Outdoors
Current River Ozarks Canoe
Float the clear, spring-fed upper Current River past gravel bars, rock ledges and dolomite bluffs, passing Cave Spring on the way to Pulltite Spring. The river is fairly gentle, with mostly class I riffles and a few class II.
- Where
- Missouri, USA
- Distance
- 15.4 km (9.6 miles) one way
- Time
- About 4 hours by canoe or kayak; add 25-50% in a raft or tube
The route
Akers Ferry to Pulltite, upper Current River (Ozark National Scenic Riverways).
Put in at Akers Ferry. Most people rent from a park-licensed outfitter such as Akers Ferry Canoe Rental, which supplies the boat, paddles and life jackets and shuttles you before or after the float.
When to go
Popular floats like this one are very busy on summer weekends; weekdays and the shoulder seasons are quieter. The park closes the river to non-motorised boats when it rises about 0.6 m (2 feet) above normal.
Permits and fees
No fees or permits are needed to float the Current River within the park.
Before you go
- Book rentals well ahead for summer weekends.
- Glass and polystyrene are banned in canoes, kayaks and tubes and within 15 m (50 feet) of the river.
- Do not tie boats or tubes together, and do not jump from trees or rope swings.
- Carry a life jacket for everyone; children under 7 must wear one at all times.
What to bring
- A buoyancy aid, worn rather than stowed
- A dry bag for your phone and keys
- Water and snacks
- Sun cream, a hat and sunglasses
- A warm layer, even on a hot day
Getting ready for it
Paddling works your back, shoulders and core more than your arms.
A few weeks of rows, pull-ups or pulldowns and some rotational core work will make a full day far more comfortable.
Staying safe
- Summer thunderstorms arrive quickly, and flash floods are possible at any time of year.
- Mobile phone coverage is limited, so arrange pick-ups in advance.
- Check the wind and water forecast before launching.
- Tell someone your route and when you expect to be back.
Route details checked September 30, 2026 against nps.gov, nps.gov, nps.gov and en.wikipedia.org. Rules and closures change, so check before you go.
