Kayak the Current River to Welch Spring

Jadwin, Missouri

Save

View all 3 photos

All 3 photos

Save Review Directions Add Photo

Details

Distance

8 miles

Elevation Gain

0 ft

Route Type

Point-to-Point

Description

Added by Tayler Hill

Class II-III rapids on the Current River that passes by a spring with an old hospital built along its banks.

Beginning at Cedar Grove, this 8 mile paddle on Class II-III rapids takes paddlers through Current River state park in Missouri. This chilly, spring fed river is about 60 degrees, which makes the paddle even better on a hot summer day. The highlight of the float is Welch Spring, which has a cave opening and a short hike leads to an old tuberculosis hospital, which was built in the early 1900s. There are numerous outfitters in the area that will rent canoes, kayaks, rafts, and tubes for adventurers that don't have their own.

Download the Outbound mobile app

Find adventures and camping on the go, share photos, use GPX tracks, and download maps for offline use.

Get the app

Features

Kayaking

Hiking

Dog Friendly

Forest

Groups

River

Cliff Jumping

Kayak the Current River to Welch Spring Reviews

Have you done this adventure? Be the first to leave a review!

Leave No Trace

Always practice Leave No Trace ethics on your adventures and follow local regulations. Please explore responsibly!

Nearby

Paddle Current River via Cedar Grove

Start at Cedar Grove and canoe a 44 mile, three-day and two-night trip down one of the most beautiful, crystal clear, spring fed rivers in Missouri to what is called two rivers, where the Jacks Fork runs into the Current River. There is a great group of outfitters who can help get you set up for a successful trip and get your lodging situated: Current River Canoe Rental – (573) 858-3250Round ...

Explore Alley Spring and Mill within the Ozark National Scenic Riverways

Alley Spring is the seventh largest spring in Missouri. It is known to extend at least 3000 feet into the hillside and has a known depth of 155 feet. Water surfacing here is known to begin its journey 15 miles away near the town of Summersville as rain enters sinkholes and then travels through many cave systems of limestone. Then after a half mile journey on the spring branch creek, the water e...

Hike to Blue Spring

If you were to place the Statue of Liberty in Blue Spring, the torch of the monument would still be 5 feet below the surface. As part of the Ozark National Scenic Riverways, Blue Spring is a must see and pinnacle of the nature preserve. The 6th largest spring in Missouri with water discharge at an average of 90 million gallons per day, Blue Spring helps feed the Current River with a year round ...

Explore Rocky Falls

Backpack the Bell Mountain Loop

An offshoot from the Ozark Trail, the Bell Mountain Loop trail offers a 12 mile loop (when starting from the HWY A trail head) that works perfectly as a beginner backpacking trip. The Ozark Trail website offers excellent maps for all sections of the trail (for free!), click here.Day 1: Hike 7.5 miles, camp at summit of Bell MountainStarting from the HWY A trail head, head north along the connec...

Explore the Johnson Shut-Ins

The Shut-Ins Trailhead is located located next to the River Store in the Johnson Shut-Ins State Park day use area. Simply follow the paved trail for 0.3 miles to the boardwalk and viewing deck. Here you’ll find stairs accessing the Shut-Ins. Take your time exploring the unique rock formations spreading across the Black River. The trail to the observation deck is family friendly and handic...