Eleven Point National Wild And Scenic River

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Last Updated: December 5, 2025

The Eleven Point National Wild and Scenic River is a popular destination in Missouri for those who love outdoor activities, scenic beauty, and a peaceful atmosphere.


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Summary

The area is known for its clear waters, diverse wildlife, and lush forests, and is home to several points of interest that offer visitors a unique experience. The river is located in south-central Missouri and is surrounded by the Mark Twain National Forest, making it an ideal destination for camping, hiking, fishing, and kayaking.

One of the main reasons to visit the Eleven Point National Wild and Scenic River is to experience its natural beauty. The area is known for its clear, turquoise waters, which make it a popular spot for swimming, fishing, and kayaking. The river is also home to a diverse array of wildlife, including bald eagles, river otters, and black bears.

There are several points of interest worth visiting along the Eleven Point National Wild and Scenic River. One of the most popular is the Greer Spring Trail, which takes visitors to the largest spring in Missouri. Other notable attractions include the McCormack Lake Overlook, which offers stunning views of the lake and surrounding forest, and the Ozark Trail, which runs along the Eleven Point River and through the Mark Twain National Forest.

Interesting facts about the Eleven Point National Wild and Scenic River include its designation as a protected area in 1968, making it one of the first rivers in the United States to receive this status. The river is also home to the endangered Ozark Hellbender, a species of salamander that is found only in the Ozark Mountains.

The best time of year to visit the Eleven Point National Wild and Scenic River is during the spring or fall, when the weather is mild and the foliage is at its most colorful. Summer can be hot and crowded, while winter can be cold and snowy, making it difficult to enjoy outdoor activities. It is also important to note that the river can be prone to flooding during heavy rainfall, so visitors should check weather conditions before planning a trip.

       

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Park & Land Designation Reference

National Park
Large protected natural areas managed by the federal government to preserve significant landscapes, ecosystems, and cultural resources; recreation is allowed but conservation is the priority.
State Park
Public natural or recreational areas managed by a state government, typically smaller than national parks and focused on regional natural features, recreation, and education.
Local Park
Community-level parks managed by cities or counties, emphasizing recreation, playgrounds, sports, and green space close to populated areas.
Wilderness Area
The highest level of land protection in the U.S.; designated areas where nature is left essentially untouched, with no roads, structures, or motorized access permitted.
National Recreation Area
Areas set aside primarily for outdoor recreation (boating, hiking, fishing), often around reservoirs, rivers, or scenic landscapes; may allow more development.
National Conservation Area (BLM)
BLM-managed areas with special ecological, cultural, or scientific value; more protection than typical BLM land but less strict than Wilderness Areas.
State Forest
State-managed forests focused on habitat, watershed, recreation, and sustainable timber harvest.
National Forest
Federally managed lands focused on multiple use—recreation, wildlife habitat, watershed protection, and resource extraction (like timber)—unlike the stricter protections of national parks.
Wilderness
A protected area set aside to conserve specific resources—such as wildlife, habitats, or scientific features—with regulations varying widely depending on the managing agency and purpose.
Bureau of Land Management (BLM) Land
Vast federal lands managed for mixed use—recreation, grazing, mining, conservation—with fewer restrictions than national parks or forests.
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