JEFFERSON CITY, Mo. – When the dog days of August arrive, a great way to beat the heat is a float trip on one of Missouri’s scenic rivers. But don’t put away those canoes and kayaks after Labor Day – some of the best floating comes in the autumn, when the trees put on their fall foliage show. Meanwhile, some paddlers insist winter floating is the best of all – you just have to be prepared with the appropriate gear for a safe and comfortable journey.
Missouri is blessed with an abundance of rivers, many of which offer excellent floating. One of the top destinations is the Ozark National Scenic Riverways www.Nps.Gov/ozar, the country’s first national scenic riverway, which encompasses 134 miles on sections of the spring-fed Jacks Fork and Current Rivers. Beginning and experienced paddlers alike will find plenty to enjoy, from an easy eight-mile float to a multiple-day 100-mile journey. The riverway features crystal-clear water, towering limestone bluffs, numerous caves, densely forested shoreline and good opportunities to see wildlife, including a herd of wild horses.
The Jacks Fork is considered the wildest and most scenic of all the state’s Ozark streams. The stretch above Alley Spring is usually only floatable in the spring when the water is high; the section from Alley Spring to Eminence is an easy float and one of the most popular. Alley Spring itself is worth a visit. The scenic setting with the bright red mill is one of the most photographed sites in the state.
The Current is wider and gentler and can be floated almost any time of year. By putting in and taking out at different places on each trip, you can explore the many sites along the river www.EminenceMo.com/springscaveshistoricsites.html, such as the stone ruins of Welch Hospital, the cabin at Pulltite, the cave at Round Spring, the beautiful Blue Spring, and the largest spring in the country (with an average flow of 278 million gallons a day) at Big Spring. You can cross the river by car at Akers www.CurrentRiverCanoe.com by taking a ride on an old-fashioned toll ferry.
When you’re visiting Bennett Spring State Park www.mostateparks.com/bennett.htm near Lebanon www.LebanonMo.org for trout fishing, take a break for a float on the scenic Niangua River. Numerous outfitters provide canoe rentals and campgrounds or cabins. The upper sections of the river or the section immediately below the park are the most popular. A fun half-day float ends at the gravel bar at One-Eyed Willy’s www.OneEyedWillys.com, where you can order burgers or hot dogs from the concession trailer.
The Meramec River and its tributaries also offer excellent floating. The river boasts almost 100 miles of fairly wild scenery, including caves, springs, bluffs and forests. It’s easy to do a day trip with Ozark Outdoors Riverfront Resort www.OzarkOutdoors.net that includes parts of the Courtois (Coort-a-way) Creek, Huzzah (Hoo-za) Creek and Meramec River, with take-out near Onondaga Cave State Park www.MoStateParks.com/onondaga.htm near Leasburg. Be sure to visit the park and cavern while you’re there. The Courtois is a small stream but its scenery and wilderness rival that of the Jacks Fork. A popular and easy five-mile float starts at Sappington Bridge and takes out at Meramec State Park www.MeramecPark.com near Sullivan. Campgrounds, resorts and outfitters abound along the Meramec, so your options are almost unlimited.
The state’s most challenging waters occur in the spring or after heavy rains on the St. Francis River and its tributary Big Creek. With their boulder-strewn courses and narrow shut-ins, these streams provide a challenge to experienced paddlers. In March, the St. Francis is the site of the annual Missouri Whitewater Championships www.MissouriWhitewater.org.
Other rivers throughout the state that offer excellent floating include the Eleven Point, Gasconade, Big Piney, Black, Bourbeuse, Big, North Fork, Castor, Little Piney, James, Big Sugar, Pomme de Terre, Osage Fork, Sac, Maries and Little Niangua. Information about these and other waterways is available from the Missouri Canoe and Floaters Association www.MissouriCanoe.org.
Another handy guide is the free listing of Missouri Guides and Outfitters, published by River Hills Traveler www.RiverHillsTraveler.com. This print and online directory of service providers includes canoe rentals, camp areas, resorts and hunting areas.
Most outfitters provide canoes, kayaks, rafts and tubes. In addition to floating, the rivers and environs offer fishing, swimming, hiking, bird watching and horseback riding. Weekdays are best for a relaxed river experience; summer or holiday weekends, especially Saturdays, can make for a lively outing.
Camping is the best budget lodging option – plus, it’s fun – and Missouri offers many state parks with camping and RV parking www.MoStateParks.com. Many of the parks are along the rivers.
Don’t forget: Safety is always important on the river. All floaters should wear a life jacket while on the water. Other necessities include wading shoes, hat, sunglasses, sunscreen and insect repellent.
Try floating a Missouri stream for a vacation that is close to home, but far from ordinary.
For more float trip ideas or to get a copy of your free 2009 Official Missouri Vacation Planner, log on to www.VisitMO.com or call 800-519-4800.
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