RIVER ACCESS POINTS Highway 14 Bridge
photo by Twin Bridges Canoe
Sunburst Ranch
private access, mile marker 39.5
Twin Bridges Canoe & Camp resort access, mile marker 24.1 The Highway 14 Bridge access is at at Twin Bridges Canoe and Campground. Guests can rent canoes, kayaks, tubes and rafts here. A campground and cabins provide lodging options. “Twin bridges” refers to this bridge and a similar one over nearby Spring Creek.
417-284-3443; www.sunburstranchcanoe.com
CC Highway Bridge
photo by Nat’l Forest Service
public access, mile marker 29.2 The CC Highway Bridge, also known as Hammond Bridge, is located in the North Fork Recreation Area managed by the Mark Twain National Forest. Those who use the access and parking lot pay a $2 day-use fee. Blue Spring is a short walk from the parking lot.
photo by Sunburst Ranch
Patrick Bridge
public access, mile marker 42.2 Patrick Bridge is a slab-style concrete low-water bridge on H Highway. The access includes a concrete boat ramp and a parking lot for public use. No fee is charged to use this access. During high water, boaters may have portage around the bridge.
McKee Bridge
at River of Life Farms Outfitter private access, mile marker 35 417-261-7777; Riveroflifefarm.com
photo by Joleen Burton
This bridge is owned/accessed by River of Life Farms. Guests can rent canoes, kayaks and rafts from this outfitter or have private boats shuttled. The river in this area also features the famed “falls,” a rock ledge that drops about 2-3 feet. It’s a tricky spot, so boaters should be careful navigating the chute.
photo by Amy Spencer
James Bridge
Pettit’s Canoe Rental private access, mile marker 39
417-284-3290; pettitscanoerental.wixsite.com/home
photo courtesy of Pettit’s Canoe
This outfitter is located just upstream from Blair Bridge and offers canoe, kayak, tube and raft rentals. A campground on the property is open to Pettit’s guests who rent boats there. The outfitter also offers cabin rentals.
photo by Sunburst Ranch
photo by Dawt Mill Resort
THE REAL OZARKS MAGAZINE
private access that is often used by the public, mile marker 45.3 This access is located on PP Highway and features a high, metal bridge. This property includes the MoDOT right-of-way bordering private land. It has been used for many years by visitors to the North Fork, but it is not an official public access point. There is some parking.
Dawt Mill
private access, mile marker 47.1 417-284-3443; Dawtmill.com
Blair Bridge
public access, mile marker 39.2 Blair Bridge is a tall, concrete bridge on Ozark County Road 354 off H Highway. The public access includes a concrete boat ramp, pit toilets and parking area for public use. No fee is charged to use this access.
Sunburst Ranch is located a half mile downstream from Blair Bridge. The resort offers canoe, kayak, tube and raft rental as well as shuttle service for private boats. The resort also owns another access, known as “The Landing,” about a half mile upstream from Dawt Mill. The dual sites give guests multiple floattrip options. Multi-night float trips can also be arranged, including a three-day trip from Topaz Mill in the spring when river levels allow it. Campsites and cabins are available for visitors to rent.
photo by Dawt Mill Resort
Until recently, a dam at Dawt Mill made this the sourthernmost end of any North Fork float trip. The dam was removed in February 2107, and floaters may now continue downriver to Lake Norfork. The resort offers canoe, kayak and tube rentals, private shuttles and take-out (for a fee), camping and lodging options, two seasonal restaurants, and bar, store and ice cream parlor.
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