State Parks and National Parks

Ozark National Scenic Riverways

Authorized in 1964, this was the country's first national scenic riverway. The 134 miles of the Current and Jacks Fork rivers are ideal for canoeing, tubing, fishing and swimming.

Cave tours, historic sites and demonstrations of Ozark crafts add a cultural dimension to this waterway. There are also numerous hiking and horse trails.

Park concessioners provide canoe and tube rentals and drop-offs and pick-ups at predesignated locations. A river trip can last from an hour to weeks.

Most of the river is slow-paced, but small rapids, tricky turns and rootwads (the upended roots of downed trees) challenge beginning paddlers.

Anglers try for largemouth and smallmouth bass, trout and goggle-eye. The smallmouth population of the Upper Jacks Fork is carefully managed.

There are several developed campgrounds, and drive-in primitive campsites are found throughout the park. Backcountry camping is permitted on gravel bars.

Photo credits in order: Photo by Cecil W. Stoughton, courtesy of National Park Service.