Hiking's all about discovery, isn't it? Whether we follow a little-known path or happen upon a secret waterfall, we often discover something new on our adventures. Next time you're craving a bit of time outdoors, set off on the Welch Spring Trail in Missouri. The path boasts a ton of natural beauty and leads to the ruins of a former hospital.
You'll definitely want to bring your camera along when you hike the one-mile Welch Spring Trail, an out-and-back path in Jadwin that sits next to the Current River.
However, to get to the trailhead, you'll first have to drive down a narrow gravel road. A small parking lot sits to the right of the road.
The trail itself is easy, although it can get slippery, so your best bet is to wear sturdy boots or shoes.
The path leads to the gorgeous turquoise Welch Spring, Missouri's eighth largest spring.
The highlight of the trail is, arguably, the ruins of the former hospital that dates back to 1913. A doctor purchased the spring back in the early 1900s with the belief that it had healing powers, especially for asthmatics.
He funded the building of a hospital that would treat those with asthma, tuberculosis, and other breathing issues. Today, the hospital would be considered more of a medical spa.
You can view the hospital from across the Current River. However, if you want to see it up close, you must cross a natural bridge. Appropriate shoes or boots are a must.
You can also take a canoe or a boat along the Current River to the hospital, which closed back in the 1940s and has sat abandoned and in decay ever since.
Learn more about Welch Spring Hospital on the official website of the National Park Service. Or, check out a trail map on
Do you have a favorite trail in Missouri that leads to old ruins? Tell us about it in the comments! If you're a fan of historic ruins, hike the Castle Trail at Ha Ha Tonka State Park.
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