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.
All Trails/Conway Hawn
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.
All Trails/Conway Hawn
The trail itself is easy, although it can get slippery, so your best bet is to wear sturdy boots or shoes.
All Trails/Doug Niedholt
The path leads to the gorgeous turquoise Welch Spring, Missouri’s eighth largest spring.
All Trails/Conway Hawn
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.
All Trails/Amanda Gaines
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.
Google/Bret Dalton
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.
Google/Wayne Harris
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.
Google/mosjitsu
Learn more about Welch Spring Hospital on the official website of the National Park Service. Or, check out a trail map on All Trails.
All Trails/Delanie Jonson
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.
All Trails/Conway Hawn
All Trails/Doug Niedholt
All Trails/Amanda Gaines
Google/Bret Dalton
Google/Wayne Harris
Google/mosjitsu
All Trails/Delanie Jonson
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Address: Welch Spring, Newton Township, MO 65501, USA
