Hiking to one of Missouri’s River Caves
I wanted to hike to a cave in Missouri so I headed to Cave Spring Trail in southeast Missouri. The trail begins at Devil’s Well and follows a 5 mile loop, with an offshoot to Cave Spring along the Current River. Cave Spring was definitely the highlight of the hike, but try and go on a weekday when you can avoid all the people on a classic Missouri float trip.
AllTrails Stats
Cave Spring Loop Trail
Type: Loop | Rate: Moderate | Traffic: Light | Length: 4.8mi | Elevation Gain: 688ft
My total distance was 7 miles because I went left at the fork to check out the overlook first and then had to backtrack down to Cave Spring.
What is Devil’s Well?
Hiking Cave Spring Trail begins at Devil’s Well, which is a pretty cool way to start a hike. Dropping 100 feet down into the largest underground lake in Missouri, Devil’s Well leads to a dark world that few have ever explored. The cave was first entered by brothers Bill and Bob Wallace in 1954 by using a bosun chair and hand crank. The brothers measured the cave to 400 feet long and 100 feet wide. The depth is around 80 feet but can fluctuate 8-10 feet depending on weather.
In 1956 two species of blind cave fish and sculpin fish were observed, and in 2015 two species of cave crayfish were identified. The cave was formed by water eroding the underground dolomite strata. It is part of the Ozark National Scenic Ways operated by the U.S. Park Service, open daily during sunlight hours.
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Hiking Cave Spring Trail
Cave Spring Trail is a moderate Missouri loop hike accessible by all ages. Dog are also allowed on the trail, but must be kept on a leash. There is one “overlook” which likely has better views of the Current River below in the winter when there is no foliage on the trees.
The highlight of the trail is by far Cave Spring down along the Current River. Follow the trail marker to the right at the split. You can walk into the cave and even swim in the clear blue water if you’d like. There’s also a fire pit just outside the cave which would make for a nice lunch spot. Camping seems to be allowed, but must be 50 feet from the entrance of the cave. (More Information)
Floating the Current River to Cave Spring
I hiked this trail on Monday, July 5, which was the observed July 4th holiday so it made for a crowded time in Cave Spring. I was the only hiker however, most people were floating the Current River in kayaks and canoes. Akers Ferry Canoe Rental is the closest canoe rental store to Cave Spring, and it seems to be an easy float down the river to Cave Spring.
More Missouri Hiking Trails
Elephant Rocks State Park
Top 5 Missouri Hikes
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