Ready for a full day on the water? The 12 Mile Float Trip in Noel, Missouri, offers an exciting canoe and kayak experience that blends sport with natural beauty. Perfect for paddlers eager to explore Elk River’s clear waters and peaceful scenery.
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Difficulty
moderate
Duration
8 hours
Fitness Level
Participants should have good upper body strength and endurance for continuous paddling over several hours.
Wildlife
History
The Elk River has been a vital resource for local communities for centuries, supporting fishing and transportation since the 1800s.
Conservation
Elk River Floats actively promotes Leave No Trace principles to protect the river’s water quality and surrounding habitats.
Elk River Floats
Ready for a full day on the water? The 12 Mile Float Trip in Noel, Missouri, offers an exciting canoe and kayak experience that blends sport with natural beauty. Perfect for paddlers eager to explore Elk River’s clear waters and peaceful scenery.
Elk River Floats operates in Noel, Missouri and offers float trip add-ons paired with cabin lodging. The company lists cabin options sized for different groups: two-person, four-person, six-person, eight-person, ten-person, twelve-person, and larger cabins for groups of 16 to 25. Named accommodations include the Caboose Cabin, Engelmann Spruce Lodge, and Boxcar Bunk 2. The Engelmann Spruce Lodge is available for nightly rentals for groups up to ten. The Boxcar Bunk 2 accommodates up to six guests. The Caboose Cabin is a single-cabin lodging option.
Float trips are available primarily as six-mile river floats; select two-person options offer either a six-mile or a twelve-mile journey. Rentable watercraft include rafts, canoes, and kayaks, giving guests choices to match group size and preferred craft. Many cabin listings appear as float trip add-ons, so visitors can combine overnight stays with daytime river activities.
Trip pages list minimum group counts for cabin sizes and clarify which watercraft are available for each float length, helping planners confirm capacity, craft selection, and float distance when arranging lodging and river outings in Noel.
Location
Noel, Missouri
Riverfront cabin and float listings
Group Sizes
2–25
Cabins for couples to large groups
Float Distance
6-mile (12-mile opt.)
Standard 6-mile floats; 12-mile for two-person
Named Cabins
3 options
Caboose, Engelmann Spruce, Boxcar Bunk 2
Select cabin size, choose rafts/canoes/kayaks, and confirm float distance to reserve lodging and river time.
Wear a Life Jacket at All Times
Safety first—always wear a properly fitting life jacket while on the river to stay protected.
Bring Waterproof Bags
Keep your valuables dry by packing them in waterproof bags or containers during your float.
Arrive Early for Shuttle Service
Get to the put-in location early to ensure smooth check-in and shuttle arrangements post-trip.
Use Sun Protection
Apply sunscreen and wear a hat to shield yourself from sun exposure during long hours outdoors.
Personal Flotation Device (PFD)
Mandatory for safety during the entire river float trip.
Waterproof Dry Bag
Protects your gear and valuables from water exposure.
Quick-Dry Clothing
Keeps you comfortable and dry during warm weather paddling.
summer
Layered Clothing
Allows you to adjust to fluctuating temperatures throughout the day.
fall