Missouri Ozarks

 
Date: 2004-11-22

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The drive from Salem to Eminence on Rte. 19 is a 44-mile, one-hour trip best driven in the spring through fall. The tour winds through upland forests and farm country. You will see lots of gorgeous scenery everywhere along this drive, as you slice through a small portion of the Ozarks. As you drive south from Salem on Rte. 19, several side roads will take you into parts of the giant, 1.5 million-acre Mark Twain National Forest. Rte. 19 climbs the Ozark Plateau on its way to the Current River and its southern tributary, the Jacks Fork River, part of the Ozark National Scenic Riverways.

Great camping can be found across the Current River at Round Spring campground. South of Salem some 30 miles, you can park your car and walk across a bridge for a close-up view of the charming Current River. The river is a free-flowing, spring-fed river that flows sometimes through narrow valleys no wider than your driveway. The Current River is federally protected. You may want to bring a canoe along for a fun, cool, river ride.

Descend the plateau to the Jacks Fork River and the town of Eminence. River expeditions and trail rides can be found outside Eminence. Missouri boasts having a total of 5,000 caves, and you are close to many at all times. Plan to tour a cave or two during your drive. One stop you won't want to miss is Alley Springs, which is located six miles west of Eminence on Rte. 106. In Alley Springs the old timers often gather on the bank for "spit and whittle" sessions. This also is one of the best photo spots in the Ozarks.

Starting Point:
Salem, MO

Distance of Drive:
44 miles

Must Eat:
Ozark Orchard
118 North Main Street, Eminence, MO 65446
Phone:  573-226-3604
Call ahead to confirm hours of operation.
Good Stop For:  USDA Steaks

Best Time of Year for Drive:
Spring to fall

Points of Interest on Drive:
Mark Twain National Forest
Current River
Alley Springs

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