From STL
~2.5 hrs
From KC
~4 hrs
Water Clarity
10/10
Difficulty
Class I–II · Beginner friendly
Season
Apr – Oct
Planning a Current River float trip? The Current is Missouri's most celebrated float river — spring-fed, crystal clear, and lined with ancient dolomite bluffs in the Ozark National Scenic Riverways. With the best outfitter network in the state and reliable water all season, it's the most dependable Ozark float for first-timers and seasoned paddlers alike. This guide covers where to put in and take out, every outfitter on the river, live conditions, the best float segments with a river map, and tips for floating the Current with kids or dogs.
Right Now
Live conditions on the Current
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
Akers Ferry Canoe Rental
Canoe, kayak & tube rentals. Shuttle service included.
All Outfitters
Current Float Map & Outfitters
Tap any marker for phone, website, and directions. Pricing and hours change seasonally — confirm directly with the outfitter before booking.
9 outfitters on this river.
Float Tips
What to know before you go
Party Float tip: The Current at Akers is a classic — wide gravel bars, reliable current, great outfitters. Weekdays are noticeably less crowded.
Chill Float tip: Ask your outfitter about less-trafficked put-ins above Akers. The upper Current runs quieter and the bluff scenery is just as good.
Dog tip: The Current is one of the best dog float rivers in the state. Gravel bars give dogs plenty of room to run and swim between floats. Confirm your outfitter allows dogs at 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.
Baptist Camp to Cedar Grove~12 mi
Consistently voted the most scenic stretch on the entire Current. Remote, primitive feel with spectacular bluff and carved cave scenery. Multiple springs. Allow 3 days if you want to explore properly. Some outfitters are reluctant to put you in here — push for it if you want the best the river offers.
Cedar Grove to Akers Ferry~10 mi
Excellent trout fishing with small inline spinners and minnow crankbaits. Good for camping at Cedar Grove — reserve primitive sites in advance, flood damage has reduced available spots significantly.
Akers Ferry to Pulltite14 mi
The classic recommended segment for first-timers and day floaters. Multiple named springs and the paddle-in cave. Note: trout thin out below Akers and smallmouth fishing is actually poor on this stretch due to cold Welch Spring inflow. Below Pulltite is where smallmouth improve.
Pulltite to Round Spring~11 mi
The single most recommended segment for families, beginners, and anyone who wants the best of the Current in one float. Pulltite Spring, Cave Spring, the paddle-in cave, the jumping rock, and spectacular bluff scenery all in one trip. Camp below Round Spring for the lowest light pollution in Missouri.
Cedar Grove to Round Spring~24 mi
The ideal 2–3 day float covering the best fishing, springs, and stargazing on the river. Camp at Akers or a gravel bar night one, Pulltite or a gravel bar night two.
Baptist Camp to Two Rivers (full run)~50+ mi
The definitive 4–5 day multi-day float of the Current River. Put in at Baptist Camp for the most scenic upper stretches, pass through Cedar Grove, Akers, Pulltite, and Round Spring, and take out at Two Rivers where the Current meets Jacks Fork. The upper section above Akers is the most serene — few motorized boats, outstanding scenery, good primitive camping throughout. Most experienced paddlers consider this the finest float in Missouri.
Must-See Stops
Springs, caves, and bluffs to look for
Wild horse herds (Shawnee Creek, Round Spring)
About 50 free-roaming feral horses live in the Ozark riverways, broken into small herds protected by the Missouri Wild Horse League. They've been here nearly a century and graze the river bottoms and open fields along the Current. The Shawnee Creek herd (between Akers and Two Rivers) and the Round Spring herd are most often spotted from the water — keep an ear out for hooves on gravel and an eye on the open fields just back from the bank. Sightings aren't guaranteed because they're truly wild, but if you want a near-certain viewing, drive to Echo Bluff State Park where they're seen regularly.
Welch Spring and ruins
Historic ruins of a hospital and spring house. One of the most photogenic stops on the river. Located between Cedar Grove and Akers.
Medlock Spring
Cold, clear spring entering the river between Cedar Grove and Akers. Worth a stop to swim or fill a water filter.
Paddle-in cave (Akers to Pulltite)
A large cave accessible by paddling directly in off the river. One person reported spinning a 17-foot canoe inside without touching the walls. Bring a flashlight.
Flying W bluff
A popular jumping spot between Cedar Grove and Akers. Named for the bluff formation. Scout before jumping — water levels affect depth.
Pulltite Spring and cabin
A major spring and historic NPS cabin at the Pulltite access point. Often used as a camp stop on multi-day floats.
Cave Spring
Located in the Akers to Pulltite stretch. Spring-fed cave accessible from the river. Bring a flashlight.
The jumping rock (near Pulltite)
A well-known jumping spot near Pulltite Spring. Ask your outfitter for the exact location.
Fishing
What's biting on the Current
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Also Consider
Jacks Fork River
Similar spring-fed clarity, wilder character, fewer people
FAQ
Current River float trip questions
How long does it take to float the Current River?
Popular day stretches like Akers Ferry to Pulltite run a relaxed few hours. The Current floats well as a half-day, a full day, or a multi-day gravel-bar camping trip of three or more days.
Is the Current River good for beginners?
Yes. Class I–II water, clear steady flow, and the best outfitter support in the state make it the most beginner-friendly Ozark float.
When is the best time to float the Current?
April through October. Spring-fed flow keeps it reliable even in late summer, when many other Ozark rivers run too low.
How far is the Current River from St. Louis?
About 2.5 hours from St. Louis and roughly 4 from Kansas City, near Van Buren and Akers.