Hiking Greer Spring Trail to Missouri’s Second Largest Spring
Hiking Greer Spring Trail to Missouri’s Second Largest Spring
I had the opportunity to hike Greer Spring Trail to Missouri’s second largest spring, Greer Spring, back in January on a cold snowy day. I’m very grateful I made the trip to experience Greer Spring as a winter wonderland.
Greer Spring Trail
Type: Out-and-Back | Rate: Easy/Moderate | Traffic: Light | Distance: 1.7mi | Elevation Gain: 255ft
A lovely hike to Missouri’s second largest spring, Greer Spring.
View the full route on AllTrails.
Greer Spring
Greer Spring is Missouri’s second largest spring pumping out 220 million gallons of water per day from Greer Spring Cave. The spring is a short 0.8 mile hike down into a ravine from the Greer Spring Trailhead, for a total out and back hike of 1.7 miles.
Fed by underground streams and sinkholes from nearly 35 miles away, the water flowing out of Greer Spring Cave has the effect of a surging river, even in the coldest of temperatures. The spring follows the rocky-lined ravine for roughly 1.25 miles, dropping 62 feet in elevation, before joining the Eleven Point River, more than doubling its flow. The mouth of the spring in its shaden ravine offers a beautiful cool oasis.
To the right of Greer Spring Cave is a smaller cave dedicated to Samuel G. Beaty. I got down on my hands and knees and was able to crawl back roughly 10 to 15 feet, which was a fun experience.
Greer Spring Mill
Greer Spring was named after Samuel Greer in 1859 who built the first mill on Spring Branch, a mere 235ft north on Hwy 19. Greer Spring Mills is a national historic site operated by the USDA Forest Service as well and has parking off Hwy 19. There is also a short trail from the Greer Spring Trailhead parking lot to the mill. Visitors can walk around the mill grounds, but the interior of the mill is only accessible during special events hosted by the Ranger District.
Located near Winona, Missouri - roughly 3 hours south of St. Louis - I’m not sure I would make the drive just to hike Greer Spring Trail, but if you’re in the area it’s a lovely short hike to Missouri’s second largest spring.
More Missouri Hiking Videos
Millstream Gardens to Silver Mines
Rocky Falls in Winter
Hiking Gear List
Headlamp - Petzl Tikka Headlamp
Jacket - Patagonia Nano Puff Hoodie
Beanie - Ope Outdoors Chunky Knit Beanie
Long Sleeve Shirt - REI Co-op Midweight Base Layer
T-Shirt - REI Co-op Sahara T-Shirt
Pants - Wrangler ATG Fleece Lined Pants
Underwear - REI Co-op Everyday Boxer Briefs
Shoes - The North Face VECTIV Fastpack FUTURELIGHT Hiking Shoes
Pack - REI Co-op Flash 22 Pack
Water Bottle - REI Co-op Nalgene 1L
Camera Gear List
iPhone 14 Pro
Follow me on Instagram @mshepjordan9 for more photos from this hike!
Subscribe to my YouTube channel for weekly solo hiking videos.
VIDEO MUSIC (AudioHero) - Get a FREE AudioHero membership when you purchase TubeBuddy Pro
DISCLAIMER: These links are affiliate links. If you purchase a product or service with the links that I provide I may receive a small commission which helps me out and is no cost to you! Thank you for supporting my journey.