Eleven Point 50 Miler

[TylerD]

Hi guys, 

I'm trying to help plan a canoe trip for late August for a group of guys from my church and we narrowed it down to a few rivers, with the Eleven Point being our top pick. I've been on canoe trips on the Eleven Point one or two times, but several years ago and did not plan them, so I'm not very familiar with routes on the river. We thought it would be fun to do a 50 mile float, since we're all former Boy Scouts and most didn't get the chance to get the 50 miler award. We don't mind dealing with low water a little bit on the first day, but don't want any serious portages. Mainly just me and one of my friends are interested in fishing much on this, so we can focus on paddling and work fishing in when we get the chance.

What are some options for a 50 mile (or a little over) canoe trip on the Eleven Point in late August, and how long (in days) would they approximately take?

[MaxDrown]

Thomasville down to Arkansas is about 50 miles, but there is a lot of dead water to paddle through the last day or two. I've never been above Greer Spring in the summer, so not sure how much dragging is needed. I've heard it gets pretty low.

Have you considered the Buffalo River in Arkansas instead?

[TylerD]

We've mostly been considering things in-state, but it might be worth a look. Thanks!

[jdmidwest]

Late August would be late for upper part of 11 PT unless water levels stay high.  Pretty skinny up there for a canoe.

[TylerD]

I'll take a look at other options. Maybe another river or a shorter float on the Eleven Point would be better.

[Ham]

Just Do the Current River. Round Spring to however far you want to go (maybe Van Buren gets you that 50 miler from Round Spring).

IMO, August is a terrible plan (too hot at night), but on the Current you will have plenty of camping options. You'll have flow. You'll have decent fishing opportunities. Decent amount of take out options. 

[TylerD]

We're not too worried about the heat since this group does a lot of summer camping, but we will definitely consider the Current as well. Thanks!

[rps]

4 hours ago, Ham said:

Just Do the Current River. Round Spring to however far you want to go (maybe Van Buren gets you that 50 miler from Round Spring).

IMO, August is a terrible plan (too hot at night), but on the Current you will have plenty of camping options. You'll have flow. You'll have decent fishing opportunities. Decent amount of take out options. 

And if you want, you can keep going until it becomes the Black River and follow that to the White River below Batesville. Now that would be a trip.

 

[Mark]

Tyler, I'll say if you don't mind a some work the first day and wanting some adventure, I've done the upper 11 pt once in July when the water level was normal summer flow. Yes, the first 3 miles was some work, it's a small creek at the headwaters.  A spring enter at 3 miles and 3 more springs in the next 3 miles - all 4 are worth seeing. Not too bad after the first 3 miles from what I remember. Although we weren't hauling camping gear either making a big difference. You'll definitely have the river to yourselves all the way to Greer.

[Gavin]

The Upper 11pt is pretty skinny...Lots of cottonmouths too. Think you would have a better float on the Current. Will see jets boats on both.