- Springs
- White Nose Syndrome
- Round Spring Cave
- Devils Well
- Karst Video, 18 minutes (non-NPS)
IMPORTANT! ALL CAVES IN THE OZARK RIVERWAYS ARE NOW CLOSED TO VISITATION (Except for Guided Tours of Round Spring Cave). This is due to the discovery of White Nose Syndrome, a disease that kills bats, in Shannon County. Please respect these closed caves for the protection of the bats. People are not affected by the disease, which is 90% fatal to bats, but people may carry the disease spores on clothing, shoes, eyeglasses, hair, etc. While every cave will NOT have a gate on it, all caves are closed to entry, except for guided tours of Round Spring Cave. More Infomation on white nose syndrome.
Over 300 caves have been identified within the boundaries of Ozark National Scenic Riverways, ranging from not much more than a rock overhang to one cave with almost seven miles of identified passages. Eight caves, including an open sinkhole, have been designated as outstanding natural features.
The Ozarks is an area typified by what is called "Karst Topography." This means that the geologic structures underneath the earth are made of soluble limestone and dolomite. Water has been at work underground wearing away passages- waterfilled ones we call springs and formerly water-filled ones we call caves. A karst landscape is one in which caves, springs, sinkholes and losing streams are found. Due to the porous nature of the ground, and the movement of water underground over sometimes great distances, groundwater in karst areas is particularly vulnerable to pollution.
Cave ecosystems are unique and delicately balanced, with major changes possibly occurring from relatively slight disturbances. Geologic formations in some caves are quite fragile, easily damaged by vandalism or visitor overuse. Their formation is extremely slow, and physical damage may remain in evidence for generations. Some caves have been used by man and animals since prehistoric times, and evidence of this use and artifacts may be easily obliterated. Some Ozark caves, which are better known or more easily reached, have received considerable visitation, and more damage and site deterioration have occurred. Caves may contain unsuspected hazards to visitors unfamiliar to such alien environments, and the threat of serious injury or death from falls or drowning is always present. Several caves serve as habitat for the endangered Indiana and gray bats. All park caves are now closed to visitation. This includes all caves along the Current and Jacks Fork Rivers. Please respect these closures.
A serious disease of bats called White Nose Syndrome has been killing bats, including the Federally Endangered gray bat. It may be spread by humans. Due to the discovery of this disease in the area of the park, all park caves are now closed with the exception of guided tours of Round Spring Caverns. PLEASE do not bring in any clothes or gear, including shoes, cameras, hats, etc, that have been in any other cave into Round Spring Cave. If you have been in other caves, it may be best to reconsider your visit to Round Spring Cave completely for the sake of the bats.
Both the Federal Government and the State of Missouri take protecting caves seriously. To review the applicable state and federal laws click:
In many cases the Endangered Species Act and other laws may also apply.
