Explore gorgeous scenery, forests and farm country, great camping, charming Current River, 5,000 caves to tour, and Alley Springs photo spot.
The drive from Salem to Eminence on Route 19 is a 44-mile, 1-hour travel and is best driven in the spring through fall. The tour winds through farm country and upland forests. You will see lots of gorgeous panorama everywhere along this drive, as you slice through a small portion of the Ozarks. As you travel south from Salem on Route 19, several side streets will take you into parts of the gigantic, 1.5 million-acre Mark Twain National Forest. Route 19 climbs the Ozark Plateau on its way to the Current River and its southern stream, the Jacks Fork River, part of the Ozark National Scenic Riverways.
Great camping can be discovered across the Current River at Round Spring campground. South of Salem some thirty miles, you can park your vehicle 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 slim valleys no wider than your driveway. The Current River is federally safeguarded. You may want to bring a canoe along for a cool, fun river ride.
Go down the plateau to the Jacks Fork River and the town of Eminence. Trail rides and river expeditions can be found outside Eminence. Missouri shows off having a total of 5,000 caves, and you are close to many of them at all times. Plan to go around a cave or two during your drive. One stop you won’t want to miss is Alley Springs, which is situated 6 miles west of Eminence on Route 106. In Alley Springs, the old timers often get together on the bank for “spit and whittle” sessions. This also is one of the perfect 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:
Alley Springs
Mark Twain National Forest
Current River
Tagged with: camping • Missouri • Ozark
Filed under: Best Road Trips