Upper Buffalo River Paddle (free – $11.50)

We will be paddling the Buffalo River between the Steel Creek Campground to Kyle’s Landing on Saturday and Kyle’s Landing to Erby on Sunday, with base camping Saturday night.

The Upper Buffalo National River is rich in ecosystem diversity. The banks are lined with dense forests of gorgeous trees that are home to many species of birds, animals and plants. Though seldom seem, there are black bears and mountain lions in this area, so be careful about how you store food and anything else with a fragrance that may smell like food to an animal. You may also see a herd of elk grazing in the pasture on the right as you enter the launch area at the Ponca low water bridge. Skunks may be the biggest “threat” you will encounter.

If you are into off-river exploration, then a short hike up to Hemmed-in-Hollow will reveal the highest waterfall in this part of the nation – a 200-foot-high cascade with a plateau from which you can gaze down upon the river below. The trail can be tough on those without adequate conditioning for somewhat steep climbing, but the view is worth the effort! Be sure to bring your camera. The buffalo River National Park has several beautiful hikes including the Goat Trail, Lost Valley and Whitaker Point Trail so you can add a few extra days to your trip to enjoy them.

Meeting Location: Steel Creek Campground, 8:00 April 11.

Camping options: Steel Creek Campground Saturday night (Friday night is optional). Reservations can be made at www.recreation.gov

Water classification:

     Class II: Straightforward rapids with wide, clear channels which are evident without scouting; occasional maneuvering may be required, but rocks and medium-sized waves are easily missed by trained paddlers; swimmers are seldom injured and group assistance, while helpful, is seldom needed.

Possible hazards or difficult sections of water paddled (other hazards may also be encountered on the trip):  

This section of the Buffalo has some rapids, swift currents and turns, and possible obstacles to navigate around, as well as possible strainers.

Skill level required:

          Confident Beginner (paddler who has a strong forward stroke, knows other basic strokes, has stamina and skill            to finish a 10-12-mile river trip, and can maneuver their boat through and around obstacles in moving water.)

Type of boat required: Plastic boats under 15′

Participants must bring: 

1. If the air or water temperature is chilly, a complete change of clothes in a dry bag. (if not wearing a dry suit.)
2. water 
3. lunch and drinks for each day’s paddle
4. U.S. Coast Guard approved PFD (life jacket)
5. “pealess” whistle 
6. bug spray
7. snacks

For a list of items to bring that might be helpful for new paddlers, here is a link: Kayaking Gear for Every Trip

How to dress: Dress for immersion.  A dry suit or wetsuit is needed or change of clothing in a drybag. No cotton. If wearing sandals, they should have back straps.

Minors are welcome on this trip if a parent or guardian attends.

Please check out the Club Sanctioned Trips forum for additional information as it is posted, or to ask questions or post comments.  Club Sanctioned Trip Info & Comments – St. Louis Canoe & Kayak Club

Risks involved: Paddlesports and related ACTIVITIES INVOLVE RISKS AND DANGERS OF DAMAGE TO PERSONAL PROPERTY AND SERIOUS BODILY INJURY, INCLUDING PERMANENT DISABILITY, PARALYSIS, AND DEATH. These Risks and dangers may be caused by my own actions or inactions, the actions or inactions of others participating, leading, or helping in the Activity, and the condition in which the Activity takes place, There may be OTHER RISKS AND SOCIAL AND ECONOMIC LOSSES either not known to me or not readily foreseeable at this time.

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Tip leader: Dave Haessig (314-304-7970)

To attend this trip/event:

 You must reserve a ticket for each person attending (see tickets below).
This provides the trip leader with important information they need for safety and communication, and information the club needs for ACA reporting.

If you purchase a ticket for this trip but decide you cannot attend, PLEASE contact the trip leader to let them know.

• If you are an ACA member, please make sure you have an annual waiver signed on their website and have linked your account with St. Louis Canoe and Kayak Club. You must have re-signed this waiver since January 1, 2026 because they have updated their website. Here are instructions: Linking your ACA account to St. Louis Canoe and Kayak..docx
• If you are not an ACA member (American Canoe Association), you will be asked to sign a paper waiver from ACA at the meet-up location.  Here is the waiver to read before attending the trip:     aca_waiver__release_of_liab

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