This is a small natural spring flowing out of a hillside deep in the Ozark hills within the boundary of the Mark Twain National Forest. The spring is hard to locate but worth the effort for the great water quality. There is no tapped line coming out of the spring, so be prepared to bail the water directly fro the rocky bottom with a smaller container or use a pump / siphon.
Flow can be low and hard to get good access during periods of drought. For best results use the 3/3 rules (3 days after a 3″ rainfall). Also trying to carry more than 10 gallons back out is difficult, if not impossible, due to the uphill walk back to the car. Two 5 gal. containers with good handles can be done if you are in shape. ***Also, this is not a good place to stroll during deer and turkey season. If so, I advise to wear bright clothing.***
Directions:
This is a beautiful drive complete with a chance to see real Ozark Hillbillies, living just a mile from the spring. From Springfield, Missouri, go south on Hwy 65 past Ozark toward Branson and get off at Hwy F/14 exit (Wal-Mart on the corner). Go straight east on 14 for 10 miles to the town of Sparta. Just past Sparta turn right on Hwy 125 and go south for about ten miles to the small town of Chadwick. Turn left of Chadwick Rd, and go East for about 5 miles to a bridge that crosses Swan Creek. Stay on the main road and continue for another 3 miles to a smaller creek crossing (Hillbilly homestead on the right), in about another mile look for a road sign on the left that says Monarch Rd. The trailhead is 100 yds ahead on the Right. You will walk down a trail that turns into a rocky gully and goes about 1/4 mile SE down to the creek. You’ll need to follow the creed(creek) for about 200 yds upstream and cross it a few times to get to the spring, which lies up about eye level on a NE facing slope off to the right side of the creek (GPS should really help)
