The itch is strong and while short day paddles when the ice is out help, I need a trip. Comments about the Ozarks being good in March blew into the embers of an idea and I hope to spark some other interested souls to join up. The last week of March or first week of April is ideal for me, but I can adjust a week either way and can go weekends or weekdays. I would plan for a day down and back for travel and at least two nights on the water.
Let the planning begin.

Ben,
I'm infected with the same itch and will be paddling the Ozarks the 3rd week of March, in an attempt to find a cure. The group is base camping out Twin Bridges Canoe & Campground on the Northfork (Norfork) and Bryants Creek. We will be day tripping on various rivers depending on water levels and wind direction, etc. (Current, Jack's Fork, Little Piney, Big Piney, Eleven Point, etc.) I have a cabin with extra bunks rented.
If interested joining the group, I can put you in contact with Al Donaldson, the organizer.
If not, you are welcome to spend the night before you kick off your canoe trip. I can help with the shuttle. Also, I have a couple of royalex canoes available if needed (Bell Wildfire & 16.5 Novacraft Prospector).

Jeff

Ben,
Unless there is major rain, I would stick to the major rivers. Current, Eleven Point, North Fork of White River, etc. Levels are too low on upper Jacks Fork, etc. Part of our group left for a multinight trip on the Eleven Point, today.
We have been paddling sections of the North Fork and Bryant Creek all week. Beautiful rivers and hills. If camping, beware, there is a lot of debris from last Aprils floods. Houses, cabins, bridges, etc. Be careful walking in the dark. Most of the bridges have been replaced.
Downstrm

Jeff, thanks. have a good trip.

the Ozark Rendezvous group on the North Fork on p net reports that the takeout on the North Fork at Tecumseh is closed. Youll have to get out at PP

Okay, June in the Ozarks. Heading south tomorrow with plans to float the eleven point from at least Greer's Spring to Hwy 160.

bhouse46: "Okay, June in the Ozarks. Heading south tomorrow with plans to float the eleven point from at least Greer's Spring to Hwy 160."

See you tomorrow! Just wish I was "Cleared" to paddle with you!

July in the Ozarks,
The family is vacationing near Branson the last week of July. If you are cleared to paddle, perhaps I can Sherpa for you for a day.

Ben, hope you have a wonderful time.

DownStrm: "July in the Ozarks,
The family is vacationing near Branson the last week of July. If you are cleared to paddle, perhaps I can Sherpa for you for a day.


Ben, hope you have a wonderful time.
"

I'll find out in about 10 days....

It was painful to watch Ben paddle away. I've NEVER watched someone paddle away from me at Greer and not followed!

The eleven point is a really nice river. For someone who has been strictly flat water paddling the multiple ripples and rapids made for some fun rides, no tips thank goodness. Heat and humidity were terrible but bugs not bad.
Terry and wife Margaret are a fun couple, ask her about bears... they were great hosts to the area and provided guide and shuttle service making the trip possible. Thanks to both.

Ben,
Glad you finally made the Ozark paddle.
What are you paddling? It's definitely not your Magic.
How many days? Take out?

Jeff, I got Terry's Rockstar and enjoyed the way it handled. It was my first river trip with any type of rapids and I am very glad it was not my Magic. The Rockstar was named appropriately for this type of paddling. It was just an overnight trip. I planned on two nights but the heat was too much and not being familiar with how far I could travel I was within four miles of exit by noon on the second day so just paddled on out at hwy 160. Saw otters and lots of wildlife. A place to return...when it is cooler.

Early October is a GREAT time to paddles places like the current river. They crowds are gone, temps are milder, no major humidity.

Dr bob

bhouse46: "The eleven point is a really nice river. For someone who has been strictly flat water paddling the multiple ripples and rapids made for some fun rides, no tips thank goodness. Heat and humidity were terrible but bugs not bad.
Terry and wife Margaret are a fun couple, ask her about bears... they were great hosts to the area and provided guide and shuttle service making the trip possible. Thanks to both."

Heheheh, Margaret and her bears (LOL)! We enjoyed spending time with you, just wish it could have been longer! Ben, next time you're going to have to come to the farm!

OzarkPaddler,

Thanks for the shuttle on the Jacks Fork/Current Rivers. I enjoyed meeting and paddling with you, Dan, and Lady. Loved being on a clear Ozark stream, again.

Jeff

DownStrm: "OzarkPaddler,


Thanks for the shuttle on the Jacks Fork/Current Rivers. I enjoyed meeting and paddling with you, Dan, and Lady. Loved being on a clear Ozark stream, again.


Jeff
"

We enjoyed your company as well and look forward to paddling with you again!

March 2019 in the Ozarks.
Driving down Saturday for a week of day tripping on the Ozark rivers. I can't wait to be back on a crystal clear stream. The rivers are so rugged looking before the leaves come on and hide the cliffs and boulders. We will be staying at Twin Bridges Resort on the North Fork River. Hoping for the Jacks Fork to have enough water to finally be able to put in at the Prong's for the first time.

Been staying at Twin Bridges since the 80's, Love the North Fork ! Cant wait to head back down later this spring. If the jacks is a no go. The upper Current, Baptist Camp to Round Springs is hard to beat. Enjoy your trip!

Looks like we will have plenty of water. With all the beautiful rivers nearby, there is always at least a couple at good levels. I stayed at Twin Bridges in about 1982, during college. I finally made it back, last year. It is good for the soul.

Eleven of us paddled sections of 6 rivers, starting on March 17. Plenty of water for the upper sections, pretty spring weather, good company, and not a drop of rain while paddling. We ran into no one else on the water during 6 days of paddling.

I finally was able to paddle the Jacks Fork River from the Prongs to the Baptizing Hole. It was my favorite run, twisty with cliffs that shoot straight from the water.

The Big Piney River, from Sutton's Ford, is also a fun stretch with a wide variety of cliff/bluff formations and colors. The Gasconade River, from river mile 2.5 below Hartville, was very scenic with smaller rock formations. We also paddled Bryant Creek and two sections of the North Fork. Bryant Creek is wider and more river-like since the floods of April 2017. There were still two picnic tables stuck in the tops of tall Sycamore trees as a reminder. This trip was a great way to kickoff the paddling season.

I might not get to head north but this sounds promising as it is a bit closer to civilization for my less adventurous spouse. Would this be a kid (8-9 yo) friendly trip/area?

Yes, there are a number of rivers that would fit that bill. The Current River is one of the most popular.