Artesian Well Loop

Contributer: Bikergrady (08-05-2007)
Distance: 41 mi.

This ia a 41 mile loop over twisty and gravel roads. Start and finsh your ride in Fredricktown. About 6.5 miles of this loop is gravel. The gravel is loose and challenging for even skilled riders so exercise caution. The gravel road is the best route to the Artesian Well, if you try any other road, you may have to deal with high water over the road. This artesian well is located in Mark Twain National Forest. It was drilled by National Lead Company in the early 1950s in the search for lead and zinc deposits to feed their Fredericktown smelter. No metals were intercepted in this well, but because it produced such copious quantities of cool, pure water, the Forest Service purchased the well casing and left it open for public use. It has produced more than 100 gallons of water per minute for over 50 years. The water is safe and delicious! When you reach Cherokee Pass, be sure to stop at Dog 'n Suds for an ice cold mug of root beer.

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