From STL
~1.5 hrs
From KC
~4 hrs
Water Clarity
10/10
Difficulty
Class I–II · Suitable for most floaters
Season
Apr – Sep
Right Now
Live conditions on the Black
USGS gauge data, refreshed when this page loads. River conditions change fast — always confirm with your outfitter the morning of your trip.
— CFS
Fetching latest reading from USGS…
Recommended Outfitter
Where to book
Franklin Floats
Outfitter serving the Black River near Lesterville. Canoe, kayak, and tube rentals with shuttle service.
All Outfitters
Every outfitter on the Black
Tap any marker for phone, website, and directions. Pricing and hours change seasonally — confirm directly with the outfitter before booking.
10 outfitters on this river.
Float Tips
What to know before you go
Party Float tip: The Black River doesn't see the same party crowd as the Meramec or Elk River, which is part of its appeal. Great for a group that wants a fun day without fighting for gravel bars.
Chill Float tip: One of the most underrated floats in Missouri. Clear water, beautiful scenery, and light crowds even on summer weekends. Worth the drive from St. Louis for a quieter experience.
Dog tip: The Black River is dog-friendly with good gravel bar access and clear, relatively cool water. Confirm with your outfitter before booking.
Segments
Where to put in, where to take out
Recommended stretches with mileage and notes. Best segment to start with is highlighted in the segment notes below.
Lesterville to Council Bluff Lake~10 mi
The most popular float on the Black River. Clear water, good gravel bars, and scenic bluffs. Ends at Council Bluff Lake access. Full day at a relaxed pace.
Clearwater Lake tailwaters
Below Clearwater Lake the Black runs cold and clear year-round from dam releases. Good trout fishing in this section. Check with the Army Corps of Engineers for release schedules.
Upper Black (above Lesterville)
Less traveled and more technical in places. Beautiful remote scenery. Best when water levels are up in spring.
Must-See Stops
Springs, caves, and bluffs to look for
Johnson Shut-Ins State Park
A natural water park of smooth rock formations, chutes, and pools carved by the Black River. One of the most unique swimming spots in Missouri. Worth building a trip around.
Gravel bars near Lesterville
Wide, clean gravel bars throughout the Lesterville corridor. Good lunch and swimming stops throughout the float.
Clearwater Lake
A Corps of Engineers reservoir on the Black River. The tailwater below the dam stays cold and clear year-round — good for trout fishing even in summer.
Fishing
What's biting on the Black
If you like this
You might also enjoy
Also Consider
Current River
The Current offers similar spring-fed beauty with more outfitter options and more reliable summer water levels