If my dad ever invites you on a float trip, know that you’re going to Current River State Park in Missouri. When I visited, we didn’t have the time to canoe around, but my dad’s expertise will be front and center in this post.
Here’s what you need to know for visiting Current River State Park — for float trips or otherwise.
Visiting Current River State Park
About Current River State Park
Before Current River was a state park, it was the former retreat of the Alton Box Board Co. You can still find the Alton Club and the rustic style buildings from the early 1940s on the park’s site.
This state park is fairly new, opening in 2012. It’s surrounded by the Ozark Scenic Riverways, making it ideal for a float trip.
How to Get to Current River State Park
Most folks find Current River from Eminence or Salem.
From Salem: From the intersection of Hwy19 and Hwy 32 in Salem, head South on Hwy 19 about 26 miles to the sign and entrance.
From Eminence: Go North on Hwy 19 about 16 miles to the sign and entrance. It’s near Round Spring, which is also a great park to visit.
Current River State Park Trails
You have quite a few trail options, depending on your endurance level and how much time you have to spend in the park. The most popular is the Current River Trail, which is 11.2 miles of scenic views and wildlife spotting.
If you’re short on time, I suggest the Centennial Bluff Trail. It’s a loop just over a mile long that will take you straight to those pretty bluffs.
Current River Canoe Rentals
Make sure your canoe rental company is an authorized concessioner. Both Carr’s Rental and Current River Canoe Rentals are good choices. My dad has used both in the past.
Current River Float Trips
Current River Canoe Rental has a few suggestions for your float trip, depending on how much time you have. Not that you’ll be going around 3 miles an hour, and the river is usually easy to moderate for canoeing.
SHORT ONE-DAY TRIPS
Akers Ferry to Pulltite: 11 miles, 4-6 hours
Pulltite to Round Spring: 11 miles, 4-6 hours
LONG ONE-DAY TRIPS
Akers Ferry to Round Springs: 22 miles, 6-8 hours
Cedar Grove to Pulltite: 18 miles, 5-7 hours
SHORT TWO-DAY TRIPS
Akers Ferry to Round Springs: 22 miles, 6-8 hours
Cedar Grove to Pulltite: 18 miles, 5-7 hours
LONG TWO-DAY TRIPS
Cedar Grove to Round Springs: 29 miles, 12-13 hours
Pulltite to Two Rivers: 32 miles, 13-14 hours
What to know before you go
- HCR 62 Box 386 Salem, MO 65560
- (573) 858-3015
- 4 Trails
- Canoe rentals
- More information
Did this post inspire you to visit Current River State Park? Let me know down below!
Pin visiting Current River State Park in the Fall
Safe travels!
-Maggie
