Can you park overnight at Welch?

[hank franklin]

If memory serves correctly there's no overnight parking at Welch landing. Anyone know for sure?

Secondly, there's a road off K that accesses a cleared area (on the east side of the stream, above Medlock Cave.) Is that a public road? That area there looks developed from the Google Earth aerials but it's not mentioned in Oz Hawksley, the NPS map, or any other source I'm aware of. Google Earth doesn't have a name for the road either.

Thanks for any pointers.

[trumpy]

Hank, I saw the same road on GoogleEarth and wondered exactly the same thing. Also, further upstream, there's a road that leads down to the section of river below Ashley Creek. I also wonder if that is a public road... If I can, I'm going to try and hit the Sport Show here in KC this weekned. If I can get there, I plan on trying to find an outfitter for the Current so I can ask these very questions. But, if anyone on here already knows the answer, please let us know.

Thanks,

Mike

[hank franklin]

I checked the MDC Atlas and both roads are shown as dotted lines, which generally indicates a private road. But, the areas are within the NPS boundary so one would expect they are public, or at least quasi public.

Good luck getting some info.

[Watcher]

Both of the roads go through both private And Government land The one that goes to Ashley right across from Luvs Cabin is blocked with a chain about 1/2 mile from Highway AY. the second road is also off of AY and goes through MDC property. Both roads you will have to have a vehicle that you don't care to break and be sure to someone to be able to come pull you out. I had my Jeep Rocker on it's side this fall on the MDC road. Ruts 5' deep.

[trumpy]

I had my Jeep Rocker on it's side this fall on the MDC road. Ruts 5' deep.

Arrrrhhh.... That's what I was not wanting to hear. I've got a 4wd pickup, but it's no rock climber...

[hank franklin]

What about overnight parking at Welch? Anyone know for sure?

[Kipster]

No, you cannot park overnight at Welch. This is a river access point with no camping posted. You may however, wander off at least 50 ' from the access point to be considered in the national park. What land area can be considered Welch access point is the question. I would consider the trail to the spring, the parking lot, and the road that does just downstream of the access point all part of the no camping area.

When I camp there I put everything in my canoe and drag it upstream to the nice gravel bar.

Kip

[Sam Potter]

The roads ( trails ) leading to the Current River toward Ashley Creek cross private property and Public lands. Permission to cross private property is usually not given to anyone except relatives and close friends. There have been some people prosecuted for trespassing so you take your chances. The National Park Rangers and Missouri Conservation Agents will patrol these trails occasionally.

I wouldn't suggest you drive these trails unless you want to lose a fender or bend a tie rod. The ruts are very deep because of erosion over the years. If you get stuck back in there, you are on your own. I don't know of any wrecker service in the area that will go down there and pull you out.

Fenders? Yes there are a couple of fenders laying in the woods next to these trails where some unlucky guy dropped down into a rut and knocked off two fenders.

I hope that I have helped you with your question.

"A bad day fishing is still a Great Day"

www.TightLine.Biz

[hank franklin]

Sam, I assume the same is correct for the road off Highway K that accesses the river above Medlock Cave?

Thanks for all input guys. It looks like Welch to Pulltite is the plan.

[Kipster]

Hank, I just camped for 5 days between Baptist and Parker and had little problem getting through the rapids. And believe me, I was heavier than you'll ever be.

The river is low but still floatable, even though it is not what you're probably used to.

The fishing was awesome. Everyone who fished caught fish and two guys caught fish over 20". You'll probably catch some rainbows to eat below Welch but you'll miss out on some good rising water this next week.

Kip