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Open The New Year On The River At Ozark National Scenic Riverways

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By NPT Staff - December 15th, 2017

Winter paddling on the Current River in Ozark National Scenic Riverways/NPS

If you agree there is no "off" paddling season, then you might want to head to Ozark National Scenic Riverways in Missouri at the end of the year to celebrate with a paddle with friends and park rangers.

Ozark National Scenic Riverways and Missouri State Parks will be hosting a Winter Paddling Clinic and First Day Float on December 31 and January 1. The Winter Paddling Clinic will be held at Echo Bluff State Park on December 31 in conjunction with their New Year’s Eve Celebration.  On January 1, paddlers will celebrate the New Year with a float on the Current or Jacks Fork rivers in the park and then gather at Current River State Park in the afternoon for a bonfire and warm beverages.  

Millions of floaters enjoy Missouri rivers each year from Memorial Day through Labor Day.  Experienced paddlers continue to visit the state's rivers in September and October, but paddling activity can continue during the winter months with the right equipment and a few simple precautions.  Winter paddling offers several advantages, including the opportunity to experience solitude on the river and the ability to more easily view wildlife and other river features often blocked by heavy vegetation during the summer.  

Saturday, December 30
4 p.m.-8 p.m.Check in at Echo Bluff State Park
8 p.m.Welcome reception hosted by Missouri American Canoeing Association
Sunday, December 31
10:30 a.m."Last Day Float" at Current River State Park
Winter Paddle Clinic at Echo Bluff State Park
12 noonWilderness First Aid
2 p.m.Camp Cooking with Marty Koch
3 p.m.Dry land basics for beginners with Jennifer Hahn
4 p.m.Keynote address by Greg Poleski and American Canoe Association Open Forum
5 p.m.-6:30 p.m.Dinner
6:30 p.m.Winter equipment and paddling adventures by Myles Arbeeny
8:30 p.m.Missouri paddling clubs presentations
9:30 p.m.-MidnightEcho Bluff New Year's Eve Celebrations
Monday, January 1 2018
First Day FloatExperienced paddlers are welcome to float any section of the Current or Jacks Fork River that is open. Less experienced paddlers are encouraged to float the Current River between Pulltite and Round Spring. An instructional float will be conducted from Current River State Park to Round Spring, beginning at 10:30 a.m. Space is limited to 20 participants for this free, guided activity. Reservations can be made by contacting Ranger Dave Tobey at (573)323-8093 by December 29. Once the First Day Float is filled to capacity, participants may sign up for the guided Last Day Float to be held on December 31. Instructors for the guided floats are ACA-certified. A First Day Hike will be offered at Echo Bluff State Park at 8:00 a.m. Current River State Park will provide a bonfire complete with warm beverages for paddlers and hikers throughout the day. Echo Bluff State Park is located 14 miles north of Eminence on State Highway 19. Current River State Park is located approximately 1 mile north of Echo Bluff State Park.

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