Greer Spring is one of the most significant natural features in Missouri. It is the second largest spring in the state, with a mean daily discharge of approximately 210 million gallons per day. The spring branch flows just over a mile before entering the Eleven Point River, making it the longest spring branch of all the first magnitude springs in Missouri.
The spring is a state and nationally significant geologic feature, known as a phreatic spring. It supports a diverse aquatic community, including native fish species and aquatic invertebrates, some of which are of conservation concern. The flora around the spring branch and associated Ozark fens is also diverse.
Greer Spring is critically important to the hydrology of the Eleven Point River, which is a National Wild and Scenic River. The spring flows from two outlets about 250 feet apart at the bottom of a steep, shaded ravine. The water feeding Greer Spring comes from nearby streams that flow underground, as well as sinkholes found to the west and northwest of the spring, as far as 35 miles away.
Visitors can hike a 0.9-mile trail to reach the spring. The trail travels through a mixture of hardwoods and pines and offers beautiful rock formations along the spring branch canyon. However, there are restrictions on activities such as fishing, boating, floating, and wading in the spring branch.
I did Greer Springs in boots with a full pack in 105 degree heat and 90% humidity. I really wish it were uphill in, downhill out… I would have taken a dip in the 60-degree water… that hike back out was brutal with the pack, and my shoulders were wrecked.
