need help planning a jacks fork float

[polock]

hey guys.

i live in eminence and want to float the entire jacks fork in a canoe. where is the upper most point of access. if possible could you tell me how long it would take to float to alley?

[Gavin]

Prongs would be your upper most access served by an outfitter. Its about 38 miles upstream of Eminence. At minimum, thats two days of fast padling with little time for much else. It would probably take me at least 4 days.

http://www.windyscanoe.com/canoefloats.html

[Fishin Maniac]

Ditto on the 4 days to realy take up this river. You don't want to rush, lots of wildlife, scenery, caves, etc. Prongs to Buck Hollow can be hairy if you don't know what yu're doing.

[polock]

are talkin hairy as in difficulty level and obsticals or hairy as in shallow and tricky to navigate without dragging... i am pretty experienced in a canoe.

[steve l]

Merry Christmas all!

Upper JF is narrow & twisty with some snags. Inexperienced canoers would find it a challenge, as would some with experience if they are not paying attention.

I have been canoeing the Ozarks for 40 years and end up walking a number of the runs. But not becuase they can't be run, mostly because I canoe/camp just with my wife and there is no backup so why take the risk of a dumped canoe?

Of course I stop & fish alot also, so the walking part is part of the trip.

And I agree with those posters that say take some time up there. I typically do three nights to get from Buck Hollow to Alley. Drift, fish, enjoy. Beats paddling.

Only 5 months till I can get down there...

[Fishin Maniac]

It also get wider, slower and more shallow below Bay Creek. You'll do alot of paddling if you are in a hurry to get to 2 rivers. Awesome float, though!!!

[Gavin]

It can be challenging for folks without much experience or those that arent paying attention. Prongs to Bay is the most challenging stretch. Submerged rocks are the main hazards, plus there are a few ledges, sharp bends, and some sweepers. Keep your eyes peeled, and and hop out and walk if you arent comfortable floating through a section. Below Bay it flattens out, and the canoeing is a lot easier, though more paddling is involved. Cheers.