged, and even the pickup truck in front of us had a hard time in some spots.

Alley Mill, sadly the mill is no longer functional, but it is open (summer only) to tour, and very knowledgeable staff is there to answer questions.  The mill is on the river where water exits from a pond created by Alley Spring.

I always collect the National Parks quarters for my Malaysia family and friends.  Alley Mill is featured on the quarter for the Ozark National Scenic Riverways.

Like the water at Big Spring, the water here at Alley Spring is also a beautiful blue.

Why isn't the water I scoop up blue?

There is a hiking trail that goes around the spring.

Is it a monster swimming and diving in Alley Spring?

When we asked the ranger, he said, "A muskrat family is living in the pond..."

 Pioneer exhibit