The Spring River consists of two branches, the South Fork of the Spring River and the Spring River proper.
The South Fork of the Spring River starts in Howell County, Missouri and flows south through Fulton and Sharp counties in Arkansas. The South Fork of the Spring River joins the Spring River proper near the town of Hardy, Arkansas. The South Fork is known as a quiet stream with gravelly bars that are ideal for camping.
The Spring River proper begins at Mammoth Spring located at Mammoth Spring, Arkansas. Mammoth Spring is the outlet of an underground river that runs from Missouri into Arkansas. Over 9.78 million gallons per hour flow out of the massive spring and forms the Spring River. Being spring fed, the river is extremely cold at a constant 58 degrees fahrenheit and very clear.
The Spring River proper is a popular destination for tourists, canoers, and for riding inner tubes ("toobers"). The most popular stretch of the river is between Mammoth Spring and the tourist town of Hardy.
There are a variety of outfitters along the river who provide supplies, canoe rental, and shuttle services in the area between Mammoth Spring and Hardy. Several resorts provide lodging for the tourist.
The Spring River has a diverse population of fish including trout, walleye, largemouth and smallmouth bass, channel catfish, redear sunfish, and tiger muskies. A state record tiger muskie (23 lbs. 12 ozs.) was caught in the river in 1995. The Arkansas Game and Fish Commission maintains a trout hatchery on the river and the United States Fish and Wildlife Service operates another on the river near Mammoth Spring.