Ozarks Float Trippin' Guide 2019

Page 2 • June 2019

OZARKS FLOAT TRIPPIN’

RiverHillsTraveler.com

RiverHillsTraveler.com

OZARKS FLOAT TRIPPIN’

Floating is king in Eminence, but there’s also so much more!

E

By Jim Anderson minence is a tiny town located in the heart of the Ozarks. Eminence is the Canoe Capital of the World.

We are in the middle of the Ozark National Scenic Riverways, America’s first riverine park, and floating our crystal clear spring-fed rivers in canoes, tubes, kayaks, or rafts is our No. 1 attraction. You might’ve known that.

But, did you know that the nation’s largest trail ride is in Eminence? Cross Country Trail Ride is a large private business with 2,500 horse stalls.

You bring your horses and tack, and they provide the entertainment, dining hall, campsite, and lots of trails to ride.

Sightseeing is among our most popular draws to the Eminence area. We have more Class 1 magnitude large springs than anyplace in the world.

You can drive right up to a few of them, and others require a little more effort. Don’t miss the iconic Old Red Mill at Alley Spring, and Rocky Falls.

Shannon County is home to Midwest’s only herd of wild horses. Their ancestors were released to fend for themselves during the Great Depression, and about 50 horses are in four bands, roaming mostly on National Park Service properties.

Ask anybody where to find them, but keep in mind that they are wild animals, so they are easy to find at times – especially in the off-season. They are hard to find at other times, of course.

While on the search for wild horses, a good tie-in is wild elk viewing at Peck Ranch Conservation Area. Eminence is the Elk Capital of Missouri.

Elk were restored to the Ozarks in 2011-2013, and the herd has grown and has acclimated.

The best times for viewing are during calving season in May/June, and during the rut and while bulls are bugling and fighting in October/early November.

We’ve barely scratched the surface, so hang on.

It goes without saying that hunting and fishing are popular with local folks and visitors. Shannon County is the second large county in Missouri, and an incredible 55 percent of it is public property.

Try a guided fishing or motorboat river tour, and more, with Scenic Rivers Guide Service.

Several parks have hiking trails, and the Ozark Trail passes through the area.

There are only a handful of long-distance backpacking trails in the US, and the Ozark Trail is one of them. You’ll find incredible scenery along the Current River stretch.

Motorcyclists love to run our curvy, hilly highways, especially in the spring and the fall. State Highway 19 is on AMA’s Top 40 List. Side-by-sides and 4-wheelers run our county gravel roads, and it seems to be gaining in popularity.

We are along the coast-to-coast Transcontinental Bicycle Route, and we host hundreds of cross-country bicyclists, every year. Many are Europeans, and it is a pleasure to visit with each and every bicyclist.

Watch for two popular Eminence festivals, each year. The first Saturday in May brings the Ozark Mountain Festival that celebrates our history and her-

June 2019 • Page 3

Ozarks Float Trippin’ is a annual publication by

River Hills Traveler 212 E. Main St., Neosho, MO 64850 Phone: (417) 451-3798 Fax: (417) 451-5188 www.riverhillstraveler.com www.ozarksfloattrippin.com Email: jimmy@riverhillstraveler. com Owner & Publisher Jimmy Sexton

itage. The Scenic Rivers Arts & Crafts Festival falls on the second full weekend in October. It is one of the few remaining regional crafts festivals that offers only homemade goods, and no manufactured junk.

History buffs will find the Shannon County Museum to be a much better than average local museum. You’ll find pre-settlement, settlement, and Civil War history, with historical and current day heroes.

You’ll find shopping along our oldfashioned Main Street. We have a few antique shops, a couple of river shops with river toys and supplies, and souvenirs at canoe rentals and convenience stores.

If you forget modern necessities, there’s a Dollar General on the south side of town.

Although the population is only 600 people, you’ll find more than a dozen places to eat.

We offer everything from a mom & pop Dairy Shack, to several family restaurants, to a regionally popular

Mexican food grill, to a slightly upscale eatery, and everything in-between.

A big surprise for many is that we have a nightlife. Three bars and grills offer live music on weekends, and one other restaurant offers adult beverages.

You’ll find mostly country and western music, but other music, too.

Watch for free live music on our courthouse square on Saturday evenings in the summer. It is presented by the Eminence Area Arts Council.

The offerings are bluegrass, C&W, rock & roll, and blues.

Eminence is your outdoor outpost for many amazing adventures. You’ll need a place to stay, because you can’t see it all in a day. So, we offer cabins, motels, lodges, cottages, bed and breakfasts, and campgrounds.

Check us out at www.Visit Eminence.com, and call to check availability. We hope to see y’all soon in Eminence, Missouri!

(Jim Anderson is the mayor of Eminence.)

Managing Editor Madeleine Link Circulation Manager MyraGale Sexton Staff Writers Wes Franklin • Mike Roux Bill Wakefield • Bill Hoagland Bob Brennecke • Judy Smith Michelle Turner • Dana Sturgeon Richard Whiteside • Rick Mansfield River Hills Traveler, established in 1973, is published monthly by Sexton Media Group at 212 E. Main St., Neosho, MO 64850. Subscription prices: $22 per year; 2 years, $42 (Subscription rates vary outside U.S.A. Please call.) Back issues available up to one year from publication, $5 plus tax and shipping & handling. * Mile-by-mile river descriptions provided courtesy of the Missouri Department of Conservation. * Cover photo of the Bourbeuse River

by Michelle Turner.

Page 4 • June 2019

OZARKS FLOAT TRIPPIN’

RiverHillsTraveler.com

Nature’s bond keeps this group floating T

By Steve Halter his is a story of how the Eleven Point River has bonded a group of guys together from all over the country for many years.

I was blessed to have grown up with an unbelievable group of guys who have always been like family to me.

As with most teenagers, after graduating from high school many of us moved off, either to college or the military.

Back when we were growing up there was no texting, snapchat, Facebook, or even emails so it was difficult to stay in touch. You pretty much had to catch up at homecoming events or during the holidays, but even then, people couldn’t always make it in.

Some of our original group kept up with each other but most of us saw each other at best once a year and then every five years at a high school class reunion.

In 1997 we had our 10-year class reunion and several of us decided to come in early and take an overnight canoe trip on the Eleven Point River.

We put in at Highway 19 bridge at Greer and floated until around dark, camped on a gravel bar and then made our way down to the take-out spot at Riverton. Our original crew was comprised of six guys.

Over the last 22 years this event has grown into as many as 20 guys from all over the country (Missouri, Georgia, South Dakota, Louisiana, Kansas, Alaska, etc.). What started as one “overnighter” has turned into a fourday trip.

We all look forward to the camaraderie and beautiful Eleven Point River. We use all our own canoes and pack them full of supplies and camp on gravel bars. We have our favorite gravel bars, however if someone has claimed that spot already, we ease on down the river.

We take what should be a two-day trip and stretch it to four days (Greer to Highway 142 bridge, 28 miles). We have a saying when people come flying

by paddling as hard as they can, “this is a canoe trip, not a paddling trip!”

We stop quite often and jump off rope swings, check out the caves, hike up to the scenic overlooks, fish, throw the football and frisbee or to just stretch our legs.

We usually pull off the river around 5 p.m. and jump back on after a nice big breakfast and after we take down camp.

We take the first night and only eat what trout we catch.

If you are on that stretch, make sure you obey the rules of the Blue-Ribbon Trout Area; from Greer to Turner Mill access (5.5 miles). Oh, and don’t forget your “Fish Label Maker”; sorry, inside joke.

Most of us are outdoorsmen, but for those who are not this is the perfect chance to get out on the best kept secret in the Ozarks.

I have floated many streams all over the Ozarks, and Eleven Point just happens to be my favorite. The wildlife, terrain, and serenity are spectacular, and it just seems like there is something special about floating through the Irish Wilderness.

Over the years on this trip we have experienced a wide variety of nature

and even a few “characters.” We have often joked about writing a book with all our stories, but this article will have to do.

As with any group of guys, some stories just can’t be told! I keep a journal and here are some highlights from over the years: The first few years we made some rookie mistakes. Our very first trip no one applied enough sunscreen and we got sunburned and didn’t really keep good track of time, so we showed up for our 10-year class reunion with a nice lobster burn and late to the event.

Our wives loved that!

The next year, some of the guys forgot rain gear so we cut holes in trash bags and used them during a two-hour downpour; not fun!

The fourth year into the trip our favorite rope swing tree that hung over Boze Mill Spring crashed down, so we ended that tradition. Of course, we started another one.

If you haven’t been to Boze Mill Spring, you are missing out on a HUGE treat. It is easily accessible from the river or by taking county road 152 off Highway 160, just east of Riverton.

By the way, Hufstedler Outfitters is a great place in Riverton for supplies or to shuttle canoers/kayakers/rafters.

Riverton’s population sign says something like “Population 5 to 500.” I always laugh at that sign.

Our new ritual at Boze Mill Spring was for everyone to take a plunge into the freezing spring and see who can stay in the longest. Polar Bear Don Juan always seems to outlast us all.

Diving into that spring even on the hottest and most humid days will absolutely take your breath away!

In 2001 we decided to add a day onto the trip and put in at Cane Bluff, just west of Greer. Although it is a beautiful seven-mile addition, with excellent smallmouth fishing, it was not fun at the end of June with canoes packed full of days’ worth of equipment and food.

The water was too low, and we pulled our canoes a lot. We haven’t done that stretch since then. That was also the year we woke up one morning only to discover that the raccoons had drug our breadbox into the river and floated it down about 100 yards.

Luckily it was airtight and got hung up on a rock, so we were able to retrieve it.

Please see FLOAT, 5

RiverHillsTraveler.com

OZARKS FLOAT TRIPPIN’

FLOAT from 4 The next year was what we called “the year of the titanic.” We got about a quarter of a mile into the trip and one of the canoes had a rather large leak.

We didn’t bring any kind of a repair kit, so we tried everything, including melting plastic bottles to try to seal the hole. Duct tape ended up being our solution for the trip.

Every year we tease “Ranger Dale” (yeah, we all have nicknames; and, of course, a group name — CCRC) because the morning of the trip he is trying to repair the titanic. Our event is the same time of the year each year, which just happens to be around “fireman Roy’s” birthday.

Once we realized that, in 2004, we had to throw him a big birthday party which ended up with him being woke up in the early hours of the morning by several of us blowing squawkers around his tent.

Boys will be boys!

Since we travel through the Irish Wilderness, one year we bought dry fit kilts to wear. Some of the guys like them so much they wear them every year.

Over the years we have seen such a variety of wildlife — minks, muskrats, bald eagles, deer, snakes, raccoons, possums, etc. There is a certain gravel bar that we stay on which always provides us excellent views of a perching bald eagle. It is an incredible sight.

That is the same gravel bar that we hear crazy loud screams in the middle of the night. I suspect it is raccoons, but we have often wondered if it is a mountain lion. We haven’t seen a bear, wild hog or mountain lion but we know they are in the area. Grandpa Al has identified their scat!

We have also had some pretty good luck trout fishing. Our buddy Gary, aka “duck dynasty,” caught a 23-inch rainbow trout. We all thought he should keep it and mount it, but he decided we would just eat it. It tasted great with a little butter and Cavender’s seasoning, wrapped in foil over an open fire.

In 2007 we took the short hike up the hill at Horseshoe Bend (mile marker 26.5). There is a shallow cave right off the river (to the left) and a steep path just on the downriver side. If you climb up it there are amazing views.

We also took a side trip at mile marker 28.5 and paddled up White Creek, then followed the 15-minute trail to White Creek cave. This cave is huge! I am not sure if it is open these days, but it is worth the side trip.

In 2008 we saw our worst “injury” of the many years of our trips. Andy, aka “the chiropractor,” stepped on a piece of rebar and it went through his foot. We did our best doctoring, but I believe he still has a scar from that incident.

Sure, we have had plenty of other bumps and bruises, but all in all we have had a pretty good run on staying safe. That was also the year we had an encounter with one of the “characters” I mentioned earlier in the story.

When we arrived at Boze Mill campground we met a lady who was staying at the primitive campsite next

to us. We asked where her tent was and she said, “I am sleeping on a bed of pine needles; in my sweat lodge.”

The next day she also asked us if the “spirit horse visited our campsite the night before.” Well, OK then.

One year we also encountered a family who had been kicked out of their house and were living in a tent at the same campground. At 4 a.m. in the morning they drove through the wooden barriers with their vehicle and started loading up, yelling “we have to go, there are 35 law enforcement agents with warrants for our arrest waiting on us!” I guess Ranger Dale had mentioned the night before that a couple of our guys were law enforcement agents.

The year 2012 was our biggest group ever, with 20 guys. Over the years our group has grown to include friends and co-workers. Some have meshed well with our group better than others.

These days we just stick with our core group of guys, which is about 12-14. We have been doing it for so long now that we had to implement a rule about our kids. Anyone who has a son 21 or older can attend. My son was the first to qualify last year but he couldn’t make it. We are anxiously awaiting all these young pups so they can carry all our stuff, set up camp and cook!

Over the years we have saved several canoers and kayakers (from other groups) from drowning. We typically don’t see many people other than on Saturday, but that is when we see a few groups of “day trippers.”

Some of these people have never been on the river and are extremely careless. As with any river, you must respect the force of running water into root wads and rocks. I usually carry a rescue rope, just in case.

Luckily, we have a captain of the fire department, some ex-military guys, law enforcement and a nurse practitioner in our group. We also have some very skilled swimmers and canoers. We also bring our Garmin In Reach Delorme. It is a satellite texting system (no cell service at all on this river), which has an SOS button in case of an emergency.

Most of this story has been about our adventures but allow me to wrap up by telling you some of my favorite spots on this river.

Greer Spring is a must! You can walk to the spring or come from the river. I mentioned Cane Bluff area on the upper part of the river. If you go in late spring when there has been plenty of rain, it is a wonderful float.

Mary Decker Shoals is a blast and White Creek and

June 2019 • Page 5

Boze Mill is a must visit. Brawley bluff just passed Horseshoe bend is majestic.

Having said all of that, my absolute favorite spot on the river is mile marker 33.7, just a short distance downriver from Boze Mill Spring. There is a large drop-off and it is a great rush with two guys in a canoe with four days’ worth of supplies.

You want to hug the left for the best ride but be careful because you will take on a lot of water. You will know when you are approaching this drop because you will hear rushing water.

The last seven miles of our trip, from 160 bridge to 142 bridge, is very peaceful and we rarely see anyone. This is also a great spot to catch smallies.

Right before you get to the 142 bridge is a place called the Narrows. It is at mile marker 44.3, just off to the right. There will be a short paddle up the creek to the spring.

Blue Spring is the eighth largest spring in Missouri.

The area gets its name from a narrow ridge of land between the river and Frederick Creek. Nature continues to bring a group of guys together and we all look forward to our big Eleven Point River trip.

We hope to see you there some day! Long Live CCRC! (Steve Halter lives in the Poplar Bluff area and can be reached at shalter@poplarbluffchamber.org.)

OZARKS FLOAT TRIPPIN’

Page 6 • June 2019

Where to float in southeast Missouri

T

he Ozark Mountains and Ozark Mountain foothills of central and southeast Missouri provide some of the clearest, cleanest streams for floating in the entire U.S. These spring-fed ribbons of fun can be found on any Missouri map. The key to floating success on these streams and rivers come from education.

Let me help with that. Here are my top choices.

The Gasconade River is one of Missouri’s best rivers for a family float trip. Flowing 350 miles northward from the Central Mike Roux Ozark Mountains to ———— the Missouri River, there are so many access points you can plan a trip to match any amount of time you want to spend on the river.

You just have to know the best access point for you and your group.

Dozens of small springs in the surrounding region provide the Gasconade River with a moderate flow of clear, cool water.

While most of the Gasconade River is generally floatable, because of its long pools you can plan to canoe, Buzzard Bluff MDC Access, in Wright County off Highway E (south of Manes), is a good place to drop for de-

Gasconade River

pendable canoeing.

River levels vary from year to year but you can plan to cover 10-15 miles per day.

If you plan to take an extended float trip for a week it’s best to drop in the middle section of the river at the Hazelgreen Access. From the I-44 bridge to Highway 42 near Vienna, you can cover 104 miles.

If you go further to the mouth of the Gasconade there’s a public boat ramp where you can take out. However, if you continue on to the Missouri River just 11 miles downstream is Hermann, Mo., where there’s a public landing just below the bridge.

There are a ton of places to camp along the Gasconade, too. Many folks camp along the river on gravel bars, especially on the upper and middle Gasconade.

However, gravel bars dwindle the

closer you get to the Missouri River. There are also several riverside access parks that allow camping in remote areas.

In the village of Fredericksburg, at the lowest section of the river, primitive camping is allowed on the grounds. The Gasconade River is one of Missouri’s best kept secrets, a playground for float-trippers and a photographer’s paradise. With many access points, you’re bound to find the perfect stretch to float and camp.

The Meramec River is beloved by Missourians as a favorite destination for floating, boating, fishing and swimming. But it’s more than just a fun place to visit.

The top-ranked watershed in the Midwest, the Meramec is an irreplaceable freshwater resource and a key tributary to the Mississippi River.

It boasts tremendous biodiversity. Almost 300 aquatic or aquatic-dependent species have been recorded in the basin. Many of these are rare, sensitive and protected species, including 31 species of global significance — several which are found nowhere else on Earth.

Due to its path through several urbanized areas, the river also provides economic and recreational resources for local communities and supplies drinking water to approximately 70,000 households in the St. Louis area.

The Huzzah Creek is a sister tributary, along with Courtois Creek, to the Meramec River. My Uncle Buster Hanson had a farm that Courtois Creek, better known as the Coort Away, flowed right through. I learned to catch smallmouth bass and goggle-eye there.

The Huzzah’s short course begins and ends in Crawford County. The best float is from the Highway V bridge

RiverHillsTraveler.com southeast to the County Highway E bridge.

Like Courtois Creek, the Huzzah is narrow, very beautiful and usually slow moving. It is a paddle-your-way float trip.

This area of the Mark Twain National Forest is home to tons of wildlife that are very visible from your canoe. These streams can usually be boated by paddlers with very limited experience in canoes, kayaks and rafts.

These creeks, the Huzzah and Courtois, along with the Meramec River can become very dangerous very quickly after heavy rains. Their runoff are Ozark Mountain foothills and they fill up really quickly. Watch the forecast.

If you are looking for a really long float, the Huzzah flows into the Meramec and you can extend your trip by floating both waterways straight through.

So, as you can see, southeast Missouri has a wealth of floating and floatcamping opportunities. Give them a try and take it from someone who grew up there doing just that.

You will not be disappointed.

(Mike Roux is a member of the Mossy Oak Pro Hunting Staff.)

Huzzah Creek

RiverHillsTraveler.com

OZARKS FLOAT TRIPPIN’

June 2019 • Page 7

Put Big Creek on your floating bucket list L ike a lot of other folks who love to float these great Missouri streams, for years I had a bucket list of streams that I hoped to float sooner or later.

And “Big Creek,” which I had heard about from a friend who did a lot of whitewater canoeing, made it to the bucket list early on.

Maybe it should be on your list, too.

There are several creeks in Missouri named “Big Creek,” so don’t get confused. This “Big Creek” starts in Iron County and flows east into Wayne County, where it Bill Hoagland joins the St. Francis ———— River at Sam A. Baker State Park in southeast Missouri.

Normally, Big Creek can only be floated in the spring and early summer during the spring runoff but occasionally there is enough rain in the fall that it can be floated then as well.

The water in Big Creek is crystalclear thanks to several spring-fed tributaries. There are two access points on Big Creek — one involving an 11-mile float from State Highway 143 at Des Arc; and one involving an eight-mile

float from CR 163.

The eight-mile float from CR 163 is preferable, in my opinion, if you intend to fish during the trip.

The concession stand at Sam A. Baker State Park provides kayaks and a shuttle when the stream is floatable.

They can be reached at (573) 8564223. The cost is $30 per kayak.

You could also use your own kayak or canoe. Personally, I have always used my own solo canoes on Big Creek but if using your own canoe, make sure it is constructed of kevlar or other material that “gives.”

I would not recommend using an aluminum canoe for this float.

The first half-mile of the eight-mile float will make you wonder if you are venturing into “Deliverance” country.

That’s because the shoreline for that first half-mile is lined with old car bodies stuck into the shoreline to stabilize it.

But once you get past the old cars, the scenery for the rest of the trip is magnificent. The lower two-thirds of the trip takes you through portions of Sam A. Baker State Park, with high bluffs and interesting rock formations all around you.

From a canoeing standpoint, however, the biggest attractions are the two shut-ins that you will encounter. In very high water, both shut-ins would be categorized as Class IV rapids but usually they would rank between Class II and Class III during normal runoff.

Unfortunately, once the spring runoff is completed, it would be difficult to

float through the shut-ins without having to portage.

By the way, there is an excellent YouTube video taken by Dan Bollinger, a whitewater kayaker, with a Go-Pro camera as he is going through the shut-ins if you want to get a better idea of what to expect. (Just type in “Kayaking Big Creek Missouri.”)

Fishing on Big Creek is good, with plenty of smallmouth, Kentucky bass and bluegill. There are numerous deep holes in the stream and the water is so clear even in those deep holes that you will certainly see a lot of fish, even if you don’t catch any.

By the time this column appears in print, being able to float Big Creek this year may be over, but it can be floated later if we get enough rain.

To be sure, you can contact the concession stand and see if it is still floatable. And if it is no longer floatable, definitely put Big Creek on your bucket list for next year.

(Bill Hoagland can be reached at billhoagland70@gmail.com.)

OZARKS FLOAT TRIPPIN’

Page 8 • June 2019

RiverHillsTraveler.com

12 rivers you need to float, kayak or canoe M issouri has plenty of great rivers that are perfect for a holiday float trip.

So whether you’re wanting a weekend-long trip or just a few hours on the water, each of these Missouri waterways providers floaters with countless opportunities for additional outdoor recreation, fishing and camping to make the most of your time on the river.

Big Piney River This river covers 110 miles of Texas, Pulaski and Phelps counties and is fed by several large springs, making it ideal for float trips even when there hasn’t been much rain.

Big Piney River is known for its good fishing, especially in its upper and middle reaches (near the river’s source) and plenty of bass and rainbow trout call the river home. Keep your eyes peeled for the rare bluestripe darter and Missouri saddled darter.

The surrounding scenery is even better, with lush, tree-topped bluffs peeking over the river’s edge and some great swimming spots to enjoy along the way.

Big River About 83 miles of the Big River is great for canoeing or floating, with slowmoving water and a class 1 difficulty rating.

The river meanders through St. Francois, Washington and Jefferson counties and its banks are spotted with park areas that brag plenty of lodging options, fishing spots, hiking trails and historic tours.

You’ll pass right through the banks of Washington State Park, Twin River Park, Cedar Hill Park and St. Francois State Park so make sure to plan any additional activities with that in mind.

Black River The upper reaches of the Black River brag some of the most beautiful scenery you’ll find in the Ozarks.

About 30 miles of the river are accessible, with lazy waters that carry floaters past sandstone bluffs, plenty of wildlife and remote Ozark forest areas filled with

Big Piney River offers some outstanding scenery and bluffs for floaters.

Twain National Forest where plenty of outdoor recreation awaits.

But before setting out for a float trip, make sure to check the water levels first.

These creeks’ floatability depends on the season and how much rain there has been.

Black River

majestic oaks and pines.

Anglers will find the upper Black River to have decent bass fishing and the east fork of the river runs right by Johnson Shut-Ins State Park, which is unnavigable by boat, but such a fun swimming spot.

Many floaters prefer the Black River because of its spectacular scenic beauty and variety of accessible streams nearby to explore.

Huzzah Creek & Courtois Creek The Huzzah and Courtois creeks are two small clearwater creeks that eventually meet with the Meramec River.

Just 100 miles from St. Louis, Huzzah Creek finds its way through Crawford County while Courtois Creek winds through both Crawford and Washington counties.

Both waterways run through Mark

Current River The Current River is typically packed with floaters and boaters during those summer weekends, so if you’re planning a float trip for Labor Day weekend, you can bet there will be many others with the same idea.

Current River runs through Dent, Shannon, Carter and Ripley counties, with plenty of springs feeding into it. In fact, just beyond the Pulltite Access point, you’ll find Fire Hydrant Spring, which rushes out from a bluff cave.

You’ll also pass through sections of Montauk State Park and Current River

James River

State Park, which boasts incredible views of the river, hiking trails and picnic sites.

Eleven Point River Eleven Point River spans 138 miles of southern Missouri and northern Arkansas and attracts millions of visitors every year.

Just three hours from Springfield, this river is fed by several springs, including the gigantic Greer Spring, the 10th largest freshwater spring in the world.

Naturally, Eleven Point River provides wonderful, full waters for floating. The difficulty rating is set at a I and sometimes II level, but the scenery is well worth navigating those twists and turns.

The area below Greer Spring is called The Irish Wilderness, and features rolling hills, leafy forests, striking sinkholes and large caverns.

Please see RIVERS, 9

RiverHillsTraveler.com

OZARKS FLOAT TRIPPIN’

June 2019 • Page 9

RIVERS from 8 Elk River Elk River flows through McDonald County and serves as a continual favorite for floaters and canoeing visitors. Even anglers make their way to this river for the large population of bass.

The river’s edge is occupied by many different outfitters, rental companies, campgrounds and resorts, making it easy to embark on a several day trip filled with scenic Ozark adventures.

The Cyclone low-water bridge near Big Sugar Creek State Park is the best spot to start a float trip on Elk River.

Gasconade River The Gasconade River flows through the Mark Twain National Forest and through 300 miles of Wright, Laclede, Pulaski, Phelps, Osage, Maries and Gasconade counties.

Perfect for a group float trip, the calm waters can gain speed quickly in some areas, but the vast majority of it is great floating water. Not to mention, you never know what a turn around the next bend will bring.

Plenty of riverside recreation makes for fun camping, hiking and picnicking, the wildlife sightings are unbelievable and the gorgeous Ozark mountains provide magazine-worthy photo ops while you’re floating along.

James River James River is a reputable spot for some great float trips. The James runs through Christian and Stone counties and the 22-mile trip from Hootentown to Galena is rumored to be fantastic for fishing floaters.

Overnight float trips are totally doable, with plenty of riverside amenities and boat launches.

Hootentown covers 47 miles of the river so it’s the perfect place to start a float trip, especially if you need to rent any canoes or kayaks and are wanting to be picked up downriver.

Meramec River The Meramec flows through six different counties and is a popular floating river year-round. Start at Maramec Spring at Maramec Spring Park and float your way down to Meramec State Park for one of the most beautiful and scenic float trips you’ll ever have.

Spend some time at Maramec Spring Park for great

Elk River flows through McDonald County and fishermen also love it for the large population of bass.

trout fishing or enjoy the winding hiking trails, natural springs and more than 40 caverns within Meramec State Park.

Niangua River If you plan your float trip on the Niangua River, expect it to be crowded. The Niangua River is one of the most popular fishing and floating rivers in Missouri, with a trout hatchery in the adjacent Bennett Springs State Park and plenty of great campsites with convenient places to kick off your float trip.

The river flows through Dallas, Laclede and Camden counties, so you’ll have the opportunity to stop by Ha Ha Tonka State Park.

The park is home to the beautiful ruins of a 20th-century castle and more than 15 miles of hiking trails.

North Fork River The upper areas of the North Fork River flow through the Mark Twain National Forest, which provides floaters with plenty of outdoor recreation activities.

The river is a tributary of the White River and flows for 109 miles down into Arkansas. Whether you’re floating, canoeing, rafting or kayaking, the North Fork is a great choice.

Rated by the Missouri Department of Conservation as a level I and II difficulty, this scenic waterway provides endless summer fun for those looking to soak up the last bit of summer in the Ozarks.

The Last Resort 59962 Hwy. 21 • Ellington, MO 63638 (573) 663-3623 • email: jmaxcy@mcmo.net Vacation rental features central access to all recreation areas including Big Spring, Current River, Blue Spring, Clearwater, Owls Bend, Wappapello, and Jacks Fork River. Fully furnished 3-bedroom house four miles south of Ellington, Mo.

North Fork River is a tributary of the White River and flows for 109 miles down into Arkansas.

Fully-equipped kitchen, linens, and towels supplied.

Explore the Ozarks by day and relax in the comfort of a cozy home by night!

Page 10 • June 2019

OZARKS FLOAT TRIPPIN’

RiverHillsTraveler.com

RiverHillsTraveler.com

OZARKS FLOAT TRIPPIN’

June 2019 • Page 11

Warnings from a city girl on her first canoe trip The truth is that the wife can barely touch the water with the oar, let alone row deeper.

By Carole Wakefield ere are a few things I discovered while on my first canoe trip.

Yep, I’m a city girl and I hope these might help some other city girls prepare for their first float trip this summer.

H

10. Never carpool when you are going on a weekend canoe trip.

When a husband has endured getting pushed into a thistle bush, sleeping on the ground, no coffee to ease a hangover, getting dumped into the river 20 feet from where he started his canoe trip, threatens his wife, loses all of his belongings and supplies and takes eight hours to complete a four-hour float trip, you both will definitely want to go home immediately.

In closing, the names have not been included to protect a 47-year promise not to discuss who is to blame for the canoe trip from hell.

1. When setting up a campsite always arrive before dark.

When hunting for firewood in the dark you will see glowing eyes. Fear will make you turn around and push your husband into a thistle bush and leave him there, while you run screaming back to the campsite with the only flashlight.

2. Check out all rental equipment and make sure that the tent will hold two people.

When your husband finally returns to the campsite covered with thistles, he may just want to call it a night.

This is when you discover that your tent will only hold one person and that means that your husband will have to sleep outside on the very hard ground.

Be sure to bring hard liquor as this will put both of you into a very deep sleep.

3. Never assume that you will have a fire to cook breakfast.

After sleeping in you will not have time to gather wood for a fire and a warm breakfast.

Hunger means that you will eat your prepared lunch and there definitely will not be coffee.

Big mistake. The coffee is needed to offset the hangover.

4. Do not assume that your Iowaborn husband, who is a fisherman, knows anything about canoes.

Because just like asking for directions, men will never ask for assistance on how to manage a canoe. Trust me, a float trip is not designed to be a survival test.

5. Always make sure that you have balanced weight in the canoe.

When a five feet tall wife gets into the front of the canoe and her 200 pound husband gets into the back of the canoe, you will not have a balanced weight.

The result of this unbalance will cause the wife to fall over the side and will start her float trip with just the first of many adventures for the day.

6. Always check out the flow of the river. Especially look for fast-moving water and whirlpools.

After getting pushed off the bank and into the river you will have seen that the calm water is in the middle of the river. Do not practice your rowing abilities by going straight to the other bank.

This bank may have a whirlpool created by a large tree stump that a scared wife will grab and hang on to, which will cause the canoe to tip over.

With the wife in shock and still hanging on to the tree and won’t let go, a good husband will threaten to slap her if she doesn’t let go and stand up in the water that is only two feet deep.

than grabbing the branch and immediately launching the wife into the river.

The wife will only have minor scrapes and bruises and at least one black eye. This is, of course, the wife’s on fault.

9. When a two-person canoe holds a wife who is only five feet tall and a husband who weighs 200 pounds, you will need a counterweight.

A five feet tall wife has very short arms and rowing is very difficult, specially when the 200 pound husband is sitting in the back of the canoe.

Without a counterweight to help hold down the canoe in the front, the wife cannot row deep like her husband is bellowing at her to do.

Share your fishing, camping, hunting, kayaking & travel photos!

Send us your photos and we will publish them in our next issue.

Text them to us at (417) 451-3798, along with the pertinent info (who, what, where & when), or email them to

jimmy@riverhillstraveler.com

7. Always make arrangements with the other floaters to pick up your supplies that are floating down the river without you.

After chasing down your canoe and paddles it will take several attempts for both of you to get back in and upright.

Meanwhile, all of your belongings and supplies have totally been swept away.

You will now have to borrow or beg for food, water and, hopefully, dry clothes.

8. Warn all persons — and especially wives — not to grab any lowhanging limbs that she is in charge of watching for so that a person will not be hit in the face.

When a five feet tall wife does not look up and warn her husband about a low-hanging branch, then, in self-defense, the husband has no other option

Float Trips Camping y Cabins p Store Camp Eqmt Shuttling h^ ϳϲ Θ :Đƚ t Ăƚ ƌŽǁŶďƌĂŶĐŚ͕ DK y ĞĂǀĞƌ ĂŶŽĞZĞŶƚĂů͘ĐŽŵ

(417) 796-2336

Page 12 • June 2019

OZARKS FLOAT TRIPPIN’

RiverHillsTraveler.com

Download the

I R U O S S I M ! y a d o t p p a e n i z a g a m T IONIS T A V R E S N O C

Get th t e latest issues on your phonne orr tablet

bring natture to your favorite device.

.mo.gov/mocon

Download for

Android

RiverHillsTraveler.com

OZARKS FLOAT TRIPPIN’

Outdoor cookin’ W

By Bob Brennecke hen outdoors a great deal of the fun is the cooking. In fact, much of the weight and materials taken along camping has to do with cooking — from the grills, stoves, pot and pans, to the ice chest full of food. You can take everything or travel light, but you still have to eat.

When in Boy Scouts we even learned to cook with no utensils using sticks, fruit shells, or in/on anything that will hold food and not burn.

Believe it or not, you can cook bacon in a paper bag and then cook the eggs in the same bag. You could even cheat by using aluminum foil.

Don’t get me wrong, the Scouts didn’t do this on a regular basis, we had a trailer full of cast iron ovens, fire starting buckets, grills and patrol boxes heavy enough that a full-size truck was needed to drag to camps.

We did many things to make the cooking interesting and lighter weight.

One thing was to make a cardboard oven. You needed to start out with a de-

cent-size strong box. The bottom of the box would be cut off a couple of inches from the bottom, leaving a rectangle you could see through. Aluminum foil was then wrapped around the box inside and out, making a lid to put on top (covered also).

Four coat hangers (with the paint burned off) were then poked through the box from one side to the other about halfway up from the bottom, forming a grate to set the pans on.

Hot charcoal briquettes were then placed under the grills, depending how hot you needed. Cookies, bread, or a casserole was then then placed on wire grills and the lid placed on top.

New vinyl flooring & the town’s only laundromat at Shady Lane Cabins

By MATTIE LINK mattie@sextonmediagroup.com _____________

S

hady Lane Cabins & Motel in Eminence, owned by Jim and Jeanie Anderson, pretty much can meet all of a person’s vacationing needs — whether traveling with a big party or just a little getaway.

“We offer seven different lodging types from single motel rooms, to twobed cabins, a modern brick ranch-style home, and everything in between,” said Jim Anderson.

Located 150 yards from the Jacks Fork River, Shady Lane offers cabins right in the heart of the Ozark National Scenic Riverways.

“Our rates reflect the fact that we are not on the banks of the river, and we have something for every budget,” he said.

Shady Lane has seven two-bed cabins, and four large two-story cabins: two with four beds and two with five beds.

“The ranch-style home sleeps up to 10 people, and that seems to get used quite a bit,” said Anderson.

In their motel rooms, the Andersons have been hard at work installing vinyl flooring and all-new furniture.

“We always start the season with fresh carpets, but two years ago we put vinyl flooring in one of the rooms and have decided to put it in all the rooms, so we are excited about that,” said Anderson.

“We have also bought all-new furniture with charging stations in the motel rooms. We like charging stations when we travel, so why not offer it those who stay with us?”

According to Anderson, Shady Lane is known for its cleanliness and reasonable prices, but in addition to that, Shady Lane also offers a few things other businesses do not.

“We have a little laundromat, the only one in town, actually, that I think is very nice for our guests,” he said.

“After a day at the river people like to come back and dry their towels and bathing suits.”

Anderson’s wife, Jeanie, also owns an espresso shop in town, offering coffee and scones to travelers.

“This will be her 11th season with the espresso shop, Captain Jack’s, and it’s a nice addition to not only our business, but the town as well,” said Anderson.

For those interested in staying at Shady Lane Cabin & Motel, visit their website at www.shadylanecabins.com or find them on Facebook.

They can also be reached by phone at (573) 226-3893.

It really works and if you’re real careful not to place the briquettes leaning against the sides of the box, you will be able to use the oven many more times. The cardboard aluminum oven was used many times and a thermometer helped.

Cast iron Dutch ovens, pans, and forms are very easy to learn to use. One of the main things is to make sure the cast iron is seasoned correctly.

I have always used bacon fat or Crisco for seasoning the iron. I found that vegetable oil seemed to get built up and sticky.

The biggest drawback for cast iron is the weight. Fortunately you can cook anything in a cast iron pot. You can start off by browning the meat for stew, add the liquid, spices, then veggies, place lid on and set on the coals.

Check frequently on the heat and the bottom and adjust as necessary. Magically — STEW! Aluminum foil packs are probably the least time consuming and easy. Foil is light, easy to handle and quick cooking. You can make foil packs at home and use the foil to carry everything or you can assemble at camp.

June 2019 • Page 13 Put anything that needs cooking in a large sheet of foil, season, put a bit of oil or butter in and fold in two layers, folding one layer over the other.

Place the foil packs directly on hot coals, not on a burning wood fire. The aluminum foil will oxidize and create a hole. Just place on the coals. Turn after 15 minutes and then cook for another five to 10 minuets. Careful when opening, the steam will cook your fingers, also.

Here is another way of cooking, directly over the coals between seaweed.

Maine crawfish (lobster) are delicious cooked in salty seaweed. Of course steamed corn, baked potatoes, and homemade biscuits in the outdoor oven was the best outdoor cooking I had ever had.

I am ready to go back and do that again. Just getting out and breathing that fresh air, mixed with a little smoke and cooking smells, is the best.

Hope this has been interesting and informative and you will try these methods along with others.

(Bob Brennecke lives in Ballwin, Mo., and can be reached at robertbrennecke@hotmail.com.)

Page 14 • June 2019

OZARKS FLOAT TRIPPIN’

RiverHillsTraveler.com

Want quiet & seclusion? Visit Beaver Creek Canoe

By MATTIE LINK mattie@sextonmediagroup.com _____________

B

eaver Creek Canoe Rental, Campground & Cabins, owned by Barry and Jan Dougherty, is open for business after being shut down for 18 months due to MoDOT bridge replacements on their property.

“We are excited about being open again and we have added a few new things for our visitors,” said Barry Dougherty.

They have added a restroom to one camp area, and another camp area now has sheepherder wagons for camping rentals.

“Memorial Day weekend this year proved that our customers are just as excited as we are that we are open again,” said Dougherty.

In the long-term plans, the Doughertys plan to put in a bunkhouse with an outdoor kitchen for group camping in the same camp area where the sheepherder wagons are located.

“Here, we have easy access to Branson, Glade Top Wilderness Area in the Mark Twain National Forest, and we can service both Beaver Creek and Swan Creek,” said Dougherty.

Beaver Creek Canoe Rental, Campground & Cabins, located in Ava, Mo., caters to people looking for a more secluded and quiet camping experience.

“We are the only outfitter here that does that. We offer canoes, kayaks, private equipment shuttles, camp-

ing, and cabins,” said Dougherty.

“Customers always tell us that we have great facilities, and they love the uniqueness of the cabins, the old feeling of the camp store, the lack of rowdy crowds, and the scenic beauty of the creek.”

The campground is located at 159 State Highway W in Ava, Mo. Check out Beaver Creek Canoe Rental online at www.beavercanoerental.com or send them an email at beavercreek.canoerental@gmail.com.

Due to high demand, reservations are recommended.

RiverHillsTraveler.com

OZARKS FLOAT TRIPPIN’

June 2019 • Page 15

Windy’s Canoe Rental celebrating 50th anniversary

By MATTIE LINK mattie@sextonmediagroup.com _____________

W

indy’s Canoe Rental is celebrating its 50th anniversary this summer!

Back in the summer of 1969, Windy Smith bought an old house and turned it into a canoe rental business that would continue to thrive for 50 years.

Current owners Matt & Holly Smith are more than just the owners of Windy’s. Matt also happens to be a relative of Windy himself.

“Windy sold the business in the early 1990’s to Roger and Donna Smith, who owned it until 2005 when my mother, Robin Staples, bought it from them, and then we bought it from her in 2011,” said Holly Smith.

Before purchasing Windy’s, Matt used to haul canoes for Harvey’s Alley Spring Canoe Rental, also in Eminence, for several years.

“Matt had always wanted a canoe rental, and when the opportunity presented itself to us, we jumped on it,” said Smith.

“My mom didn’t want it anymore and canoe rental places don’t just go up for sale much around here, so when the opportunity comes you take it.”

When the Smiths purchased the business, the first thing they did was update the vessels and bought all new fleets.

“We purchased all new vans, kayaks, and rafts, and really focused on that,” said Smith. “The canoes are made of aluminum which is pretty hard to tear up, so we have a few oldies of those and a few new ones.”

All new lifejackets are always a must, and the Smiths make sure that those are always updated.

“We didn’t really invest in the building itself when we first bought it, we really focused on what the business was offering,” said Smith.

To celebrate the 50th anniversary, Windy’s Canoe Rental has T-shirts for sale in the store and the Smiths are trying to plan a celebration of some sort.

“We haven’t had the perfect idea of how to celebrate just yet, but once we do we will be sure to get the word out,” said Smith.

“Mike would like to get all the owners together, but just hasn’t figured out the best way to do that yet.”

Celebration or not, Windy’s Canoe Rental did undergo major changes to kick off its 50th season.

“In October of last year we decided it was time to start over, and we tore down the original building and built a bigger one,” said Smith.

The new building was completed in March, although a few finishing touches, such as the new building sign and porch stain, are still being added.

“Everything about the project just kid of fell into place for us and we were in position to do it, and we really needed more space,” said Smith.

The new building is a little longer and a little wider than the old one, and features four new bathrooms, a lounge for the employees, an office for Mike, central heating & air, doors on either side of the store, and a bigger porch for cus-

tomers.

“Mike also set out big rocks between the building and the cars so the building doesn’t get hit,” said Smith.

“The parks department has several limits and regulations when it comes to outfitters, so we could only make it so much bigger and it had to be in the exact spot the old one was, but it’s very nice and we are very excited for our customers.”

With all the construction before the season started, Windy’s did not go computerized this year, but is heading in that direction.

“We haven’t done it yet,” said Smith.

“With everything going on it was a little much.”

With a bigger building, also comes more space for more merchandise.

“We added kids’ shirts this year, and we have several different shirts for sale for floaters and kayakers alike,” said Smith.

“I try to make our store as much of a gift shop as possible because we don’t

have one here, so I offer a variety of things and take pride in everything we sell.”

She said people come from all over — including Springfield, Kansas City. St. Louis, and Illinois — to visit Eminence and float at Windy’s, so the Smiths want to give them the most out of their visit.

“We really want to do right by our customers and our products, and it’s easier to do that when you put stock into your employees,” said Smith.

When the Smiths bought Windy’s, Holly’s mom gave them some advice that would stick with them. “‘Just rent canoes and kayaks, keep your head down and you’ll do just fine’ is what she told me,” said Smith.

“That’s exactly what we do here and it’s paying off. We are super excited to be celebrating 50 years. Windy’s takes a lot but it’s worth it.”

Page 16 • June 2019

OZARKS FLOAT TRIPPIN’

RiverHillsTraveler.com

Mile-by-mile descriptions of Missouri’s best rivers & creeks BEAVER CREEK This creek, long a favorite with fly fishermen, is nearly the size of the Niangua River, but has a less constant water supply. In recent years, Beaver Creek, which flows through the Mark Twain National Forest, has become popular with paddlers, due to its general attractiveness and its good gradient. Summer floats, unless you want to wade and fish, should start in the Bradleyville area or below.

• Difficulty: I and II. • Gradients: General- 8.4; Hwy. 76 to Rome - 9.3; to Brownbranch - 8.1; to Bradleyville - 7.6; to Long Creek Bridge - 9.3.

• County: Douglas, Taney.

Beaver Creek Mile-By-Mile Description • 0.0 Hwy. 76 Bridge. Access.

• 1.0 Jackson Mill Spring and hollow on right. Old mill is gone, but mill race remains.

• 3.4 Low water bridge 3 miles southeast of Roy. Turn east off Hwy. 76 on Hwy. AJ. Construction features of this slab may damage a canoe or kayak. Inspect before running. It may be better to walk over.

• 4.2 Spring Creek enters on left.

• 7.7 Bridge and old mill dam, but no mill, at Rome. Portage right. No access.

Private.

• 10.2 Low-water bridge access. Hwy. 76 is 1.7 miles northwest. Next section has some excellent fishing pools.

• 14.7 Hwy. 76 Bridge at Brownbranch.

• 14.8 Caney Creek on left.

• 19.8 Ford. Private access.

• 21.9 Little Beaver Creek on right.

Possible high-water float. Lower 5 or 6 miles have gradient of 13.14.

• 22.6 Hwy. 76-125 Bridge at Bradleyville. Store and gas in village.

Access.

• 25.7 Country road along creek on right. Access.

• 27.1 Bridge on coutnry road 6 miles east of Taneyville. Access.

• 28.0 Road close on right.

• 31.7 Brushy Creek on left.

• 38.4 Long Creek on left. Low-water bridge and access on country road. Hwy. 160 is 2 miles southwest. Below this point, Beaver Creek is backed up by Bull Shoals Lake.

• 41.4 Hwy. 160 Bridge. U.S. Army Corps of Engineers’ Kissee Mills Access. Public campground below bridge on right.

BIG RIVER The Big River, like its sister tributary of the Meramec, the Bourbeuse, is slow.

It differs mainly in that it flows through a more heavily populated area, yet there are many pleasant places along it.

Upper sections near the “lead belt” are subject to many of the effects of urban population and are not recommended even when there is enough water to float there.

Sections both above and below Washington State Park are more attractive, and the park makes an excellent base of operations for base camped floats.

Old mills and mill sites add interest.

The area is so close to St. Louis that it can be reached in little more than an hour’s driving from that city.

• Difficulty: I • Gradients: General - 2.4; Hwy. E to Hwy. 21 - 3.6; to Pine Ford Bridge - 2.2; to Byrnesville - 1.9; to Meramec River 1.5.

• Counties: St. Francois, Washington, Jefferson.

Big River - Mile-By-Mile Description • 0.0 Put-in at mouth of Turkey Creek on county road running north from Bonne Terre, parallel to Missouri Illinois R.R. tracks.

• 1.8 Hwy. E Bridge. Access difficult due to steep slope.

• 6.9 Three Hill Creek on left.

• 9.1 Coles Landing. Ford, reached from north side. Local swimming hole with good gravel bar. Access and campsite. Private.

• 10.6 Spring on right about 20 feet from river and 2 feet above river level.

• 12.0 MDC Jeremiah Blackwell Access on right. No camping.

• 12.2 Mill Creek on left.

• 12.8 Blackwell Bridge. No public access.

• 15.6 Missouri Pacific R.R. Bridge.

• 15.7 Vineland Road Bridge. No public access.

• 16.9 State Hwy. 21 Bridge. No access.

• 20.0 Campground at Washington State Park on left with good access at one place. Park is noted for its Indian petroglyphs, located about 0.5 mile up road to left of dining room facility near campground.

• 20.7 Bridge on Big River Heights Road northeast of state park boundary.

Private access.

• 21.8 Mineral Fork enters on left. This creek is considered, by reptile collectors, to be a good locality for cottonmouth continued on page 17

RiverHillsTraveler.com

BIG RIVER continued from page 16 water moccasins. It is often floatable and has a general gradient of about 9.

• 23.3 Mammoth Bridge. MDC access on southwest side. No camping.

• 28.5 Old Hwy. H Bridge. No access.

• 28.7 MDC Merrill Horse Access. No camping. New Hwy. H Bridge. Fletcher 2 miles west.

• 30.7 Calico Creek on left.

• 34.0 Brown’s Ford Bridge. MDC access on left below bridge (under development).

• 38.6 Engleford Road. No public access.

• 43.4 Private access, camping.

• 45.0 Pine Ford (Hwy. Y) Bridge. No access.

• 50.7 Dry Creek on right.

• 52.3 MDC Morse Mill Access on right bank. No camping. Ball Memorial Park on left bank upstream of bridge.

• 52.4 Morse Mill Dam. Portage right.

Break in dam at left near foundation of old mill is dangerous but a concrete sluice just right of this may be used to slide canoes down when the water is low enough to stand on the dam.

• 52.5 Hwy. B Bridge.

• 54.0 Cabins on left.

• 55.0 Klondike Road Bridge.

• 55.7 Jones Creek on left.

• 62.4 Hwy. BB along river on right.

• 63.2 MDC Cedar Hill Access. No camping. Cedar Hill Bridge and mill dam. Portage left. This is also the best take-out in this area. Mill, on right, still operates but has not used water power since about 1960.

• 63.5 State Hwy. 30 Bridge.

• 68.9 Private Dam. Portage right.

• 69.0 Byrnesville Bridge.

• 73.0 Hwy. W Bridge. MDC House

OZARKS FLOAT TRIPPIN’ Springs Access. No camping.

• 74.6 Byrnes Mill Dam. Private.

Portage right.

• 80.9 Hoene Spring (cottage development) on left.

• 82.8 Twin River Bridge. Private access on right.

• 83.2 Meramec River.

Mineral Fork (Big River tributary) • 0.0 Put-in at Hwy. F Bridge. Private land. Parking difficult.

• 3.0 Arnault Creek on right.

• 6.2 Sycamore Creek on left.

• 8.7 Site of old Hwy. 47 Bridge. Private access and camping.

• 10.2 Private slab bridge across creek.

• 13.8 Big River. Next take-out at Mammoth Bridge.

BIG SUGAR & ELK RIVER The Elk River and its scenic tributary, Big Sugar Creek, have become a favorite float with canoeists in the western part of the state.

Big Sugar provides good camping and fishing, and is an unusually clear stream.

In the Pineville and Noel areas, summer cottages are numerous, but the Elk below Noel again has a more isolated quality.

• Difficulty: Mostly II, seldom over.

• Gradients: General - 6.5; Big Sugar from Hwy. 90 to Powell - 8.9; to Cyclone - 6.5; to Pineville - 7.2; (Elk River) to Shadow Lake - 4.

• County: McDonald.

Big Sugar Creek Mile-by-Mile Description • 0.0 In high water, a put-in may be

made on Big Sugar at the Roller Bridge.

Hwy. 90 and KK. A county road parallels much of the creek from here to Powell.

• 5.5 Powell. Road is close to the creek and several bridges make this a good put-in area.

• 6.0 Bentonville Hollow (creek) and Hwy. E Bridge.

• 6.8 Low-water bridge on creek road.

Mikes Creek on right. Creek road (south bank) shortest route to Cyclone. A few poor places in the road.

• 7.8 Kings Valley (creek) on right.

• 12.3 End of Hwy. V at Little Cedar Hollow on right.

• 14.6 Cyclone low-water bridge.

Camping, swimming and good access.

Many floats start here. Best put-in for normal water. Creek road on north side from here to Pineville.

• 20.4 MDC Deep Ford Access (public).

• 20.9 Low-water bridge at “Crag O Lea.” Good access.

• 22.4 “Sugar Beach” (cottages).

• 23.9 Creek divides. Left channel flows into Little Sugar Creek and bypasses Pineville. Right channel is the old channel and shorter.

• 24.3 Little Sugar Creek joins to form Elk River. The lower part of Little Sugar has a gradient of 9 and is floatable in good normal water.

Elk River - Mile-by-Mile Description • 24.5 U.S. Hwy. 71 Bridge. Kozy Kamp. Private campground. River road on south side.

• 25.9 Road close on left.

• 27.4 Road on left bank at Riverside Inn. • 30.3 Indian Creek (on right) nearly doubles volume of river. Indian Creek is a good float stream and is described continued on page 18

June 2019 • Page 17

STREAM GRADIENTS & DIFFICULTY RATINGS

T

he term gradient, as used in this publication, refers to the grade or slope of a stream expressed in feet per mile. For example, a river with a gradient of 11.8 drops on the average 11.8 feet per mile.

International Scale of River Difficulty • Class I — Easy. Fast moving water with riffles and small waves.

• Class II - Novice. Straightforward rapids with wide clear channels. Occasional maneuvering required • Class III — Intermediate. Rapids with moderate, irregular waves which may be difficult to avoid and can swamp and open canoe.

• Class IV — Advanced. Intense and powerful but predictable rapids requiring precise boat handling in turbulent water. The rapids may feature large, unavoidable waves and holes or constricted passages demanding fast maneuvers under pressure.

• Class V — Expert. Extremely long, obstructed, or very violent rapids which expose a paddler to added risk. Rapids may contain large, unavoidable waves and holes or steep, congested chutes with complex, demanding routes.

• Class VI — Extreme and exploratory. These rapids have rarely been attempted and exemplify the extremes of difficulty, unpredictability, and danger.

Page 18 • June 2019

OZARKS FLOAT TRIPPIN’

BIG SUGAR & ELK RIVER

LITTLE SUGAR CREEK

continued from page 17 separately. Water is fast and heavy just below here at high water. Use caution at bridge.

• 30.7 Kansas City Southern R.R. Bridge, closely followed by concrete low-water bridge.

• 31.2 Ginger Blue Resort on right.

• 31.7 “Shady Beach,” good private campground and take-out, on right.

• 32.0 MDC Mt. Shira Access on right.

• 35.0 Mouth of Butler Creek, at Noel, is adjacent to Hwys. 59 and 90. Take-out or continue down Shadow Lake.

• 35.4 Hwy. 59 Bridge over Shadow Lake.

• 35.8 Dam. Portage.

• 36.3 Road close on right. Fair put-in.

• 37.8 Henderson’s Campground. Private. Good put-in.

• 45.3 State Hwy. 43 Bridge. MDC Cowskin Access.

• 47.3 Oklahoma state line. Elk River becomes Lake of the Cherokees in Oklahoma.

This Elk River tributary is floatable in good, normal water.

• Difficulty: Mostly II, seldom over.

• Gradients: General - 9.

• County: McDonald.

INDIAN CREEK This creek is suitable mainly for spring floats but has one of the best general gradients in the Ozarks. However, the gradient is steady and there are really no unusual features in terms of falls or spectacular runs.

It is just a good, steady, fast run through relatively undisturbed countryside, in spite of its closeness to civilization.

• Difficulty: II and III, due to brush, logs and fast turns.

• Gradients: General - 8.7; Boulder City to Elkhorn Creek - 9.4; to Hwy 76 - 8.7; to Elk River - 7.8.

• Counties: Newton, McDonald.

Indian Creek Mile-by-Mile Description • 0.0 Hwy D Bridge access in spring or high water only.

• 0.5 Spring Branch on left.

• 3.5 Wolfenbarger Bridge on Spruce Drive off Raccoon Road.

• 7.4 Mill Dam at McNatt. Stream backed up for about half a mile above this. Portage over dam. Rift below dam is hard on canoes except in high water.

• 8.4 Elkorn Creek on right.

• 10.1 Old bridge 3.5 miles east of Goodman just off Hwy C. Private.

• 11.1 Bullskin Creek on right.

• 13.1 Mayfield Bridge.

• 18.8 Seller’s Ford low-water bridge.

Hwy 71 and Anderson are 0.5 miles west.

• 19.3 Indian Creek Campground at Hwy 71 Bridge.

• 19.8 Hwy 76 Bridge.

• 21.3 Town Hole Access on right, next to Post Office in Anderson. Must carry canoes/kayaks to river. Fair access.

• 21.6 Iron Canning Factory Bridge on county road south of Anderson.

• 24.5 Concrete slab at Bosky Dell Ford, not shown on maps. If there is water over the slab, approach with caution! It is slippery, and there is a 4 foot drop below it. Except in high water, portage right.

• 25.1 Lanagan City Park Access (Lanagan) on right.

• 25.5 Hwy EE Bridge.

• 27.0 Elk River. Next access at lowwater bridge 0.4 mile downstream or at Mt. Shira Access 1.3 miles beyond that, on right with gravel ramp.

Little Sugar Creek Mile-by-Mile Description • 0.0 Put in at Hwy. 90 Bridge northeast of Jane.

• 1.6 Griffin Ford low-water bridge, Hwy. 71 is 0.6 mile southwest.

• 6.9 Havenhurst Mill Dam and Hwy. K Bridge. Portage left. Falls below dam too shallow to run.

• 7.9 Elk River.

BLACK RIVER The three forks of the Black rise virtually within the shadow of the highest point in the state, Taum Sauk Mountain, and join near Lesterville to flow quickly toward the lowest section of the state.

The upper Black is exceptionally clear and has enough feeder springs to produce some good smallmouth bass fishing. Below Clearwater Lake, the river moves more slowly and is less clear but is still a good float-fishing stream.

Some of the most beautiful scenery in Missouri is to be found in the upper reaches of the Black. This includes several “shut-ins,” areas where the stream runs through jumbled rocks and potholes in gorge-like valleys. One such area open to the public is Johnson Shut-ins State Park on the East Fork.

Shut-in Creek, a tributary of the East Fork, has a section which drops 70 feet per mile, but these upper shut-ins of the Black are not boatable. Mill Creek (10.7) is the best starting point during normal or low-water levels. Good camping area at Clearwater Dam. • Difficulty: I, occasionally II. • Gradients: General - 4.8; Centerville to Lesterville - 10; to Hwy. K - 5.7; Clearwater Dam to Hendrickson - 3.9; to Poplar Bluff - 1.6.

• Counties: Reynolds, Wayne, Butler.

Black River Mile-By-Mile Description • 0.0 State Hwy. 21 Bridge above Centerville on West Fork. A high-water run only.

• 1.5 Reeds Spring on right. Adds considerable amount of water.

• 8.4 Junction with Middle Fork. Middle Fork can be run only in spring or high-water. Gradient – 11.1.

• 9.6 Junction with East Fork. A highwater run only, and quite short. Put in at mouth of Taum Sauk Creek. Not runnable above Johnson Shut-ins. Gradient – 16.

• 10.3 Iron bridge. Better take-out or put-in at mouth of Mill Creek.

• 10.7 Mill Creek on left.

• 14.5 Coil Bluff on left.

• 16.0 Warner Bay Spring Branch on right.

• 17.8 Hyatts Creek on left.

• 19.0 Spring and cave in bluff on right side.

• 19.7 Cave Spring 0.2 mile left, against bluff.

• 25.0 Hwy. K Bridge. Last take-out above Clearwater Lake when lake is at full reservoir. Possible camp sites on both sides of the river with a small spring on the west side.

• 32.2 Hwy. CC. Access road.

• 37.6 Picnic area at Clearwater Dam. Take-out or portage left around dam.

• 46.2 McKenzie Creek on left.

• 47.5 Spring 0.1 mile west of river on right.

• 48.6 Leeper. State Hwy. 34 Bridge.

No access. No camping.

• 50.6 Hwy. 49 Bridge at town of Mill Spring. Camping.

• 56.4 Granite Bend. R.R. close on left.

• 59.4 Markham Spring Branch on right. USFS area fee camp and $2.00 boat access.

• 59.6 Browns Crossing. Hwy. A Bridge and take-out. Camping (fee).

• 62.4 R.R. bridge site.

• 63.1 Williamsville Bridge. Road connects with Wayne County. Hwy. A and Butler County JJ. • 66.9 Keener Springs Resort. Fee access, camping.

• 70.1 U.S. Hwy. 67 Bridge. Improved access (vault toilet, accessible ramp).

• 79.1 MDC Hillard Access at Hwy. W. No camping. River flattens from here on.

• 81.3 R.R. bridge.

• 87.3 MDC Sportsmens Park Access on left. No camping.

• 88.3 U.S. Hwy. 60 Bridge in city of Poplar Bluff.

HUZZAH CREEK & COURTOIS CREEK These two clearwater gems, which join their waters to the Meramec River in Crawford County, are only about 100 miles from St. Louis.

Although they are too small to provide adequate floating water at all seasons, the angler will find them pleasant and profitable floating-wading streams.

In seasons of good water, the canoeist will find them quite sporty. Their valleys are relatively unspoiled and have real

RiverHillsTraveler.com Ozarks atmosphere.

It would be wise to check water levels of these creeks at Hwy. 8 bridges before attempting floats upstream from the highway.

The names of the creeks are pronounced locally as Coort-a-way and Hoo-za.

Huzzah Creek Mile-By-Mile Description • Difficulty: Frequently II due to sharp turns, obstructions and narrow channels.

• Gradients: Hwy. V to town of Huzzah - 8.9; from town of Huzzah down 7.

• Counties: Crawford.

• 0.0 Dillard access. Only floatable in good water.

• 6.0 Hwy. V Bridge. Private campground and access.

• 8.3 Red Bluff on right. Access on left.

• 8.8 Low-water bridge access.

• 15.3 Shoal Creek on right.

• 16.3 Access at low-water bridge, off Hwy. Z. • 17.3 Spring branch on left.

• 17.5 Private access and campground just across low-water bridge.

• 23.0 Dry Creek on left just above Hwy. 8 Bridge. Dry Creek includes water from James Spring, which has a flow of more than a million gallons per day. Access at bridge. Private campground and access on right, before Hwy. 8 Bridge.

• 28.1 Junction with Courtois Creek.

• 28.4 Huzzah Conservation Area on right. Access on low-water bridge off Hwy. E. Private campground on left.

• 29.4 Meramec River. Access. Next access 2.5 miles downstream at Hwy. H low-water bridge near Onondaga Cave. continued on page 19

RiverHillsTraveler.com continued from page 18 Courtois Creek Mile-By-Mile Description • Difficulty: Frequently II due to sharp turns, obstructions and narrow channels.

• Gradients: Brazil to Hwy. 8 - 9.2; from Hwy. 8 down - 7.2.

• Counties: Washington, Crawford.

• 0.0 Brazil low-water bridge on road between Hwy. Y and Palmer. Better putin below Hazel Creek.

• 2.4 Hazel Creek on right.

• 3.0 Hazel Creek Recreation Area and access in Mark Twain National Forest.

• 4.5 County Road Bridge. Private access.

• 6.7 Lost Creek on right.

• 6.9 Hwy. 8 Bridge. Access difficult at highway.

• 11.5 Low-water bridge. Private camping and parking.

• 12.9 Rocky rapids, which resembles an old mill race, provides good run against right bank. Watch for down trees!

• 15.4 Butts low-water bridge. Good access, campsite or lunch spot. Henpeck Hollow Creek on right. Private campground and access.

• 15.6 Private campground and access.

• 16.3 Low-water bridge on private road.

• 17.8 Take left channel. This is beginning of The Narrows, a narrow, fairly fast section of rhe creek. Watch for logs and down trees.

• 18.2 Cave on left. Good shelter though short.

• 18.4 End of Narrows.

• 19.4 Doss Branch on right.

• 20.4 Huzzah Conservation Area and access, on right, at end of campground.

• 21.2 Junction with Huzzah Creek.

Next take-out 0.3 mile downstream at

OZARKS FLOAT TRIPPIN’ low-water bridge off Hwy. E.

CURRENT RIVER Most spring-fed of all the Ozark rivers, the Current may be floated at almost any time of the year, particularly below Welch Spring.

On hot summer weekends, the river is usually crowded. Weekdays floats are much more peaceful. Due to the increase in size of the river and the frequency of motor boats below Big Spring, most canoe and kayak trips are made on the sections above Big Spring.

• Difficulty: I, occasionally II. • Gradients: General - 4.4; Montauk to Akers - 8.7; to junction of Jacks Fork 5; to Big Spring - 3.8; to Doniphan - 3.2.

• Counties: Dent, Shannon, Carter, Ripley.

Current River I Mile-By-Mile Description • 0.0 Baptist Camp Access on county road off Hwy. YY. • 3.3 Ashley Creek on right.

• 6.5 Parker Hollow on left, fed by Schafer Spring].2 miles upstream.

• 8.0 Cedargrove Access. Low-water bridge and campground.

• 8.9 Big Creek on right.

• 11.6 Medlock Spring on right.

• 12.4 Welch Landing Access.

• 12.7 Welch Spring, sixth largest in state, on left.

• 15.7 Akers Ferry Access on Hwy. K. Campground and store.

• 17.8 Lewis Hollow on right at ford.

• 20.9 Cave Spring on left. Water at back of cave is 120 feet deep and comes from Devil’s Well via nearby Wallace Well Cave. Devil’s Well, a sinkhole more than 200 feet deep and partly filled with water, is one mile north of Cave

Spring.

• 23.2 Rock House Cave on right. A meander of a cave, cut off by the deepening river valley, it is now more like a natural bridge than a cave and makes a good shelter.

• 25.2 Pulltite Access. Campground and store.

• 26.0 Pulltite Spring and branch on right. Just below on the same side of the river, are several other minor but interesting springs, one of which is the “Fire Hydrant Spring” gushing from a small cave in the bluff.

• 27.0 Boyds Creek on right.

• 30.2 Jerry J. Presley Conservation Education Center on left, formerly the Alton Club. No access or camping.

• 32.7 Sinkin Creek enters on left. By putting in at The Sinks, where the creek takes a short -cut through a hill via a cave, 6.5 miles of the creek can be floated in good water. Gradient is 10 teet per mile.

• 34.2 Round Spring access, campground, spring and cavern.

• 42.5 Big Creek enters on left.

• 44.7 Bee Bluff on left.

• 46.6 Jerktail Landing on right, on county road offHwy. 19. Access and campsite.

• 51.1 Ebb and Flow Spring, reached by walking 0.25 mile up creek on left.

• 51.5 Jacks Fork River enters on right.

Two Rivers Access (Ozark National Scenic Riverways).

• 52.3 Old ferry site, access and campground.

• 56.2 Blair Creek on left.

• 58.4 Hwy. 106 Bridge.

• 58.7 Powder Mill, an old ferry site, with access and campground.

• 60.0 Blue Spring, ninth largest in the state, has deepest blue color. Reached by a 0.25 mile walk up its branch on the left.

June 2019 • Page 19 • 63.8 Roberts Field access and campground. Rocky Creek enters on right.

The Falls of Rocky Creek, 3 miles southwest of this point, are a scenic attraction of the area.

Current River II • 58.7 Powder Mill, an old ferry site, with access and campground.

• 60.0 Blue Spring, ninth largest in the state, has deepest blue color. Reached by a 0.25 mile walk up its branch on the left.

• 63.8 Roberts Field access and campground. Rocky Creek enters on right.

The Falls of Rocky Creek, 3 miles southwest of this point, are a scenic attraction of the area.

• 66.1 Spring on left.

• 66.6 Carr Creek and Cardareva Mountain on left.

• 69.0 Log Yard on left. Access and campground.

• 69.8 Beal Landing on left. Access.

• 72.5 Paint Rock Bluff.

• 77.7 Waymeyer Access on right at mouth of Chilton Creek, on County Road M-151 off Hwy. M. • 81.5 Pine Valley Creek, also called Henpeck Creek, on left.

• 84.3 Watercress Spring Recreation Area. Forest Service and campground.

• 84.9 Van Buren Riverfront Park Access (Van Buren) and Hwy. 60 Bridge.

• 89.2 Big Spring. Access and campground. One of the largest springs in the world.

• 93.5 Clubhouse Landing. Access and campground, on County Road 60-221 offHwy. 60.

• 97.8 Hickory Landing. Access from Hwy. E at Hunter. Cave Spring-Jordan Spring Branch on left. Jordon Spring, 0.5 mile and Cave Spring, 1 mile up branch. continued on page 20

Page 20 • June 2019

OZARKS FLOAT TRIPPIN’

CURRENT RIVER

11 POINT RIVER

continued from page 19 • 98.0 Catarac Landing on right. Access on County Road Z-217, off Hwy. Z and Hwy 103.

• 100.3 Panther Spring on right.

• 103.2 Bog Hollow. PhiHips Bay and Spring on right. Spring about 0.25 mile from river.

• 104.2 Gooseneck campground on right. Access on Farm Road 3142County Road CI0, off Hwy. C.

The Eleven Point is not blessed with gravel bars for camping as some rivers, but is fed by some of the loveliest wild springs in the state. Those of the upper river are relatively small, but Greer Spring, which is the second largest within the state, is surrounded by walking fern and other vegetation in its natural state.

The main outlet boils from its basin and plunges down the hillside to the Eleven Point River 1.25 miles away. The average flow is more than 300 cubic feet per second and the drop is 62 feet. However, a raft run down the spring several years ago resulted in a drowning. The spring is on private property and has been graciously left open to the public, but permission to float the spring will not be given.

Greer Spring nearly doubles the size of the river and makes the Eleven Point below Hwy. 19 quite floatable even in dry years. An 11-mile section of the river below Greer Spring is managed by MDC for rainbow trout. An area known as The Irish Wilderness, through which the river runs, is well named and indicates the character of this cool, fast river.

The Eleven Point is a National Scenic River. Additional maps and literature are available from the supervisor, Mark Twain National Forest.

Current River III • 104.2 Gooseneck campground on right. Access on Farm Road 3142 Country Road C10, offHwy. C. • 105.8 Forest Service campground on left. Bagamaw Bay on right. Limited access road.

• 107.7 Big Barren Creek on right.

Twin Springs 0.75 mile up creek.

• 110.5 Cedar Creek on left. Forest Service campsite in this area.

• 112.8 Buffalo Creek on right.

• 113.0 Compton Camp. Forest Service campsite, on right.

• 118.8 Deer Leap Recreation Area.

Forest Service access on left.

• 119.3 Float Camp Recreation Area.

Forest Service access on left.

• 120.3 Dun Roven unimproved access on right.

• 123.8 Hwy. 160 Bridge.

• 124.0 T.L. Wright Memorial Access (Doniphan) on right. Private campground nearby. Stores, meals, lodging in Doniphan.

• 129.8 Big Island.

• 135.0 Goose Lake, a lake-like pool of the river.

• 136.3 Missouri-Arkansas state line.

• 138.0 Current View. Private access.

• Difficulty: I and II. • Gradients: General - 5.4; Thomasville to Hwy. 19 - 6.5; to Riverton - 5.6; to Stubblefield Ferry - 4.3.

• County: Oregon.

Eleven Point River Mile-By-Mile Description • 0.0 Thomasville. Put-in at State Hwy.

99 Bridge. Section from here to State Hwy 19 not recommended in low-water.

• 0.5 Middle Fork enters and increases flow.

• 1.5 Mill Creek and Barren Fork add more water.

• 3.1 Posy Spring on left is a beautiful small spring issuing from a small cave in a woodland setting.

• 6.1 Blowing Spring on left.

• 6.5 Denny Hollow float camp on left.

Roaring Spring on right.

• 7.3 Graham Spring branch on right.

Spring 0.25 mile up branch.

• 9.3 Cane Bluff. Access and picnic area.

• 12.3 Spring Creek enters on left.

• 14.8 McCormack Hollow on left.

Lake, fishing, spring and picnic area about one mile up Hollow, administrated

by U.S. Forest Service.

• 16.0 Greer Spring Branch. See description above.

• 16.6 State Hwy. 19 Bridge. Campsites and put-in. Trail to Greer Spring 0.75 mile up hill.

• 19.5 Little Hurricane Creek on right.

• 20.0 Mary Decker Shoals. Rapids.

• 20.5 Hurricane Creek enters on left.

• 21.5 Turner’s Mill and spring. Location is also known as Surprise. Access on both sides of river. Camping on south side only.

• 22.0 Stinking Pond float camp on left.

• 26.5 Horseshoe Bend float camp on left.

• 27.0 Barn Hollow float camp on left.

Bliss Spring just downstream.

• 28.5 White Creek float camp on left.

• 31.0 Greenbriar float camp on left.

• 33.4 Boze Mill Spring on left. River valley begins to widen here. Camping.

No access.

• 33.7 River divides. Right channel usually best and provides a fast run over

RiverHillsTraveler.com a ledge.

• 35.7 Riverton and Hwy. 160 Bridge.

Access east side, picnic on west side beneath bridge only. No camping either side.

• 43.0 Thomasson Mill Spring BranchFrederick Creek on right.

• 44.0 Morgan Creek float camp and Blue Spring Branch. Spring is approximately the eighth largest in state.

• 44.3 State Hwy. 142 Bridge. Takeout. Limited camping.

• 48.0 MDC Myrtle Access at site of old Stubblefield Ferry on west side.

Limited camping.

• 49.0 Missouri-Arkansas state line.

GASCONADE RIVER The Gasconade, probably named for French settlers from the province of Gascony in southwestern France, is reputed to be one of the most crooked rivers in the world. Entirely within Missouri, the river winds nearly 300 miles from its source near Hartville to the Missouri River, which is an airline distance of about 120 miles.

In an area near Waynesville, you can float for 15 miles and be only two miles overland from your put-in. Although it has less gradient than some Ozark rivers, the Gasconade has some surprisingly fast sections, yet is still a good, safe family float stream.

Dru Pippin described the Gasconade well in The Rivers of Missouri when he said, “...steep bluffs, gorgeous cuts, hairpin turns, and lazy eddies; hardwoods, softwoods and dogwoods, hidden logs, protruding boulders that weathering has tumbled from adjacent cliffs, wildflowers and shrubs, birds and bees, fourlegged creatures quenching their thirst at my water’s edge, while listless white continued on page 21

RiverHillsTraveler.com

GASCONADE RIVER continued from page 20 clouds float above as though convoying my trip.”

Sections above Competition are suitable only for spring or other high-water periods, unless you want to walk the riffles to fish the inviting pools.

• Difficulty: I, seldom II. • Gradients: General - 2.6; Hwy. 38 to Grimes MiIl - 6.2; Competition - 4.I; to Hwy. 32 - 3.2; to Hwy. 66 - 3.1; to Hwy. 7 - 2.7: to Hwy. 17 - 2.4; to Big Piney River - 2.6; to Indian Fold Bridge - 2.2; to Hwy. 89 - 1.8; to Hwy. 50 - 1.7; to Missouri River - 0.8.

• Counties: Wright, Laclede, Pulaski, Phelps, Maries, Osage, Gasconade.

Gasconade River Map I Mile-By-Mile Description • 0.0 Hwy. 38 Bridge on the Woods Fork of the Gasconade. Just above this point, there is a mill pond dam on the Woods Fork.

• 0.7 Lick Fork of Gasconade on right.

Hwy. 38 Bridge 0.2 mile up this fork is also a possible put-in.

• 2.5 Camp Branch Access. Gravel ramp.

• 11.8 Low-water bridge on Hwy. E. Spring in bluff on left, just upstream from bridge.

• 12.3 Whetstone Creek on right.

• 12.9 Grimes Mill. Old milldam makes good rift in medium to high water. Some good, fast water between here and Manes.

• 14.3 Buzzard Bluff Access, off Hwy. E. Gravel ramp.

• 19.4 Hwy. H Bridge. 21.5 Wilbur Allen Access, off Hwy. 95 on Radford Drive. Gravel ramp.

• 24.7 Burney Ford.

• 27.1 Ford access on Kincheloe Drive.

• 27.7 Beaver Creek on right adds a considerable amount of water to river.

• 28.1 Spring branch on left.

• 29.9 Elk Creek on left.

• 31.4 Watch for log jams and for stumps in riffles between this point and Hwy. O Bridge.

• 32.4 Hwy. O Bridge. No access.

• 33.3 Forest Service Access off Hwy. Z. • 35.3 River divides. Left channel usually best, but check.

• 37.7 Dougan Bridge on Hwy. AD. • 42.8 Forest Service access. South of Falcon on county road.

• 45.0 Hwy. 32 Bridge. Gravens Resort on left.

• 46.7 Lodge and spring on left. Fast riffle just below.

• 48.3 Spring on right.

OZARKS FLOAT TRIPPIN’ • 48.9 Spring at base of bluff on right.

Begin long pool.

• 51.6 Anna Adams Access. Slab ford low-water bridge. Between Hwys. 32 and 17. Good canoe/kayak access.

• 65.2 Unimproved ford, crossable in low water. May be used as put-in if approached from east via Hwy. AB. • 71.1 Bridge. Road connects Hwys. K and AB. Private resort on right.

• 74.6 Junction with Osage Fork on left.

• 75.4 Old Hwy. 66 and 1-44 Bridge.

Hazelgreen Access.

• 78.8 Cliff Spring on left shown.

• 80.1 Spring up right bank.

• 84.6 Hwy. 133 Bridge. Access under bridge.

• 92.5 Hwy. 7 Bridge. Mitschele Access. Gravel river access.

• 95.6 Red Bluff on left.

• 96.6 Low-water bridge access on Rochester Road off Hwy. 7 at Ozark Springs. Caution - Portage. Do not run at any level.

Gasconade River Map II Mile-By-Mile Description • 92.5 Hwy. 7 Bridge. Mitschele Access. Gravel river access.

• 95.6 Red Bluff on left.

• 96.6 low-water bridge access on Rochester Road off Hwy. 7 at Ozark Springs. Caution - Portage. Do not try to run at any flow level.

• 100.9 Hwy. T Bridge. Poor access because of steep bank.

• 103.2 The Narrows. Only 0.2 mile across, but 6.5 miles around by river.

• 106.0 Schlicht Spring branch on left is site of former grist mill.

• 106.1 Schlicht Springs Access on Resort Road off Hwy. 133.

• 110.2 East side of The Narrows.

Small spring at base of bluff.

• 112.4 Rock slide on right. Beat left.

Narrow channel at normal flow.

• 112.8 Falling Spring, behind rock dam up short branch on right, has flow of 1-5 million gallons.

• 113.2 Creasy Spring (Bubbling Spring), on the right, has a flow of 1215 million gallons per day, but is flooded when the river is high.

• 113.8 Battlers Mill Spring branch on right. The spring is on the private property and has only about half the volume of Creasy Spring, but was used to operate a grist mill.

• 116.3 Roubidoux Creek on right.

Hwy. 17 Bridge. Undeveloped gravel bar access. Roubidoux Creek has been floated in its upper reaches, but much of its water goes underground so that sections above Roubidoux Spring are neatly dry except in times of run-off. The spring has a flow of from 3-47 million gallons. The three miles of creek below it are floatable only during the spring.

• 118.5 Bridge piling in middle of channel.

• 123.1 Harrison Spring 0.3 mile up branch on left. Private.

• 125.6 River divides. Main channel is on left.

• 126.4 Bell Creek on left. Left branch of creek is a spring branch from Wheeler’s Mill.

• 126.9 Spring on left at base of bluff.

• 128.0 Clemens Creek on left.

• 129.5 Yellow Bluffs on left.

• 129.7 Private access.

• 129.9 Riddle Bridge Access on Hwy. Y. • 131.6 Jones Creek on left.

• 132.9 River divides at Portuguese Point, one of the most scenic areas on the Gasconade. Take left channel against bluffs. Bluffs along bend are approximately 250 feet high.

• 136.9 Mossy Spring 0.2 mile up branch on right. Private campground on left.

• 140.4 Hwy. 28 Bridge. Private access at cabins.

• 141.7 Big Piney River on left. Private access and camping on right bank of Big Piney.

• 143.7 Boiling Spring at edge of river is a second magnitude spring with a flow of 42 million gallons per day but is submerged when the river is high.

• 146.6 Emerald Lake outlet on left.

• 150.0 Hwy. 0 Bridge. Access on either side of river. Jerome 0.4 mile up road on left. Stores, cabins. Little Piney River enters on right, just below bridge.

• 150.2 St. Louis-San Francisco R.R. Bridge.

• 151.2 Jerome Access on left, off Hwy. O. • 153.5 Mill Creek on left.

• 154.2 Table Rock, large mushroomshaped rock in river. Old Whitehouse

June 2019 • Page 21 Ferry site. Access. End of County Road 8500.

• 155.6 Sugamee Hollow and cottages on right.

• 161.7 Thox Rock, square rock in river.

• 165.7 Private lodge on right. Spring down road.

• 166.2 End of Hwy. E. • 167.2 Bell Chute Access on Country Road 513, off Hwy. Y. • 170.3 Johnson Island. Right channel impassable.

• 170.5 Parker Spring on left.

• 172.8 Spring Creek on right.

• 173.0 Hwy. 63-28 Bridge.

• 174.5 Private access at resort on left.

Gasconade River Map III Mile-By-Mile Description • 174.5 Private access at resort on left.

• 179.5 Indian Ford. Private access.

Hwy. 42 Bridge.

• 187.6 Paydown Access on left. Paydown settlement 0.7 mile up Mill Creek on right. Paydown Spring 0.5 mile farther up the branch, once supplied power for two grist mills and the Bray Woolen Mill.

• 191.6 Fish Hollow. County road access on right.

• 194.0 Revis Rock; large rock in river.

• 195.4 Chicago. Rock Island and Pacific R.R. Bridge. Private access on County Road 636.

• 197.4 Daggetts Ford. County Road 634 off Hwy. 63 parallels river here. Private access.

• 198.3 Meyers Spring on left. 0.1 mile from river at northeast end of Cave Bluff. Private.

• 203.4 Hwy. 89 Bridge. Rollins Ferry Access on left. High land at west end of bridge was once encircled by a 9 mile continued on page 22

Page 22 • June 2019

GASCONADE RIVER continued from page 21 oxbow loop of the river.

• 209.0 Lovett Island Owens Creek on left.

• 210.8 Pointers Creek Access on left.

• 213.0 Miller Island and Deer Slough (behind island) on left.

• 214.0 Lower end of Deer Slough at Cedar Bluff.

• 215.7 Massie Island.

• 216.6 Third Creek and Cooper Hill Access on right off Hwy. D. Must carry boat 20 yards to river.

• 219.8 Mt. Sterling Bridge on Hwy. 50. Access under bridge. River slow below this point. Mud bank.

• 222.8 Contrary Creek on left.

Krueger Ford. Road on right to Hwys. K and 50.

• 231.1 Koelling Islands near right bank.

• 234.1 Feigler Ferry land. No access.

• 234.7 Church Bluff on left.

• 235.4 Helds Island Access on right off Hwy. K. Main channel right.

• 236.8 Lower end Helds Island.

• 237.1 Second Creek on right.

• 240.9 Turnpike Bluff on right.

• 244.8 Fredericksburg Ferry Access on right, on Old Ferry Road off Hwy. J. • 252.4 Gasconade Park Access on Oak Street in Gasconade. Last take-out before the Missouri River.

• 252.7 Missouri Pacific R.R. bridge.

• 253.1 Missouri River.

JACKS FORK This tributary of the Current River is one of the wildest and most scenic of the Missouri Ozark streams. Its deep valley is nearly a canyon, with no bottomland fields for the first 25 floatable miles.

It is therefore advisable to camp well above river level if there is any chance of sudden rain. Trips with loaded canoes above Alley Spring on the Jacks Fork are recommended only in spring or after good summer rains.

The few miles immediately above Alley Spring are especially wide and shallow and may have to be walked in low water. Upper sections of the river provide fine fly fishing water.

• Difficulty: I and II. • Gradients: General - 7.3; Prongs to Hwy. 17 - 8.6; to Bunker Hill - 8; to Alley Spring - 7; to Current River - 6.3.

• Counties: Texas, Shannon.

Jacks Fork River Mile-By-Mile Description • 0.0 MDC South Prong Access at Hwy. Y Bridge. Beautiful section, but not recommended during low-water.

OZARKS FLOAT TRIPPIN’ • 6.8 State Hwy. 17 Bridge at “Buck Hollow.” Usual put-in for upper section of river. Park Service campground.

• 9.2 Salvation Army camp on left. Access, camp.

• 9.6 Blue Spring comes from cave on left nearly hidden from river by boulders. Narrow run just below spring may be difficult.

• 12.6 Jam Up Bluff and Cave. River entrance of cave is one of the most spectacular cave entrances in state. Cave may be explored in daylight back to lake which is plunge-basin for falls from upper part of cave. Upper section entered through a sinkhole in Lost Hollow which may be reached by climbing up the bluff.

• 15.9 Ebb and Flow Spring on left.

• 16.2 Rymers Access and campground on right.

• 17.1 Bunker Hill (Missouri State Teachers Association resort) on left. No access.

• 22.2 Leatherwood Creek on left.

• 25.2 Bay Creek on left. Access, camp.

• 31.0 Alley Spring, 10th largest spring in state. Old mill, camping, access.

• 32.3 Horse Hollow on left. The old Salem, Winona and Southern R.R. used to run up this hollow and continue up Sinking Branch after following the Jacks Fork from Mahan’s Creek.

• 35.3 Mahan’s Creek on right. Site of old R.R. river crossing just above mouth of creek.

• 37.3 Eminence. Stores, cafes, lodging. Take-out at Lions Ball Park on right side, one-quarter mile below Hwy. 19 Bridge.

• 41.9 Shawnee Creek on right. Access, camp.

• 42.3 Little Shawnee Creek on right.

• 44.6 Confluence with Current River.

Best take-out 0.75 mile downstream at ferry landing.

JAMES RIVER Float trips, for which the Ozarks are famous among smallmouth bass fishermen, reputedly originated at Galena on the James. John boats 18-24 feet long and 4 feet wide were used long before canoes and kayaks became popular and are amazingly maneuverable craft for their size. Some anglers still prefer the stability they provide for casting while standing and the comfort of folding arm chairs which they can carry.

Before the days of Table Rock Dam a five-day float of about 125 miles was available from Galena to Branson, but now little, if any, of the river is floatable below Galena. However one of the fine fishing floats always has been the 22mile section from “Hooten Town” to Galena and this may still be floated even

with john boats.

In high or medium water paddlers can run another 40 miles above this as well as some of the larger tributaries. Most of this water provides fine fishing.

• Difficulty: I; a few places on upper river rate up to III due to obstructions.

• Gradient: General - 4.5; Hwy. 125 to Lake Springfield - 6.3; dam at Lake Springfield to Hwy.14 - 4.3; to Galena 4.

• Counties: Greene, Christian, Scone.

James River Mile-By-Mile Description • 0.0 Hwy. 125 Bridge. McCraw Ford.

Access under bridge.2.7 Hwy. D Bridge.

No access.

• 2.9 Turner Bridge. Old Hwy. D. • 3.0 San Francisco St. Louis R.R. Bridge.

• 6.8 Joe Crighton Access on right, at Kinser Bridge on Farm Road 164. No ramp, but easy canoe/kayak access.

• 9.5 Hwy. 60 Bridge. Lake Springfield backs up water beyond this point.

• 9.7 Farm Road 181 Bridge. No access.

• 10.0 Southwood Access (Springfield City Utilities) on left downstream from Hwy. 65 Bridge. Off Hwy. 65. take Evans Road to Southwood Road. Lake Springfield. which is about 2 miles long, begins.

• 12.1 Public park and access on right.

• 12.3 Kissick Darn. Fair access.

• 12.4 Tailwaters Access (Springfield City Utilities) on right, off Hwy. 65 to Evans Road to Kissick.

• 15.8 Hwy. 160 Bridge. Fair access.

• 18.7 Owens Bridge.

• 20.3 Shallow rapids caused by rock ledge, with brush and logs at bottom.

RiverHillsTraveler.com Walk or line!

• 21.3 Blue Spring on left. Not safe.

• 23.2 Country road bridge. No access.

• 25.2 Wilson Creek on right.

• 26.3 Stone piers of old Delaware Bridge.

• 26.7 Spring branch on left.

• 27.0 Delaware Town Access on left, on County Road 14-31.

• 27.5 Hwy. 14 Bridge Access.

• 28.3 Blue Hole.

• 29.3 Rock ledge at old ford site makes good riffle.

• 31.9 Frazier Bridge on county road.

• 33.5 Shelvin Rock Access on left, on Shelvin Rock Road.

• 33.9 McCafferty Hollow Creek on left.

• 36.2 Jamesville Bridge. Hwys. M and U. No access.

• 36.3 Finley Creek, on left. 37.9 Tory Creek on left. Montague Spring, 2.5 miles up creek, reached via Hwy. O from Hwy. 65. The spring has a flow of nearly 2 million gallons per day.

• 39.4 Silver Lake Branch on right.

• 39.7 Hooten Town Access on right, on Hotten Town Road.

• 40.8 Hooten Hill, on right (high bluff).

• 42.6 Watch for down trees in river along right bank. Use caution, particularly in high water.

• 44.3 Cole Pit Hole access on County Road V-70 off Hwy. V. • 44.7 McCall Bridge.

• 45.0 Old Stillhouse Hollow, on right.

• 46.1 Access on left where extension of Hwy. V parallels rivet.

• 46.3 Goff Creek on left. No access.

Fast run just below.

• 50.4 Private access on right side, off Hwy. AA near O to church. continued on page 23

RiverHillsTraveler.com

JAMES RIVER continued from page 22 • 52.8 Crane Creek on right.

• 53.8 Wheeler Branch and Hwy. AA on right. No access.

• 56.6 Horse Creek on left. H.L. Kerr Access on Horse Creek Road.

• 58.3 Yocum’s Camp on tight. No access.

• 61.0 Hwy. 248-13 Bridge. Access.

• 61.3 Hwy. 13 Bridge. No access.

• 61.6 Y Bridge at Galena. Supplies in town. Lake fishing regulations apply downstream from here. 61.7 Access on right. When Table Rock Lake is not at full reservoir, the river may be floated beyond this point. Inquire locally about conditions and accesses.

MERAMEC RIVER Fed by Maramec Spring and many smaller springs, the Meramec is floated most of the year. The most floated sections are those between Maramec Spring and Meramec State Park, although there is still much reasonably attractive river down to St. Clair or even Pacific.

Beyond that point, however, real estate developments, railroads, and industry may make the river unattractive to some paddlers. For those who do not mind these distractions, the river is floatable right down to the Mississippi. Floats above Maramec Spring are recommended only for high-water periods.

• Difficulty: I, seldom II. • Gradients: General (to Palisades) 3.4; Hwy. 19 to Hwy. M - 7.8; to Hwy. 8 - 5.3; to Hwy. 19 north of Steelville - 4.2; to Onondaga Cave - 3.2; to Moselle 2.6; to Palisades - 1.6 • Counties: Dent, Crawford, Phelps, Franklin, Jefferson, St. Louis.

Meramec River Mile-by-Mile Description • 0.0 Low-water bridge at Short Bend, just off Hwy 19.

• 0.8 Hwy. 19 Bridge.

• 0.9 Short Bend Access. Good access for canoes/kayaks.

• 6.3 Low-water bridge access on extension of Hwy M. • 8.7 Low-water bridge access at Cook Station.

• 10.1 Hwy M bridge.

• 13.4 Low dam. Portage.

• 13.7 Low-water bridge access at Wesco.

• 16.7 Low-water bridge access on road between Wesco and Hwy. U. • 18.7 Low-water bridge access. Hwy. U 1.3 miles north.

• 20.7 Benton Creek on left.

• 26.1 State Hwy. 8 Bridge.

• 26.2 MDC Woodson K. Woods Wildlife Area Access on right. Reached from Hwy. 8. Usually the highest practical put-in.

• 28.1 Maramec Spring branch, on left, is 0.7 mile long and is managed for trout fishing by MDC. The spring, with average daily flows of more than 90 million gallons is sixth or seventh largest in the state. The beautiful park in the area of the spring and branch is maintained by The James Foundation.

• 28.8 Dry Fork enters on the left. Although this creek has a drainage as large as the upper Meramec, much of its water is thought to drain into the Maramec Spring system. Consequently, it is seldom floatable. Its gradient for the lower 23 miles (from Hwy. F) is 5.2.

• 32.8 Richart Spring on left. Not open to the public.

• 35.1 Scotts Ford Access area on northwest side of bridge. Private camp-

OZARKS FLOAT TRIPPIN’ ground nearby.

• 41.0 Indian Spring and Lodge on right.

• 41.0 Indian Spring and private lodge on right.

• 42.3 Riverview Public Access. Off Hwy. O. • 43.4 Channel divides. Right may be shallow.

• 43.9 Pine Branch on left. McIntosh Spring is one of the springs feeding this branch. It has a flow of under a million gallons but once operated a water wheel.

• 44.4 Private cottages on left.

• 46.8 Fishing Spring Road access.

• 47.0 Many private campgrounds in this area.

• 47.9 State Hwy. 19 Bridge.

• 50.0 Bird’s Nest access (Crawford County) on right. St. Louis-San Francisco R.R. and county bridges. Good rift in river here. City and private campground.

• 50.5 Whittenburg Creek on right.

• 55.3 Private campground.

• 58.3 Lick Creek on left.

• 59.1 Saranac Spring branch on left and private campground.

• 62.0 Spring branch on left.

• 65.9 Huzzah Creek enters on right.

Section just above Huzzah Creek often has log obstructions. The Huzzah and its companion creek, the Courtois, are floatable and are described separately. Huzzah Wildlife Management Area extends along right bank for next 1.5 miles.

• 66.2 Huzzah Conservation Area and access, off Hwy E. • 68.4 Onondaga State Park, Hwy. H bridge. Public access upstream from bridge on west. Onondaga Cave, about one mile up road to left, is one of the outstanding commercial caves in the state.

East side of low-water bridge private with camping.

• 70.4 Opossum Hollow Creek on left.

• 73.7 Campbell Bridge Access.

• 78.0 Private access canoe rental and campground.

• 78.6 Blue Springs Creek Conservation Area and access on Thickety Ford Road. Low-water bridge removed, but pilings still present. No ramp. Must carry canoe/kayak to river.

Meramec River II Mile-by-Mile Description • 73.7 Campbell Bridge Access.

• 78.0 Private access canoe rental and campground.

• 78.6 Blue Springs Creek Conservation Area and access on Thickety Ford Road. Low-water bridge removed, but pilings still present. No ramp. Fair canoe/kayak access.

• 82.4 Greens Creek on right.

• 83.2 Sappington Bridge Access.

• 85.3 Hamilton Creek on right.

• 85.8 Green Cave and picnic shelter on right in Meramec State Park.

• 86.2 Stater Creek on left.

• 88.0 Meramec State Park boat ramp from Hwy. 185 at state park entrance.

• 88.2 State park picnic ground along left bank, from bridge to Camper’s Spring. Stores for supplies 2.5 miles up road on left or in Sullivan 1.5 miles beyond. Meramec State Park makes an excellent base from which to float the Meramec River and its a fine place to begin or end trips.

• 88.5 Camper’s Spring on right at base of bluff.

• 89.5 Panther Cave, in bluff on right, is small but much visited. The “lower” state park campground extends along the left bank in this area.

• 90.0 Boat ramp - Meramec State Park on left. Watch for rock dike on left.

• 90.2 Fisher Cave 0.2 mile from river on left is operated as a park concession • 91.0 Silver Hollow Creek on right.

• 92.0 Private canoe park on left.

• 92.1 Private concrete boat ramp on left.

• 92.3 Private pavilion on left. Bluff on right.

• 92.4 Gravel bar on right. State forest - overnight canoe camping authorized.

• 94.3 Meramec Caverns and La Jolla Springs. Access. This cave is another one of the commercial ones in the state.

The management provides a park and picnic area for the public along the left bank, below the cave.

• 95.4 Sand Ford Access off Hwy. W. • 98.0 Twin Springs and private club on left.

• 98.7 Roaring Spring, on left.

• 101.7 Pickle Ford (Huff Ford). Poor access on left bank.

• 104.4 Plum Ford.

• 112.0 Hwy. K Bridge.

• 112.2 Indian Creek on right.

• 112.3 Private access at beach on right.

• 117.3 State Hwy. 30-47 Bridge. Private access.

Meramec River III Mile-by-Mile Description • 117.3 State Hwy. 30-47 Bridge. Private access.

• 123.8 Bruns Bridge. Private campground.

• 126.2 Little Meramec River on right.

• 127.2 River ‘Round Conservation Area and access, off TT to Mill Hill to Old Cove Road.

• 131.4 Hillcrest Park private access.

• 132.4 St. Louis-San Francisco R.R. Bridge. Access.

• 132.8 Chouteau Claim Access at junction with Bourbeuse River. County road and bridge 0.4 mile up Bourbeuse.

• 136.0 Robertsville State Park access.

• 139.4 Calvey Creek on right.

June 2019 • Page 23 • 142.7 Catawissa Conservation Area and access on right. Must paddle through lake to get to river.

• 142.8 St. Louis-San Francisco R.R. Bridge.

• 145.3 Hwy. F Bridge. Private access.

• 147.3 Pacific Palisades Conservation Area and access on right, on English Road off Hwy F. • 154.2 Allenton Access on left, off I44, at Allentown-Six Flags Road, go east on Main Street, south on Brown Road to Huntersford.

• 158.0 Big River on right.

• 161.0 Hwy. 66 bridges. Times Beach Access on left, at Lewis Road exit off I44.

• 169.0 Castlewood State Park off Kiefer Creek Road.

• 172.5 Valley Park City Access (Valley Park).

• 173.5 Green Tree Park Access (kirkwood), off Marshall Road.

• 176.0 Ackerman Access at I-44 Bridge. No ramp.

• 179.4 Hwy. 30 Bridge.

• 180.4 Winter County Park with ramps on right, off Corisande Beach Road.

• 183.6 Hwy. 21 Bridge. No access.

• 192.0 Flamm City Access on right below Hwy. 231 Bridge. Ramp. Last access above Mississippi River.

• 193.5 Mississippi River.

NIANGUA RIVER One of the best fishing streams in the state, the Niangua also has the advantage of being closely associated with Bennett Spring State Park and one of the Conservation Department’s trout hatcheries. continued on page 24

Page 24 • June 2019

NIANGUA RIVER continued from page 23 Those who prefer floating to trout fishing in the park often make the park their headquarters while floating the upper sections of the river or the section immediately below the park.

However, the river itself provides many fine campsites for put-in-and-go type floats. In high water, a float could be made from as high as Hwy. M, but the river above Hwy. 32 is seldom floatable.

This river is usually crowded on hot, summer weekends.

• Difficulty: I and II. • Gradients: General - 4.6; Hwy. M to Hwy. 32 - 6; to Hwy. K -P Bridge - 4.2; to Bennett Spring State Park - 4.1; to Prosperine (Mountain Creek) Access 3.5; to Mill Creek - 5.2; below Tunnel Dam - about 3.

• Counties: Dallas, Laclede, Camden.

Niangua River Mile-By-Mile Description • 0.0 State Hwy. 32 Bridge.

• 1.3 Big John Access. Low-water bridge. Good canoe/kayak access. Off Hwy. 32 and County Road 32-79 to County Road K-161.

• 3.4 Greasy Creek on left. Lower few miles sometimes floatable.

• 3.9 River divides. Left channel shatter, but inspect.

• 4.8 Watermill Bridge, offHwy. DO. • 8.4 Durington Creek on left.

• 12.2 Williams Ford Access, off MM, to County Road MM-123 to County Road K-143. Poor canoe/kayak access due to high embankment.

• 13.9 Indian Creek on left.

• 16.2 Hwy. K-P Bridge. Four Mile Creek on right.

• 20.1 Cave Creek on right.

• 22.3 Moon Valley Access, on County Road 00-126. Gravel ramp.

• 23.8 Fort Niangua private access and campground on left.

• 26.5 Cat Hollow on left.

• 29.0 Spring branch on left.

• 29.5 Bennett Spring Branch on right.

No access. Outfitters are available, adjacent to the park. The spring, 1.5 miles up the branch, is sixth largest in the state. A large trout harchery provides fishing for rainbows. Daily trout tag required.

• 29.8 Hwy. 64 Bridge. Spring branch on left. No access.

• 30.2 Bennett Spring Access on left off Hwy. 64.

• 30.5 Danceyard Creek on right.

• 35.0 For next two miles there are several private accesses and campgrounds on left.

• 36.2 Spring branch on right. River turns abruptly left along bluff.

• 36.5 Barclay Conservation Area and access, on left, off Hwy. 64 and County Road 64-152.

• 37.5 Prater Spring Branch on left.

Spring 0.4 mile up branch.

• 38.0 Low Gap. Fast rocky riffle area.

• 38.2 Ho Humm private access and campground.

• 38.3 Old bridge piers.

• 40.0 Gilbettson Ford. No access.

• 40.8 Mountain Creek on right. Prosperine Access, at mouth of creek on County Road AA-980. Gravel bar. Private campground next to access. Good swimming hole just upstream from mouth of creek. Rocky riffle below mouth of creek.

• 42.0 Indian Grave Point on right.

• 44.0 Guthrie Bluff on right.

• 44.9 Oldham’s private access.

• 47.4 Smith Ford. No access.

• 48.0 Blue Spring (also called Big Blue Spring) on right. A canoe can be

OZARKS FLOAT TRIPPIN’ paddled 200 feet up the branch to the spring. Private resort.

• 50.7 Mint Spring branch on left. 53.9 Jakes Creek on left. Lead Mine Conservation Area. Poor canoe/kayak access due to embankment.

• 54.3 Herrick Ford Access. No ford here, but old mill dam site produces a fast shoot. Gravel bar provides good access.

• 56.1 Berry Bluff Conservation Area and access on right. Mill Creek on left.

• 57.1 Berry Bluff, on right, particularly beautiful in fall colors.

• 59.1 AB Creek on left.

• 61.1 Chapel Bluff, on left, is mostly unwooded.

• 61.9 Lake Niangua backs water to this point.

• 63.3 Woolsey (Wilsey) Creek on right. Private access road at creek mouth.

• 63.8 Private access on left.

• 65.3 Private cabins on east side of lake.

• 66.0 Tunnel Dam. Public access and boat ramp on west side. However, there is often no water running in the river between the dam and power house, a distance of about 6 miles. At the dam it is only 0.2 mile across the ridge to the other end of this river meander, but it is no place to portage. End trip here unless water is flowing below the dam. The power house is located on the notth side of the ridge because the original tailrace used a cave that perforated the ridge. It is now replaced by an artificial tunnel.

If the “dry channel” section is floatable, the following distances apply: • 68.0 Ford (slab). South of Edith off Hwy. U. Good access.

• 72.2 Power house on right. Power line. Area dangerous when water is coming through turbines. Use caution.

• 73.5 Power line crossing.

• 74.7 Rodger Ford may be reached from both north and south sides. No crossing here.

• 77.0 Lake of the Ozarks may back water to this point.

• 79.5 Access near mouth of Bank Branch, reached by paddling along right shore of lake.

NORTH FORK OF THE WHITE The North Fork of the White combines a relatively constant flow of clear water from large springs with some of the best whitewater in the Missouri Ozarks.

Since its upper reaches are in Mark Twain National Forest, it retains some wilderness character and has good watershed protection.

The section from Hwy. 14 to Hwy. H is near-wilderness and includes some fine stands of short-leaf pine as well as several large springs. Old mills and a number of National Forest recreation areas enhance the attractiveness of the area for vacationers. Indeed, this river has high-quality recreation value equal to any in the Ozarks.

The river is almost always floatable from Dora down to North Fork Reservoir. Although the gradient of the lower sections is not spectacular, the volume is good and this produces some fairly sporty rifts.

The Little North Fork, in western Ozark County, was a fair float before Bull Shoals Reservoir destroyed its lower reaches. There is now little of it left that could be floated, but it is still suited to wading and fishing in the Hammond area.

• Difficulty: I and II. A few places might rate a low III in high water.

• Gradients: General - 7.5; Hwy. HH to Round Valley Ford - 10.4; to Twin Bridges - 8; Hammond Camp - 6.7; to Hwy. H - 6.4; to Tecumseh take-out 5.6.

• Counties: Douglas, Ozark, Howell useful for road connections.

North Fork River Mile-By-Mile Description • 0.0 Hwy. 76 Bridge. Access.

• 0.5 Low-water bridge on connecting road between Hwys. 76 and E. Access.

• 6.6 Low-water bridge and spring at Topaz. An old mill remains standing. Access.

• 11.1 Slab ford. Access.

• 11.4 Indian Creek enters on left.

• 12.2 Osborn Ford low-water bridge in Round Valley, on County Road AH260 off Hwy. AH and County Road 284 off Hwy. 181.

• 14.8 Hale Ford Bridge access on County Road 275 off Hwy. 181 and County Road W-278 off Hwy. • 16.1 Fiddle Springs Hollow on left.

• 18.7 Bridge on connecting road between Hwys. AA and 14. Hebron Access on left, on County Road 279 off Hwy. 14. Gravel ramp.

• 24.1 Hwy. 14 Bridge at Twin Bridges. Other bridge is over Spring Creek. Access and camping. Roadside park on left bank just above Hwy. 14 Bridge is a popular access and campground. Store between bridges.

• 25.9 Spring Creek enters on left. The lower 8 miles of the creek have a gradient of 12.5 but it is more a wading/fishing stream than a floating stream and tends to be blocked by logs and other obstacles. Big Spring, 2.5 miles upstream, is only a third magnitude spring.

• 26.0 Hicks Spring on right just below the mouth of Spring Creek.

• 28.2 Mary’s Hollow and creek on right. Spring up hillside on opposite side of river.

• 29.2 Hammond Camp Access just off Hwy. CC. Concrete bridge on West Plains Road. Forest Service North Fork Recreation Area and campground on left.

• 29.9 Blue Spring on left, at river level. The flow is seldom less than 7 million gallons per day.

• 33.3 North Fork spring issues from rock ledge on left.

• 33.5 Upper branch of Rainbow

RiverHillsTraveler.com (Double) Spring on right. Lower branch enters river 1500 feet downstream from source. No admittance. Private use only.

This is rated as the fifth largest spring in the state with mid-summer flows of up to 137 million gallons per day. There is a rocky riffle on the bend just below the mouth of the lower spring.

• 35.0 McKee Bridge. Private use only.

• 36.0 The Falls is merely a rock ledge about 2-3 feet high. Chute is best handled from the left and go toward the right, but check first.

• 39.2 Blair Bridge, concrete lowwater bridge, on extension of Hwy. KK to Hwy. H. Access. It is necessary to pull boats over this bridge. Approach with caution, since a broadside approach in medium-high water could result in being swamped and pinned against the upstream side. Just below the bridge are some old concrete bridge piers which produce a tricky channel in low water.

• 39.4 Blair Bridge Access on left, on County Road H-354 off Hwy. KK. • 39.9 Private campground on right.

• 40.9 Spring Creek on left, is fed by numerous springs, none of them large. It has a gradient of 14 on the 6 miles above its mouth but access to it is poor except at the Duncan Ford 2.3 miles upstream.

It has often been floated from this point in springtime and provides a good ride, but a float from Cureall (12 miles) could entail much walking. 42.1 Hwy. H lowwater bridge. Patrick Bridge Access at northeast side of bridge. Gravel ramp.

Althea Spring, rated as Missouri’s 23rd largest, is just downstream on the left.

• 42.3 Althea Spring Branch enters the river at a fast riffle.

• 43.6 Private campground on right.

• 45.3 Hwy. PP Bridge. This is a high bridge, but the old road goes down to the water for easy access.

• 47.0 Dam Mill Dam. Water is backed up for about a quarter mile by this low dam. The dam has been run in high water, but it is a “canoe buster” and you must know the right spot. It is easily “portaged” by sliding the canoe down a shallow chute on the right end of the dam where there is also a rough path around the dam. There is a good rapids below the dam which is easily run.

• 47.1 Dam Bridge. Going under this bridge in high water is dangerous. Approach with caution and make sure there is clearance! The Dawt Mill is one of the most picturesque of those still operating in the area. The run from here to Tecumseh access has a number of riffles depending on lake level.

• 48.8 Repeating Riffle. This is the last drop when the lake is high. A ledge produces good standing waves which whitewater enthusiasts rerun by using a strong upstream eddy on the right to carry them to the ledge again with little paddling effort.

• 49.1 Junction with Bryant Creek.

• 49.5 U.S. Army Corps of Engineers Tecumseh Access and campground on right. n