North Fork of the White (free-$11.50)

This a 2-day trip with base camping at the North Fork or Twin Bridges Campground. We will be paddling the first day from the North Fork Recreation area to Blair Bridge.  We are unsure of the second day paddle at this point, as we are waiting for Twin Bridges to open up for the season and to see if MDC repairs the Hebron access.

The spring-fed North Fork of the White River is a near-perpetual stream offering abundant opportunities for canoeing, kayaking and slow rafting on flatwater with occasional Class I to II riffles that is very well suited for just about any paddler regardless of experience. The river courses through Mark Twain National Forest in extreme southcentral Missouri, approaching the Arkansas State Line as it flows into Norfork Lake just above its confluence with the mainstream of the White River southeast of Bull Shoals Lake. The area is very scenic, and the lower 25 miles are very popular with canoeists and kayakers in spring and summer months. Cool, clear waters and excellent shade from the sun make the North Fork a very enjoyable place for family outings, and the nearly 50 miles of river that normally can be paddled without having to dodge dead-fallen tree debris offers opportunities for multi-day trips for those wanting more than just a few hours on the water.

We will be meeting at 8:00 am on Saturday, Aug. 15 at the boat ramp in the North Fork Recreation Area.

Camping options:

There is camping at North Fork campground which is primitive and first come. You can also camp or get a cabin at Twin Bridges campground.

Water classification: Class I and Class II:

Class I: Fast-moving water with riffles and small waves; few obstructions, all obvious and easily missed with little training; risk to swimmers is slight; self-rescue is easy.

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 river has swift current, a drop-off to paddle over, large rocks to navigate around, riffles, wave trains, possible strainers (downed trees), cold water temperatures, undercut rocks, and potential for entrapment.

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, 15′ or shorter.

Participants must bring: 

1. A helmet (a bicycle helmet is not acceptable)
2. A complete change of clothes in a dry bag. 
3. water 
4. lunch for on the river
5. U.S. Coast Guard approved PFD (life jacket)
6. “pealess” whistle 
7. sunscreen
8. bug spray
9. camping gear and food

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. The water can be cold. No cotton. Sandals must 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

Ticket sales end Aug. 12 at 5:00 pm.