Natural Springs State Park is located on the Boone Groundwater Basin. The Boone Groundwater Basin lies along the southwestern flanks of the Ozark uplift, a structural dome that covers about 40,000 square miles in Missouri, Arkansas, and Oklahoma. Rocks along the margin of the uplift are folded and broken by faults. The basement material underlying the Boone Groundwater Basin consists of volcanic and granite rocks. Overlaying the basement are the Lamotte Sandstone, Reagan Sandstone, and the Doe Run Dolomite. These rock units are overlain by a thick sequence of water-bearing dolomite, limestone, and sandstone formations. Erosion has cut the limestone and cherty limestone, forming a rugged topography with deep, v-shaped valleys separated by narrow, flat topped ridges. The valley of Dripping Springs, as it was originally called, is host to at least 58 species of ferns. The ecosystem is extremely fragile and following the trail system is important for its protection. Please obey all park rules.
The most unique feature of this park is the 77-foot high waterfall, which drops from the top of the park to a clear pool of water at its base. In dry weather the fall would all but disappear and in the 1920’s a pump was installed to recycle the water to the top thus ensuring that all visitors were able to experience the water flowing over the falls. This practice continues today.
Dripping Springs is typical of the geology of the Ozark Highlands. Moving water creates caves and sinkholes to form in the limestone rock that is found here. Such wildlife as whitetail deer, grey squirrel, raccoon, opossum, skunk, beaver, fox bobcat, coyote, and a number of hawk and owl species find plenty of food and shelter here. The caves of this region are extremely important for the survival species of bats and salamanders.
Types of waterfalls
Block: Water descends from a relatively wide stream or river.
Cascade: Water descends a series of rock steps.
Cataract: A large, powerful waterfall.
Fan: Water spreads horizontally as it descends while remaining in contact with bedrock.
Horsetail: Descending water maintains some contact with bedrock.
Plunge: Water descends vertically, losing contact with the bedrock surface.
Punchbowl: Water descends in a constricted form, then spreads out in a wider pool.
Segmented: Distinctly separate flows of water form as it descends.
Tiered: Water drops in a series of distinct steps or falls.
Multi-step: A series of waterfalls one after another of roughly the same size each with its own sunken plunge pool.
Criteria for logging this EarthCache:
- Take a photo of you or your group from the overlook.
- Observe approximate width of the fall where it goes over the bluff
- The pool below the falls is a particular color. What is it and what do you think may cause the color.
- Post your picture on the page and email the above information.
(Please include name of cache with your email)
The upper overlook is wheelchair accessible. All information can be obtained along the way to or at the overlook; however, if you are able bodied you will want to walk, at minimum, the short loop. This is an interpretive trail. Terrain rating for the trail would be about a 3 due to distance and steep and sometimes difficult terrain. There is no bushwhacking involved. You will also want to go all the way down to the bottom of the falls. TulsaGal2Go shared memories of a time when you could swim in the pool below the falls. That is now prohibited. I hope you enjoy the park as much as I have.
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