I'd rate this stop/site dead even with the Big Spring in terms of Ozark National Scenic Riverway stops. Lovely area, easily accessible, cool old mill, neat spring... Well worth a stop if you are nearby and have the time, but by no means anything I would categorize as a "must see" if you have to go way out of your way or time is short.
Beautiful old Mill and area. We were lucky to go just in time for fall colors. Easy to get to and lots of parking. Mill is a short walk from the parking lot. There’s an easy trail if you want to do a short hike.
Absolutely beautiful! A must see if you're near Eminence. We stayed at Echo Bluff State Park and the drive from there was only 30 minutes.
The water is a brilliant blue, and the contrast of the red mill is truly picturesque. My photos don't do it justice in how vivid the colors are.
Inside the mill, a park ranger was glad to give us a brief summary of its history, and there are plenty of informational plaques beside the old machinery. You can even go upstairs and see more of the inner workings, but unfortunately the basement and attic are off limits.
There's a short 0.3 mile walking trail around the spring that's worth the few minutes walk if you're able. It was a little muddy in just a few places since it had rained the day before, but nothing too rugged. There's also a longer 1.5 mile trail that we didn't take on this visit, but will definitely be on the list for next time!
Very nice place to check out, there were only a couple people there when we came and it is just so pretty. So many photo opportunities and things to explore. Very easy to drive to, nice big parking lot, paved walking path up to the bridge to the mill area.
Beautiful historical mill. Very well maintained in a pristine setting. Pictures don’t accurately capture the calming beauty. A must visit in Missouri. Enjoy the drive too.
Quick side trip as we travelled through the Missouri Ozarks and the National Scenic Waterways , an empty parking lot made for a nice walk around to investigate the property and history .
We had an amazing time at Alley Spring and Mill! The scenery was breathtaking, and the photos just can’t do the crystal-clear water justice. If you ever get the chance, I highly recommend visiting—it's truly a must-see destination that you won’t want to miss!
This place is straight out of a dream. Picturesque red mill, turquoise blue water, clear water flowing through the fall foliage- never expected Missouri could have such scenic places.
Beautiful area in Missouri. The fall colors are starting to pop. There should be brilliant colors within the next week. A great way to spend a weekend afternoon. Enjoy! It is just as beautiful in the summer.
One of the most beautiful places I've ever seen. So much fresh watercress growing and the bluest water I've seen outside of the Caribbean. Is a shame you can't swim, but understandably so. Worth a detour, great place to picnic, will definitely be returning.
Beautiful historic mill within the National Park that is at the end of the spring pool. The spring puts out a huge amount of water which is a deep blue in the back-center. Crystal clear around the edges with a green-blue hue. The mill is open certain times of the week and is cool to see. It was closed on our most recent visit but we were there in a Wednesday morning off-season.
The hike around the spring gives a great view of the water. Didn't do the Overlook Trail this time.
The parking lot is a good hundred yards away.
This is beautiful spring and mill. I have stopped by here many times and it never disappoints.
The area is well maintained by the national parks service. It is a short walk to from the parking lot back to the spring/mill area. You can walk through the mill. There is a short path that goes around the spring. There is a short path on the far side of the creek that will take you downstream to a bridge that goes back to the parking lot. There is a longer 1.5 mile trail to a scenic overlook.
There is a big picnic area and bathrooms that are usually pretty clean.
Such a beautiful place!! The conservation officers were so helpful in helping us figure out our next stops with their suggestions. They gave us a map with our next moves circled and we went on our way. We had a great time here. The spring is beautiful and the caves were cool to check out too.
Beautiful area to visit. Maintained hiking paths, breathtaking views and friendly staff. So much history to this area and mill that makes one appreciate our ancestors hard work and commitment. A lot of improvements to the area as well, NPS is doing a fantastic job!
This place is beautiful! The park offers a tour of the Alley Springs mill, old school house, and Alley Spring. None of the buildings are open however and can only be viewed from outside. The park also offers a short hiking trail, picnic tables, and access to the river. Everything is free and handicap accessible. Highly recommend visiting if in the area!
Amazingly beautiful scenery with some neat history to boot. To top it off, the rangers who work the part were all friendly and engaging.
Check out the old school house before making your way to the mill to see the machinery while hearing about how it was used, then take a stroll around either (or both) of the trails to take in some amazing vistas.
Absolutely beautiful! Stunning. Rim trail was a good 0.3 mile round trip from the mill to the parking lot. The mill was a neat stop. The spring itself is gorgeous. Clear blue green tinted water. 57° temp and just perfect! Definitely recommend going here!
Beautiful place to take the family to. Just keep an eye on children near the spring. The water moves quick. But very nice to walk around and hike. Bathrooms on site and several picnic tables. Large pavilion for groups to sit under. Free parking.
Beautiful setting, the mill is nice but the spring is the best part. There are two floors to the mill museum, you can see the silk sifter and the newer swing sifter that was installed way back then. Very interesting to see the old millworks and it's free and fun for the whole family. The spring that turned the now-removed wheel at the end of the trail is the best part. It is so beautiful! There is no swimming, wading, etc., in the water. There are park rangers posted at spots on the trail to ensure that no on damages the water ecosystem. Please do not venture into the water or climb the rocks. If you want to swim, go to the Current River or a pool. If you want to rock climb, go to a place for rock climbing, don't do it at Alley Spring, this is not the place. It's a "see-with-your-eyes-not-with-your-hands" type of experience.
This place is absolutely magical! We almost decided to skip the stop here after our weekend camping trip, but so happy we didn't miss this hidden beauty. The water was chilly and crystal clear with amazing sounds and calming effects. The park ranger was in the mill talking about how the history of the mill evolved and it's original purpose. You don't even realize it, but the spring pumps out 81 million gallons of water per day... wow!
This place was beautiful. The short trail in the back, just over the bridge, is definitely worth taking. There are small caves and the trail runs right along the water stream that flows from the spring. The spring house has some amazing machinery and historical items, with facts about the springs and mill. I think my favorite part was the one room school house that was completely set up like kids were still going to school. I want to camp at the near by campground!
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