The Current River in Missouri stands as a gentle yet vibrant invitation to paddle lovers seeking a blend of clear water, towering limestone bluffs, and the quiet pulse of the Ozark wilderness. Stretching over 70 miles, this protected waterway dares you to drift with its steady current, where every turn reveals a new facet of Missouri’s natural character.

Starting at Cedar Grove or Pulltite Access Points, you’ll embark on a float that combines ease and engagement — the river pushes steadily but rarely overpowers, providing both a soothing glide and occasional lively riffles to keep your focus sharp. The water is famously clear, reflecting the surrounding forests and sky like a liquid mirror, with depths that invite both cautious inspection and full-body immersion.

Along the route, you navigate through shaded corridors of pine and hardwood, their branches reaching lazily toward the river’s surface, as if beckoning paddlers deeper into the wilderness. Wildlife watches quietly from the banks; herons pause mid-flight, turtles sun themselves on logs, and the occasional deer pauses to drink.

For those planning the float, a typical one-day paddle covers roughly 7 to 10 miles, with many choosing stretches from Cedar Grove to Round Spring, a natural spring-fed haven that offers a perfect rest stop or overnight camping option. The terrain is forgiving: water levels generally remain steady year-round, but fluctuations after heavy rain can add a briskness to the current that demands attention.

Practical tips are essential for a satisfying float. Wear water shoes with good traction for riverbed footing and easy exit; bring layered clothing to adapt as the sun moves and temperatures shift. Hydration is key, plus a dry bag for essentials and a reliable map or GPS in case you want to explore side creeks and springs. Weekdays and early mornings offer the quietest experience, especially outside summer peak.

Respect the river’s rhythm: it’s fiercely itself, a living corridor that rewards those who match its pace rather than battle it. Steer clear of swift currents at narrow bends, and watch for submerged logs that claim unwary boats. Campsites along the way are primitive but well-kept; securing a reservation or arriving early can make the difference between peaceful solitude and crowded noise.

The Current River provides more than a float — it offers a direct conversation with the Ozarks’ wild spirit, clear, inviting, and demanding a paddler’s full attention and respect. Prepare well, paddle with care, and you’ll find a day on these waters is less about conquering nature and more about moving alongside it.