BRYANT CREEK ACCESSES All access points are property of Missouri Department of Conservation. Photos/ information can be found at mdc.gov.
Vera Cruz Access
public access, mile marker 0.0 This access is at the uppermost headwaters of Bryant Creek in Douglas County. The Bryant cuts a surprisingly deep valley at this point, leaving interesting bedrock features and beautiful bluffs. To get to the Vera Cruz Access, take Highway 14 east from Ava then turn on Route AB and go northeast 3 miles.
Rippee Conservation Area Access
public access, mile marker 4.0 The 419-acre Rippee Conservation Area includes the Bryant Creek Natural Area and provides an access point to Bryant Creek that is floatable via canoe during the early spring months when the water is high. This area includes camping, picnic areas and parking. To get to the Rippee Conservation Area access, take Highway 14 east 11 miles from Ava. Turn onto Country Road 328 and travel south for 1.5 miles.
Sycamore Access at Hodgson Mill
public access, mile marker 25.9 The Sycamore Access is located just downstream of a low-water bridge on Highway 181 near Hodgson Mill (see page 49) that is used frequently as a swimming hole. The spring that powered the old grist mill flows into Bryant Creek at this point. The spring averages a daily flow of 24 million gallons and is ranked 15th in size in the state. The 8-mile section of creek above this access is excellent fly fishing water. To get to this access, travel Highway 181 from Gainesville north for 12 miles.
Warren Bridge Access
public access, mile marker 33.3 Warren Bridge is a low-water bridge access on County Road 328 off Highway FF. An excellent swimming hole is located below the bridge. A float trip from Sycamore Access to Warren Bridge is one of the most scenic on Bryant Creek. To drive to this access, head north on Highway 181 from Gainesville. About 2 miles past Zanoni Mill, turn right onto Highway FF, then turn left onto County Road 328. Continue west for 2.5 miles.
Florence C. Cook Access
public access, mile marker 40 This access to Bryant Creek, commonly referred to as Cook’s Landing by locals, is the last public access on the Bryant before Lake Norfork at Tecumseh. It has a boat ramp, parking lot and picnic tables, along with a 3-acre forested section and a 1.7-acre field. To drive to this access from Gainesville, take Highway 160 east 3.5 miles, then turn left on County Road 308. Continue north on the country road for 3 miles.
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