Missouri’s Current River is a favorite for paddlers, boasting crystal-clear waters, stunning bluffs, and a rich variety of wildlife. Flowing through the heart of the Ozark National Scenic Riverways, this river offers an incredible canoeing experience for both beginners and experienced paddlers. Whether you're planning a leisurely float or an adventurous multi-day trip, here’s everything you need to know to navigate the Current River with confidence!
Our four girls grew up camping and canoeing with three generations in our family. Over the years this has included ages 2-72. We love that this river is hospitable to all ages as it is easy, adventurous, and fun. Autumn is our family favorite on the Current River, in Eminence, Missouri, as is not only scenic, but it is peaceful and easy for beginning paddlers. However, Spring and Summer are wonderful too.
We loved introducing our girls to family canoe trips on this clean, calm, easy float trip. After nearly two decades of float trips as a family, we've only had one canoe tip (and I still think it had to do with the balance of a grown man, a loaded cooler, and a petite girl). With proper lifejackets, experience, and care no one was injured and it is now part of our family lore.
Planning Your Trip
Whether you're a first-timer or a seasoned paddler, preparation is key. Here are some tips to help you make the most of your experience:
Choose Your Route: Decide on a stretch of the river that suits your skill level and desired length of trip. Ask your outfitters, Carr's Canoe Rental team is very knowledgeable, for tips, maps, and advice so you see each stop. They'll even help estimate distance and time so you'll be able to anticipate your stops.
Check the Weather: Always stay informed about the weather conditions to ensure a safe and enjoyable outing. Local outfitters do a great job keeping track of the weather and they will not put in canoes if inclement or dangerous weather is on the radar.
Pack Essentials: Bring plenty of water, snacks, sunscreen, and safety gear to keep everyone comfortable and safe.
Make time for Additional Nearby Sites: Alley Mill, Rocky Falls, and Peck Ranch an elk preserve.
Best Time to Canoe the Current River
The best time to canoe the Current River depends on your preferences. The river is most crowded on weekends in the summer. It is least crowded in the Fall and Winter.:
Spring (March-May): Higher water levels and fewer crowds, but cooler temperatures. We have enjoyed spring float trips as a family. The wildflowers are just beginning to appear, the river is less crowded, but the water will often be higher.
Summer (June-August): Warm weather and perfect for swimming, but weekends can be crowded.
Fall (September-November): Beautiful autumn colors, mild weather, and fewer paddlers. This is our FAVORITE time to canoe the Current. We float it every autumn as a family.
Winter (December-February): Solitude and stunning icy scenery, but cold water and weather require extra precautions.
Popular Canoeing Routes on the Current River
The Current River has several access points, making it easy to customize your trip. Over the years, we have canoed with multiple outfitters, but Carr's Canoe Rental is our favorite. We appreciate their friendly, safe transportation to and from our spot. Choose a route based on what you want to see.
Here are some popular routes:
1. Cedar Grove to Akers Ferry (10 miles, 4-6 hours)
This 10-mile stretch promises beautiful scenery, gentle currents, and mild rapids for a Class I-II canoe route. Our family has enjoyed floating down this route many times, and one of our favorite stops is the exploration of the Welch Hospital ruins. This hidden gem features old stone ruins of a hospital that was a retreat for those seeking help from the natural springs.
Key Sites Along This Route:
Welch Hospital Ruins – Just downstream from Cedar Grove, explore the remains of Dr. C.H. Welch’s Hospital, a historic site once used as a retreat for people seeking the health benefits of the river’s natural spring waters.
Welch Spring – One of the most beautiful and powerful springs on the river, Welch Spring pours out from a cave and feeds directly into the Current River, making the water even cooler and clearer. The ruins of Welch Hospital sit above the spring.
Scenic Bluffs and Caves – Towering limestone bluffs rise above the river, creating stunning reflections in the water. Keep an eye out for small caves and springs hidden along the banks.
What to Expect:
A mix of slow-moving water and gentle rapids.
Opportunities to explore Welch Spring on foot.
Gravel bars are perfect for a quick break or picnic.
2. Akers Ferry to Pulltite (10 miles, 4-6 hours)
This beginner-friendly section of the river is a great adventure. This 10-mile float is known for its springs, caves, and clear water, making it an ideal choice for those new to paddling. My girls love canoeing into the cave along this route; it’s a scenic and fun adventure. The turquoise blue water is my favorite.
Key Sites Along This Route:
Akers Ferry – One of the last operating ferries in Missouri, it has been in service since the 1800s. For my city kids, taking our car across a river on a ferry was fun.
Cave Spring – One of the most impressive sights along the river, this massive cave has a spring flowing directly out of its entrance, spilling cold, clear water into the Current River. Paddlers can canoe inside the cave to experience its cool interior.
Rock Formations & Wildlife – This stretch is home to towering bluffs, wildlife such as otters and bald eagles, and plenty of great swimming holes.
What to Expect:
A calm, scenic float with minimal rapids.
A must-see stop at Cave Spring.
Multiple gravel bars for resting or camping.
3. Pulltite to Round Spring (9 miles, 4-5 hours)
Considered one of the most scenic sections of the Current River, this 9-mile paddle offers lush scenery, hidden caves, and towering bluffs. Our family chooses this route most frequently. We love to stop and hike back to Pultite Spring, explore the cabin, then take photos of Fire Hydrant Cave (a small cave that spews water like a gushing fire hydrant), and park our canoes on the side of the bluffs, hiking up into Round Spring Cave (you cannot float into any caves on this route). So, why is it called Pultite? You will need to "Pultite" and be sure to stop or you'll keep floating and will miss this stop.
Key Sites Along This Route:
Pulltite Spring & Cabin – About a mile downstream from Pulltite Campground, Pulltite Spring emerges from the rocky bluffs and flows into the river. Nearby, a historic cabin from the early 1900s sits along the bank, adding an extra layer of charm.
Fire Hydrant Cave / Waterfall – A small, hidden waterfall along the bank of the river, this spot is perfect for a quick photo or a refreshing splash.
Round Spring Cave – Located near Round Spring Campground, this cave is one of the largest and most fascinating in the area. While access to the cave is limited to guided tours, paddlers can see its massive entrance from the river.
Towering Bluffs – This section is well known for its majestic limestone bluffs, some of which rise hundreds of feet above the river.
What to Expect:
A few gentle riffles and deep, calm pools.
Stunning scenery and wildlife, including deer and herons.
Access to Round Spring Campground, a great overnight stop.
4. Round Spring to Two Rivers (18 miles, full-day or overnight trip)
A longer stretch, this 18-mile paddle offers fewer crowds, stunning geology, and excellent fishing. Many paddlers opt to break this into a two-day trip and camp along the way.
Key Sites Along This Route:
Eminence Bluffs – These massive limestone cliffs tower over the river, creating some of the most breathtaking views in the Ozarks.
Blue Spring – One of the deepest springs in Missouri, Blue Spring is over 300 feet deep and glows with an intense blue color. A short hike from the river leads to this spectacular sight.
Two Rivers Confluence – Where the Current River meets the Jack’s Fork River, this area is rich in wildlife and a great spot for fishing or setting up camp.
What to Expect:
More remote, peaceful paddling.
Plenty of gravel bars for camping.
Deep fishing holes and great chances to see bald eagles.
5. Two Rivers to Van Buren (22 miles, overnight or two-day trip)
This final stretch of the Current River is known for deep pools, clear water, and peaceful solitude. It’s a fantastic option for overnight paddling trips and those who love wildlife spotting.
Key Sites Along This Route:
Big Spring – One of the largest springs in the U.S., Big Spring pumps out over 286 million gallons of water per day! While not directly on the river, a short detour near Van Buren leads to this natural wonder.
Quiet Pools & Gravel Bars – This section features some of the deepest pools on the Current River, making it ideal for swimming and fishing.
Wildlife Sightings – Due to the lower traffic on this stretch, deer, wild turkeys, and river otters are frequently spotted.
What to Expect:
A longer, more remote stretch of river.
Fewer paddlers and excellent camping spots.
The perfect grand finale at Big Spring near Van Buren.
What You’ll See on the Current River
Crystal-clear waters flow over a gravel bed.
Massive bluffs rising above the river.
Caves and springs, including Big Spring, one of the largest in the U.S.
Wildlife such as the famous wild horse of Shannon County, otters, turtles, bald eagles, and deer.
Historic sites, including remnants of old mills and ferry crossings.
Tips for Canoeing the Current River
✔️ Check water levels before your trip—high water can be dangerous, while low water can mean more portaging.
✔️ Bring plenty of water & snacks—there are few places to stop and resupply.
✔️ Pack a dry bag for valuables like phones, cameras, and extra clothes.
✔️ Wear water shoes for traction on rocky riverbanks.
✔️ Respect nature—leave no trace and pack out all trash
.✔️ Secure your canoe rental or bring your own early, especially in peak summer months.
Where to Rent Canoes on the Current River
If you don’t have your canoe, several outfitters offer rentals, shuttles, and guided trips:
Carr's Canoe Rental: Our family's FAVORITE! They will pick you up and drop you off at Echo Bluff.
Where to Stay: Echo Bluff State Park
Echo Bluff State Park is our favorite place to enjoy glamping in Missouri during our annual Current River family trip.
Nestled in the heart of the Missouri Ozarks, Echo Bluff State Park is our family's favorite destination for nature lovers and adventure seekers. Established in 2016, this 476-acre park offers a harmonious blend of natural splendor and contemporary amenities, making it a must-visit spot for families, solo travelers, and outdoor enthusiasts alike. Learn more about Echo Bluff in this Guide to Echo Bluff State Park.
Start planning your Eminence, Missouri getaway:
Whether you’re looking for a peaceful float or an adventurous overnight paddle, canoeing the Current River is a must-do experience in Missouri. With its stunning scenery, clear waters, and rich wildlife, this river offers some of the best paddling in the Midwest.
Ready to paddle? Let us know your favorite route in the comments!
Bonus: Recommended Reading:
This book is my favorite reference for Missouri's State Parks. Written by four skilled writers and lifelong conservationists, this beautiful book showcases the captivating history, beauty, and recreational importance of Missouri's state park system, which is ranked among the top four nationwide. The book includes hundreds of photographs and provides details on all 88 state parks and historic sites, featuring the nation's longest-developed rails-to-trail project, homes of notable Missourians, Civil War battlefields, and other historical landmarks such as mills and covered bridges. The authors narrate the complete story of the park system, from its beginning in 1917 to the newest state park established in 2015, covering much of Missouri's history and its scenic and diverse landscape.
Additional Favorites for Missouri Nature Lovers:
Hidden Gems of the Ozarks: Your Family Guide to Eminence, Missouri
Echo Bluff State Park: Missouri's Best-Kept Secret for Nature Enthusiasts
8 Best Places to Camp in Missouri: Top Campgrounds for Nature Lovers
Exploring Laura Ingalls Wilder’s Legacy: A Guide to Must-Visit Little House Sites
The Ultimate Branson Adventure: Bowfishing with Stained Water Bowfishing Charters
Elephant Rocks State Park: First-Timer’s Guide to Missouri’s Natural Wonder
8 Insta-Worthy Mills You Need to Visit on Your Next Road Trip
Underground Boat Tour of the World's Largest Subterranean Lake
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Looks like a lot of fun. If I were younger and in better health I would certainly try it.