The Current River begins in Montauk State Park located in the southwestern corner of Dent County in southeastern Missouri.

Hardwood trees, rock ledges, caves, springs, gravel bars, and towering dolomite bluffs line the riverbanks.

Downstream from the headwaters approximately 52 miles (84 km) the Current River receives its largest tributary the Jacks Fork from the west near the small town of Eminence, Missouri.

The Current River is approximately 86 miles (138 km) long when it passes by the town of Van Buren and under U.S. Route 60.

[7] From Big Spring the river continues southeasterly leaving the Ozark National Scenic Riverways 105 miles (169 km) from the headwaters.