North Fork Recreation Area, on CC Highway between West Plains and Dora, is known locally as Hammond Mill. It was once the site of a water-powered grist mill that turned locally grown wheat, corn and oats into meal and flour. THe mill was torn down in the 1930s.

This view is from the CC Highway bridge looking south. Camping areas, a boat ramp and a good beach make it a popular spot for summer outings.

Blue Spring. A one-half mile easy trail through the woods from the main recreation area takes you to beautiful Blue Spring, one of the major springs that feeds the North Fork River. A trailhead nearby leads into the Devils Backbone Wilderness Area. Just downstream from the spring is a great fishing spot.

Between Hammond and Dora on CC Highway is the Devils Backbone Wilderness Area, with 13 miles of marked trails. One of our Missouri Master Naturalist volunteers posted a journal about his walk there.

 Winter in Devils Backbone