Blue Spring Trail
This very short walk takes you from North Fork Campground to the beautiful Blue Spring. At the Blue Spring Trailhead take the trail to the right, and Blue Spring is a 200 yards walk down the trail. From there you can walk back or continue around the full ¼ mile loop.
After passing Blue Spring you can head uphill to a rock cliff that overlooks the spring. From there you stay right to continue on the Blue Spring Trail. If you stay on the trail to the left it will loop you back to the day use area.
If you stay to the right the .6 mile Blue Spring Trail connects to the McGarr Trail, part of the Devil’s Backbone Wilderness trail system. ls 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.
There are multiple springs that contribute to the North Fork River, one of the largest is Blue Spring, which contributes around 7 million gallons of cold, clear water every day to the river. The spring is about 30 feet in diameter. The pool is colorful and the setting dramatic, on three sides, the stone wall is made of cherty Gasconade dolomite that surrounds the spring and represents the karst topography of Ozarks.
Trail Details
- Length:
- 200 yards to Blue Spring;
- 1.08-miles full loop
- 13.25 miles with Devils Backbone Wilderness Trail
- Best Seasons: Spring, Fall
- Surface Type: Unsurfaced, native material
- Average Trail Grade: 10 - 12%
Specific Trail Information
Trail Number
Trail Type
Accessibility
Toilets and picnic tables at the trailhead in North Fork Recreation Area are accessible.
General Information
Safety:
- Drinking water is available at trailhead.
- During temperate months, be prepared for biting insects, poison ivy and high temperatures.
- Be aware of hunting seasons.
For more safety tips visit the Safety section of the website.
North Fork Day Use Area Fees:
- $2.00 per vehicle
- $10.00 per bus
Day Use Fees
Day Use Fees can be paid on-site using the provided fee tubes.
- Fees must be paid using cash or check, no credit card machines are available at any sites.
- Annual and Lifetime passes can be purchased to cover day use fees at USDA Forest Service operated sites.
Water is available within the campground.
Drinking water is not available in Devils Backbone Wilderness, open water sources within the wilderness are not recommended for drinking. Bring your own drinking water or be prepared to boil or treat water chemically.
At the Spring
- Do not swim in the spring
- DO NOT jump off of the rocks into the spring
On the Trail
- No motorized vehicles are allowed on the trail or past designated parking areas.
- Camping is allowed in Devils Backbone Wilderness Area
- Dogs are allowed on hiking trails, please ensure they are under control.
- Leashing is encouraged. Unleashed dogs can pose a danger to other pets, the natural resources of the area, wildlife, and other forest visitors.
- Yield your leashed dog around other hikers and horses.
- Pack out your dogs waste or bury it 100 feet from water and trails.
At the Trailheads
- No overnight camping in day use areas/trailheads at any time of year.
- Dogs must be on a 6 foot leash in the day use area
- No trash containers; please pack out all your trash.
- Fireworks are prohibited.
Address: 1006 S. Jefferson Ava, MO 65608
Phone: 417-683-4428
Hours: 8:00 am - 4:30 pm, Monday to Friday; District Offices closed 1 - 1:30 for lunch (Closed on federal holidays)
Office Email: sm.fs.marktwainnf@usda.gov
Getting There
Parking
Day Use: 20 Vehicles
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.
Additional Information
Operated By
USDA Forest Service
Nearby Recreation Sites
Recreation Opportunities
Backpacking Info
The Blue Spring Trail connects to the 12.5 mile Devils Backbone Wilderness Trails.
Devils Backbone Wilderness Trails – 13-miles
Thirteen miles of maintained foot and horse trails follow the Devils Backbone and four other ridges, dropping off into surrounding hollows in a forest dominated by oaks, hickories, and shortleaf pines. Elevations range from 1020 feet to 680 feet along the North Fork of the White River, a high quality, spring fed Ozark stream.
Day Hikes Info
This 0.6 mile loop trail includes steps and short , steep slopes, but goes through lush vegetation and unique rock formations that overlook the North Fork River.
The Blue Spring is about 200 yards down the trail.
Viewing Scenery Info
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.
Recreation Groups
Visit the land where a steep, narrow, ridge drops away, plunging into deep hollows. Welcome to Devils Backbone Wilderness Area.