Current River: Round Spring to Two Rivers
A 17-mile float on one of the world's largest spring-fed rivers through Ozark National Scenic Riverways, with blue springs and limestone bluffs.
At a Glance
Distance
17 miles
Estimated Time
6-8 hours
Difficulty
Beginner
Route Type
One-Way
Water Body
Current River
Activities
Best Seasons
Route Map
About This Route
You'll float 17 miles of one of the world's largest spring-fed rivers through the Ozark National Scenic Riverways, the first national park dedicated to protecting a river system. Massive blue springs pump millions of gallons of crystal-clear water into the river daily, keeping it a consistent 58°F and remarkably transparent.
Round Spring itself is visible from the river: a 26-million-gallon-per-day spring that creates a striking blue pool at the water's edge. Downstream, the river winds through towering limestone bluffs and cave-dotted cliffs. The current is steady, making this an easy float with occasional Class I riffles over gravel bars.
Summer weekends bring heavy recreational traffic, so plan a weekday trip if you prefer solitude. Late summer can expose shallow gravel bars, but the springs keep water levels more consistent than most Ozark rivers.
Highlights
- •One of the world's largest spring-fed rivers
- •Ozark National Scenic Riverways
- •Blue spring pools visible from river
- •Limestone bluffs and caves
Safety & Hazards
Gravel bars can be shallow in late summer. Recreational traffic heavy on summer weekends. Cold water (58°F) from spring inputs.
Shuttle Information
Drop vehicle at Two Rivers access, then drive north to Round Spring (~25 min via MO-19). NPS charges no fees for river access.
Frequently Asked Questions
- How difficult is Current River: Round Spring to Two Rivers?
- Current River: Round Spring to Two Rivers is rated beginner difficulty. Gravel bars can be shallow in late summer. Recreational traffic heavy on summer weekends. Cold water (58°F) from spring inputs.
- How long does Current River: Round Spring to Two Rivers take?
- Current River: Round Spring to Two Rivers covers 17 miles and typically takes 6-8 hours.
- Do I need a shuttle for Current River: Round Spring to Two Rivers?
- Current River: Round Spring to Two Rivers is a one-way route. Drop vehicle at Two Rivers access, then drive north to Round Spring (~25 min via MO-19). NPS charges no fees for river access.
- When is the best time to paddle Current River: Round Spring to Two Rivers?
- The best seasons for Current River: Round Spring to Two Rivers are spring and summer and fall. Current River: Round Spring to Two Rivers is on Current River.
- What activities are available on Current River: Round Spring to Two Rivers?
- Current River: Round Spring to Two Rivers supports Kayaking, Canoeing. Highlights: One of the world's largest spring-fed rivers, Ozark National Scenic Riverways, Blue spring pools visible from river, Limestone bluffs and caves.
Quick Facts
- Put-in
- Round Spring Access
- Take-out
- Two Rivers Access
- Water Body
- Current River
- State
- Missouri
Parking
Free NPS parking at both Round Spring Access (put-in) and Two Rivers Access (take-out). Both are gravel lots, well-maintained. No fees or permits required for river access.
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