I have a slight obsession with springs and waterfalls, just something about the energy of flowing water, not to mention it is a vital life source! So grateful to live in the Ozarks, were we have an abundance of them, and one of the largest springs in the world (I will put up pictures of that one later). I like to visit at least one place I have not been to in the Ozarks every year. There is so many around this area I do not have to travel far for adventure and exploration. Sauntering out in nature just gives me that sense of connection and peace, and I love experiencing and capturing the beauty of this world.
There is often an old mill, or the remnants of one, and a small community that once lived and loved around the water source. The place in the above picture is Alley Springs Mill and is now apart of the Ozark National Scenic River ways. You can look for a picture of it on the back of the United States quarters, which were just released last year. The first picture is taken off a short trail that loops around the spring and mill, and is the beginning of the spring branch which flows into the Jacks Fork river about a half a mile down stream.
I bring my dog with me when I go hiking, so I did not get any pictures of the inside of the mill since he was not allowed inside. That was totally ok with us, not gripping a bit, there was so much to see and places to wander around outside of the mill. Here is some history of the mill if you would like to look into it further. https://www.nps.gov/ozar/learn/historyculture/alley-mill.htm
Alley Springs is the 7th largest in Missouri, reaching 155ft deep and discharging 81 millions gallons every day! more info on the spring here https://nature.mdc.mo.gov/discover-nature/places/alley-spring