Paddle 10 miles of winding rivers with Ozark Outdoors’ HWY 8 canoe and kayak trip. Navigate caves, gravel bars, and lush forests on a family-friendly float through Missouri’s Huzzah and Meramec waterways.
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Difficulty
moderate
Duration
5–7 hours
Fitness Level
Participants should have moderate endurance to paddle steadily for several hours and manage occasional currents.
Wildlife
History
The Huzzah and Meramec rivers have long served as natural corridors for Native American tribes and early settlers in Missouri.
Conservation
Ozark Outdoors actively promotes Leave No Trace practices to protect the river ecosystem and maintain water quality for future generations.
Ozark Outdoors
Paddle 10 miles of winding rivers with Ozark Outdoors’ HWY 8 canoe and kayak trip. Navigate caves, gravel bars, and lush forests on a family-friendly float through Missouri’s Huzzah and Meramec waterways.
Ozark Outdoors is a Leasburg, Missouri outfitter specializing in guided and self-guided river floats, aerial park experiences, and on-site rentals. The business operates river trips on the Huzzah and Meramec rivers and on Courtois Creek, offering a range of distances and durations to suit different groups. Signature river options include Butt's Slab, a 10-mile canoe or kayak float through Courtois Creek, Huzzah, and Meramec with 5 to 7 hours on the water; HWY 8, a 10-mile forested float on the Huzzah and Meramec with 5 to 7 hours; and Scotia, a brisk four-mile trip that combines two miles on the Huzzah and two miles on the Meramec, finishing at the Ozark Outdoor Resort. On-site activities include golf cart rentals for self-guided exploration of facility paths and the Floating Treetops Aerial Park above Turtle Pond with six harnessed courses and zip line finales. Trips emphasize scenic floating past forests, caves, and gravel bars and are described as family-friendly and ideal for nature lovers. Safety features include harnessed aerial courses and guided float logistics. Ozark Outdoors serves day visitors and families seeking outdoor recreation near Leasburg, relying on clearly described trip lengths and durations to help guests plan. The business provides equipment options for canoeing and kayaking, rentals for on-site exploration, and adrenaline-tinged treetop courses, making it a comprehensive outdoor recreation provider in the local Ozarks.
Reservation details, safety briefings, and equipment options are provided to visitors at booking to ensure clear expectations and safe participation for families and individual paddlers alike.
Location
Leasburg, MO
Near the Huzzah and Meramec rivers
Trip Lengths
4–10 miles
Short and full-day float options
Family Friendly
Yes
Options suitable for families
Tours Offered
5
River trips, aerial park, rentals
Book canoeing, kayaking, golf cart rentals, or the Floating Treetops Aerial Park — plan a scenic, family-friendly outdoor day in Leasburg.
Bring Your Own Child Life Vest
Limited child-sized life vests are available; kids under 13 must wear one, so bring your own if possible.
Start Early for Cooler Conditions
Morning launches reduce exposure to midday sun and offer calmer water for smoother paddling.
No Styrofoam or Glass Allowed
To keep the river clean and safe, avoid bringing these materials on the float.
Plan for a Full Day on the Water
The 10-mile route takes 5-7 hours with stops; pack snacks, water, and sun protection.
USCG-Approved Life Vest
Required safety gear for all paddlers to ensure buoyancy and protection.
Waterproof Dry Bags
Protect valuables and keep clothing dry during river floats.
Sun Protection (hat, sunscreen, sunglasses)
Critical for protecting skin and eyes during prolonged exposure on open water.
summer
Layered Clothing
Allows paddlers to adjust to changing temperatures and stay comfortable.
spring|fall|winter