Looking For A Senic Canoe Trip.

[junkman]

Guys, I have not been on in some time for i have had no time for fishing. But I thought about squeezing some time out to do a canoe trip. Might be several canoes take part just for a good scenic experience. I know you guys know the rivers in southwest and south central and even central Missouri more then I do, so I ask if anyone would have a favorite 7 to 10 mile stretch with a view? Was thinking the Big Piney might be good, but have never been on it. I also know that some of the rivers around might be low in a few weeks, so that might need to be taken into consideration. Any suggestions would be much appreciated.

[Al Agnew]

Big Piney from 6 Crossings to Ross Bridge is really scenic, as I remember about 6 miles. Big bluffs and pretty water, with a reliable water supply. Gasconade either from Riddle Bridge to Hwy. 28, or Hwy. 28 to Jerome, has some spectacular bluffs and while it's slow water, by mid-autumn it's usually clear and there should be enough water.

I've only floated the lower James once, but I was fairly impressed with the bluffs and the water.

For the best scenery, though, in my opinion, you should do the Current. If fishing is not a big deal, Akers to Pulltite or Pulltite to Round Spring is gorgeous. If you want a chance at decent fishing, Williams Landing or Jerktail to Two Rivers can't be beat, but Williams is longer float than you'r looking for, about 12 miles if I remember right, and Jerktail is a little short, 4 miles or so.

Eleven Point is beautiful, though the bluffs are not as impressive.

Meramec from Onondaga to Blue Springs Creek is another really scenic float.

The Buffalo in Arkansas is the most scenic of all.

[joeD]

Pick a river close to you, since, as you say, you'll be "...squeezing some time out..." The longer you drive, the less time on the water. Beauty is in the eye of he beholder, and, in my opinion, any choice you make should be good. Focus on having a pleasant experience for all instead of trying to hit a home run with the "most scenic float ever!!"

Simple. Less. Fun. Relax. Enjoy.

Scenery is nice. But if you start worrying about every little detail, and "getting things perfect," then you'll be disappointed if something goes wrong.

All Al's suggestions are great. So are other options. Make them fit what you want to do.

[Kcdangler]

PineyMason bridge to slabtown

[Gavin]

The Piney & Gasconade are nice. Current. 11pt, Jacks, & Buffalo are better in terms of scenery. NFOW & Bryant Creek are nice too. Have not floated the James, Elk, Big Sugar or Spring in the Southwest corner of Missouri. I'm sure it's good to, but not familiar with it. As Joe pointed out..Your time is valuable. Look close to home first so you can max your river time. Over a 2hr drive one way.....Day trippable, but prefer overnight.4-5 hour drive warrants a 3 night stay .

[junkman]

Thanks guys and thank you Al. Elk river right now i think would be quite low for I have been on it several times, and the oldest boy and the nephew paddled the first 11 miles out of Bennet Springs Sunday, but thought the scenery could have been better, plus the dragged bottom many times. You guys have given me some ideas to check out and now I can look at to which will be easy to shuttle. Again thanks.

[ozark trout fisher]

Try the Big Piney from Slabtown to 6 crossings if you can get a shuttle. Very nice scenery, good fishing, and not much in the way of crowds. It's probably getting late enough in the year that Six Crossings to Ross would be good too.....it gets awfully crowded in summer, but it should be better now.

Also, anywhere on the 11 Point would be a slam dunk in terms of scenery and fishing. Just can't really go wrong there.