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A 1.8-mile loop on well-maintained path that takes you up the bluff to great view of the Mill and the valley.


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Map Key

1.8

Miles

2.9

KM

Loop

928' 283 m

High

674' 205 m

Low

299' 91 m

Up

299' 91 m

Down

6%

Avg Grade (4°)

20%

Max Grade (11°)

Dogs Leashed

Features Birding · Fall Colors · River/Creek · Spring · Views · Waterfall · Wildflowers

Overview

This is a very popular spot. Go early or during the week to best avoid crowds, but even at busy times few visitors go beyond the Mill and spring. These are icons of the Ozarks. The rest of the trail takes you up to a great view above the Mill and spring, then along the ridge through great forest, some switchbacks down, and then you loop back along the spring branch.

Description

From the parking lot, there is a paved path to the Mill. Go left to switchbacks that quickly climb the bluff to the overlook. You'll then hike through the forest along the ridge. Longer switchbacks take you back down to a short bit on a gravel road. Keep right across a grassy area to rejoin the singletrack trail along the spring branch. You may be sharing this stretch with other visitors, but there are lots of cool rock formations to enjoy on your way back to the spring. The trail goes around the spring to the Mill.

Flora & Fauna

Ovenbird, Hooded Warbler, Pine Warbler, American Redstart. Compass plant, coneflower, and shortleaf pine. Green damselflies at the spring.

History & Background

Lots of interpretive signs and helpful NPS folks to fill you in on Ozark history.

Contacts

Shared By:

Paul P with improvements by Zac Nixon

Trail Ratings

  4.5 from 6 votes

#1

in Alley Spring

#2679

Overall
  4.5 from 6 votes
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Recommended Route Rankings

#1

in Alley Spring

#13

in Missouri

#2,679

Overall
3 Views Last Month
1,824 Since Jun 6, 2017
Intermediate Intermediate

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Photos

Alley Mill with the flood gate to Alley Spring open.
Dec 3, 2017 near Eminence, MO
Be sure to stop and check out the mill at Alley Spring! From this view, the trail heads up and to the left.
Jun 6, 2017 near Eminence, MO
A return to Alley Spring brings views of the beautiful old mill.
Jun 6, 2017 near Eminence, MO
Enjoy the pleasant woodlands above Alley Spring.
Jun 6, 2017 near Eminence, MO
The trail continues to the right and follows a branch back to Alley Spring.
Jun 6, 2017 near Eminence, MO
The view from the overlook is quite nice.
Jun 6, 2017 near Eminence, MO

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