Instead of packing up the car and driving thousands of miles this summer, many Missouri families will opt to spend their vacations close to home. Why? Because beautiful natural landscapes abound right here in our own backyard. And the perfect way for you and your family to experience much of the state’s undisturbed natural habitat is on a float trip. Here are some tips for making yours extra fun.
Some of the best streams and rivers for a float trip are The Black, Meramec, Courtois, Huzzah, Niangua, White, North Fork, Eleven Point, Elk, Current and Jacks Fork. Most outfitters provide canoes, rafts and inner tubes.
For a leisurely day on the river, eight to ten miles is a good length to float. Look for rivers or streams that have gravel bars where you and your family can stop for lunch. An eight-mile float usually takes four to five hours. This gives you enough time to set up camp at the end of the day without being overly tired.
One of the things to avoid on your family’s float trip is wearing flip-flops because it’s so easy to lose one or both in the water. The best shoes for a float trip are water shoes. Tight-fitting water shoes keep the gravel out and provide a sole with protection for short hikes. This is especially important for families with young, adventure-seeking children. And one of the best ways you can prepare for exploration out of the water is by knowing about all the trails to hike in Missouri. For the first time, a 422-page, full-color book, “Trails of Missouri State Parks” is available on Amazon. There are written descriptions with maps including contour lines, GPS coordinates for trailheads and where you can find overlooks. This guide helps you to choose a hiking trail based on your needs and skill level.
Whether you’re hiking or floating down stream, a hat and sunscreen are a must to prevent sunburn. Bring enough SPF 50 or greater to last several days.
Part of what makes a Missouri float trip on The Current and Jacks Fork ideal for families are the restrictions on loud stereos, cliff jumping, rope swings, air horns, Mardi Gras beads and dry ice bombs. These two rivers are federal rives that are part of the Ozark National Scenic Riverways, a national park. Another reason why the rivers and streams throughout Missouri remain pristine is the state law prohibiting glass containers and foam coolers on the water. All coolers must be fastened shut and tied down in case your canoe or raft tips over. Though alcohol is permitted on all rivers, state law prohibits beer bongs and containers that hold four or more gallons of alcohol. Beer bongs, kegs and Jell-O shots in plastic containers are also banned.
You can do your part to keep Missouri’s rivers and streams clean by using the mesh bags many outfitters provide for aluminum cans and other litter. This is a great way to teach young environmentalists the importance of cleaning up after ourselves and others. Many families are doing their part by picking up debris left behind by other thoughtless boaters.
If we don’t do our part to keep Missouri’s rivers and streams clean, future generations won’t have the opportunity to see bald eagles, kingfishers, great blue herons, beaver, mink, otter and turtles on a Missouri float trip. It’s important to view wildlife and keep a distance as all wildlife is protected. Teach your kids to leave wildlife alone.
Floating Missouri’s rivers and streams on a summer Saturday will have you floating with a crowd. But the rest of the week you’ll find you have the water mostly to yourself. And if your schedule permits, finding the time to float in the spring or fall is extraordinary, especially with all the foliage and colors. No matter what season you choose to float, be sure to bring a dry bag with a change of clothes because you never know when you’ll take an unexpected dip.
Gather up your gear and get ready to go. Missouri’s rivers and streams are waiting.
