Best Kayaking in Missouri

Trying to find the best kayaking in Missouri? Bivy has great hiking, biking, paddling, climbing, skiing, riding and more, with hand-curated trail maps, as well as detailed driving directions.

1

Missouri, Jasper County

02 :26 hrs
5.8 mi
9.543976 ft
II

Water was up so nice float except three major log jams.

2

Illinois, Madison County

02 :06 hrs
5 mi
11.650528 ft
I

Nice slow creek with lots of paddling.

3

Arkansas, Newton County

05 :33 hrs
13.2 mi
31.87941 ft
II

This paddle offers some moderate whitewater on the Buffalo National River; some of the best paddling in middle America. Be wary of the low water bridge at Erbie Ford, the need to portage is likely. The scenery is excellent, dense hardwood forest blanketing hill country and the highest rock faces in the region. Be on the lookout for willow thickets that can trap boat.

4

Arkansas, Newton County

04 :26 hrs
10.7 mi
44.10614 ft
II

This paddle offers some moderate whitewater on the Buffalo National River; some of the best paddling in middle America. The scenery is excellent, dense hardwood forest blanketing hill country and the highest rock faces in the region. Be on the lookout for willow thickets that can trap boat.

5

Missouri, St. Francois County

06 :56 hrs
16.3 mi
- ft
III

This straight river is definitely not a "float" river. It can be challenging even to the experienced paddler. There are boulders throughout the river making it only possible to do in high waters. There are shut-ins all along the river. This section of the river has Class II and Class III rapids. At the Roselle Access, about 14 miles in, there are some good rapids with fast riffles. The next 1.5 miles will have some 3 sharp drops and continuous rapids. The steepest drop is 4-6 feet. A portage is advised at the Silver Mine Dam. The left side is runnable, but can swamp the craft in high waters due to a high wave that is produced.

6

Kansas, Linn County

02 :22 hrs
5.3 mi
23.376846 ft
I

The last 14.5 miles of the Marais des Cygnes River that flow through Kansas meander through the Marais des Cygnes National Wildlife Refuge and Marais des Cygnes State Wildlife Area. This long river segment is easily broken into two completely distinct parts. This section is upstream of US-69 and holds enough water at any time of the year for a good float. A natural limestone dame located below the US-69 bridge creates a big pool that extends beyond the end of the wildlife area. This calm piece of water is nice for paddlers, bird-watchers, photographers, anglers, and hunters. It is well protected from the wind and has spectacular scenery.

7

Kansas, Osage County

02 :43 hrs
6.4 mi
10.512543 ft
II

This short float on Dragoon Creek above Pomona Lake offers beautiful scenery, takes you over gravely riffles, and through narrow channels that are nestled in hills of hardwoods. The stream is sheltered by a rocky valley and large trees that provide excellent protection for windy days. Bald eagles frequent the area and are easy to spot soaring above the river and signs of other wildlife are also present. The river is best at levels of 100 CFS or higher. A series of S-turns, pools, and gravelly riffles down this narrow passage make this route exciting.

8

Tennessee, Obion County

01 :33 hrs
3.7 mi
1.2771301 ft
I

Located at Reelfoot National Wildlife Refuge, this route follows an old canal through swamp woods to the open waters on Reelfoot Lake. Continue on to the small channel that leads to Bayou du Chien. There may be an occasional beaver dam that requires you to portage over. The refuge is closed from November 15th to January 30th.

9

Kansas, Linn County

04 :02 hrs
9.7 mi
35.020645 ft
II

The last 14.5 miles of the Marais des Cygnes River that flow through Kansas meander through the Marais des Cygnes National Wildlife Refuge and Marais des Cygnes State Wildlife Area. This long river segment is easily broken into two completely distinct parts. This section contains a series of Class II pools, riffles, and rapids. It is surrounded by hills, bluffs, and mature trees and is well protected from the wind. It is a very beautiful and relaxing place to paddle and enjoy nature.

10

Missouri, Saddlebrooke

05 :28 hrs
13.2 mi
39.81378 ft
II

This creek is similar in size and has similar gradients as Swan Creek, but it doesn't have as much water, making parts of the it less floatable. It is one of the clearest streams in the Ozarks. It offers good fishing for small and largemouth bass. The creek flows into Lake Taneycomo. Near mile 9, there are falls, and you can bypass them by taking the left channel. This is only runnable in high water. Your put-in is at Dry Hollow Road but is only accessable during high water. Your take-out is near the Route F Bridge. You can add 5 more miles to your adventure and enter Lake Taneycomo and take-out at the Roackaway Beach Access.

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