Current River Challenge Hike
The Current River Challenge Hike at Ozark National Scenic Riverways near Eminence, Missouri is a difficult 8.8-mile one-way hiking trail that connects three local parks and is part of the park's official Current River Challenge.Hike
This section of the Current River Challenge includes just the hiking portion and excludes the float down the Current River. Hikers will begin at Round Spring where they'll hop on the Round Spring West Trail as it ascends a nearby hill. The trail then undulates its way from Round Spring over to Echo Bluff State Park. This GPS route leads hikers directly to the Betty Lea Lodge which can be skipped if you plan to continue onward to Current River State Park without a break. When leaving Echo Bluff State Park, the trail ascends a steep hill as it makes its way upward toward the Shannondale Lookout Tower within Shannondale State Forest. The trail skips the top of the hill (lookout tower) as it descends back toward the Current River. The trail has one last climb as it leads into a mountain hollow before the trail drops into Current River State Park. The hiking portion of the challenge ends at Current River State Park. If you wish to continue the challenge, the last leg is the float back to the trailhead via the Current River.
Parking
Hikers will find a large parking lot at the coordinates provided, located at the main lot for Round Spring.
Pets
Dogs are allowed if leashed and should be cleaned up after.
Shuttle
Note that if you do not plan to float back to parking via the Current River, you must figure out a shuttle plan with a separate car as this is a one-way hike. Alternatively you could hike back the same way for a strenuous ~17.6-mile day hike.
About the Challenge
The Current River Challenge is a self-paced hiking and floating challenge that visitors can enjoy at any time. Ozark National Scenic Riverways and Missouri State Parks partnered to promote hiking and floating through the riverway that connects three local parks. The challenge includes a 4 mile hike from Round Spring to Echo Bluff State Park before conquering another 4 mile hike from Echo Bluff State Park to Current River State Park. The last leg of the challenge is a 4 mile float back to the trailhead from Current River State Park to Round Spring.
Warning
Water safety: If planning to float the Current River to complete the challenge (not depicted in this route), you should always wear protective gear like a life vest and come prepared with some river floating experience. Stay away from downed trees and other obstructions in the river to keep your boat from flipping.
