North, MO

Gauge Information

River Description

North river runs east through Palmyra, Missouri and eventually into the Mississippi River. From the put in point on County Road 530 to the take out on Hwy.61 it's a normally class I float of around 17 miles. During the spring and at high water, North River becomes a class II with some good waves.

The only hazard to mention is the presence of a low-head dam just before the take out. You'll recognize it upstream by noticing large round "buildings" on either side of the dam itself. At normal water levels, water does not spill over the entire length of the dam, only on the river right side. The river right bank is too steep to take out above the dam so you'll be forced to take out well upstream on river left and portage around the dam. In order to gain access to a road that is ideal for a take out, you'll have to put back in below the dam and ferry to the river right side for a smooth takeout on a gravel bar at low water. At higher water the road may be inaccessible and you're only option is to take out directly under the bridge for Hwy.61. Usually the upstream side of the bridge is most convenient.

Hwy 168 is another good put-in for a shorter float (about 11 miles to take out), and a shorter less dusty ride since it's all pavement to that point.