Name: Pulltite Spring
Location: Shannon County,
Mo.
Rank: 13
Average Flow:
Million gallons per day: 47
Cubic feet per second: 72
Recharge Area:
Largely undeveloped local area to the west known
as the Sunklands. Enormous sinkholes, caves and karst encompass this recharge
area.
Interesting Information:
Pulltite Spring has been found recently
to be twice the discharge previously thought. Pulltite is not often visited
because it is on the "wrong side" of the Current River, a short walk up a
developed trail . Just downstream of Pulltite are Fire Hydrant and Sand Boil
Springs, at the river's edge. Thirty years ago the river bottom collapsed,
resulting in the Current becoming a "gaining" river from a riverbottom spring
which can sometimes be seen at slightly high water levels.
Brief History:
Pre-1900, a series of three mills utilized the
spring branch. The name came from the "tight pull" of the teams down a steep
hill on the west side of the river to the mill, one that necessitated a spoke in
the wheels as a brake on the wagon. The spring was purchased in 1911 by St.
Louis businessmen for a fishing resort, and the lodge built in 1913. The
property, including that adjoining on the east bank of the river, came in to
federal hands in 1967.
Ownership and Access:
Owned by the National Park Service since
1967. Developed campground on the Ozark National Scenic Riverways. No charge for
entry to view the spring, however, access is best by canoe to an established
landing, or during summer at low water, as the spring is below and on the far
bank of the Current from the campground.