Oregon County: Springs, Rivers and Rock Formations

Grand Gulf stretches for about three-quarters of a mile between rock walls that rise 130 feet high. Grand Gulf also includes a natural bridge.

Rock walls and natural bridge

At Grand Gulf State Park, you can view Grand Gulf from trails above. You can also view it from the bottom beneath the natural bridge; however, getting there requires caution and there is no officially designated trail. The natural bridge is 250 feet long, and its opening is 75 feet high. These measurements make clear that it is a distinct rock formation within Grand Gulf—not merely a viewpoint overlooking the gorge.

Springs and the Eleven Point River

Greer Spring is Missouri's second-largest spring. Its average daily flow is approximately 210 million gallons per day. The spring branch flows a little more than a mile before joining the Eleven Point River. This river is 44 miles long and is described as a scenic river without dams; its banks and watershed are largely undeveloped. This makes it possible to understand the spring, spring branch and river as distinct parts of a connected water landscape.

A 5.5-mile stretch from the confluence with Greer Spring Branch to Turner Mill Access is designated as a Blue Ribbon Trout Area. The designation applies to this specific stretch. It is a useful guide when you are learning about the various designated areas along the Eleven Point.

River access points and seasonal opportunities

Thomasville River Access is in Oregon County. The State Highway 99 bridge there serves as an entry point to the Eleven Point National Scenic River. Check river conditions and access before you set out. Public access to the Eleven Point is also available at the Highway 19 river crossing near Greer and via U.S. Forest Service gravel roads to Turner Mill North and Turner Mill South.

In spring, you can float a scenic stretch with high rock bluffs from Cane Bluff River Access. The access point has basic facilities, including a toilet. Turner Mill South also has basic facilities. There are a limited number of dispersed campsites, a limited day-use area, a single-lane concrete boat ramp and restroom facilities. Facilities may change with maintenance and site conditions; check their status before your visit.

Loop trail in the Irish Wilderness

The Whites Creek Trail in the Irish Wilderness is a 17.5-mile loop trail accessible from all three trailheads. This makes it quite different from seasonal floating at Cane Bluff when planning your trip: here, the focus is on a clearly defined loop route. Check current trail conditions and access before traveling.

Mills and local history

Boze Mill Float Camp preserves a turbine from the 1880s and a hand-laid stone wall from the Lucas-Boze grist mill. Greer Mill is an outstanding example of a water-powered roller mill. The two mills offer insight into different aspects of local milling history.

The Koshkonong Historical Museum is housed in a church building constructed in 1909, which later served as a Masonic lodge. Koshkonong's history as a major peach-growing area in the 1890s is also part of local history.

A wetland habitat

The Brushy Pond swamp serves as a breeding and reproductive habitat for marbled salamanders and American bullfrogs. It adds a specific amphibian habitat to the river and spring landscape.

Consider which of these you want to shape your travel days, and focus your hotel search accordingly.

Discover more destinations: Thayer, Stone, Adair County, Pike, Howell County, Livingston, Greene, St Louis.

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