Eleven Point River

Missouri

Mark Twain National Forest
Eleven Point Ranger District
#4 Confederate Ridge Road
Doliphan, Missouri 63935

Designated Reach: October 2, 1968. The segment extending downstream from Thomasville to State Highway 142.

Classification/Mileage: Scenic — 44.4 miles; Total — 44.4 miles.

Eleven Point Scenic River

America's rivers have beckoned us to explore and to build a nation. We have come to know, depend upon, and love the rivers that water our land. The Eleven Point River has been recognized and loved for its rich history and outstanding scenic beauty since early settlement days.

In 1968, Congress established the National Wild and Scenic Rivers System. A 44-mile portion of the Eleven Point, free of impoundments and with a largely undeveloped shoreline and watershed, qualified as a National Scenic River. This portion between Thomasville, Missouri, and the Highway 142 Bridge became one of the eight initial units of the National Wild and Scenic River System in 1968.

About half of the lands within the Eleven Point Scenic River area are private lands, while the remainder of the area is National Forest System land. The private lands along the river are managed by scenic easements to assure protection of their scenic values and natural resources. Public entry of these lands is prohibited. River users should study the river map and be alert for private property or scenic easement signs located along the river course to avoid trespass.

The River

The Eleven Point River meanders through the picturesque Ozark hills of southern Missouri. Its course is cut in the shadows of steep bluffs, through sloping forested valleys and low-lying riparian ecosystems.

Barely more than a small stream at its upper reaches near Thomasville, Missouri, it gains considerable width and depth as it proceeds southeastward. Springs pouring from dolomite bluffs or rushing up from a vast network of underground flow systems provide a continuous source of water and beauty.

Alternating stretches of rapids and deep clear pools wind around moss-covered boulders and shading bottomland hardwood trees. River birch is abundant along the shore, and aged sycamores lean out across the river from their shoreline moorings. In some places, the canopy of green closes overhead.

Planning a River Trip

• Thomasville to Greer Access, 16.6 miles. Good solitude. Usually can be floated March through June.
• Greer Access to Turner Mill, 4.9 miles. Good short trip. Passes through Mary Decker Shoal. Interpretation of Turner Mill.
• Greer Access to Whitten Access, 11.4 miles. Popular one day float on weekends.
• Greer Access to Riverton, 19.0 miles. Excellent 2 day float. Can be done in one long day. Experience going through Halls Bay Chute.
• Riverton to Highway 142 Access, 8.7 miles. Good solitude, except more boats on the weekends. Slow part of river. Stop at the Narrows and walk to two major springs.

Floating on the Eleven Point

To the experienced canoeist, the Eleven Point is a relatively easy river (Class I and Class II on the International Scale) requiring intermediate experience. Snags, trees and rootwads still remain the most dangerous of all obstacles and on occasion may require scouting from shore. Although canoes are the time-tested means of travel through fast water, flatbottom Jon boats are used on the river, primarily for fishing trips. You may encounter some boats with motors. Motor boats are restricted to a 25 hp limit.

Canoeists should learn to read the water ahead. Whitewater riffles mean that rocks lie very close to the water surface and you are about to enter a "chute" where water flows faster. The safest course to follow is the smooth water, shaped like a "V" pointing downstream. Watch out for rootwads! Water rushes under and through the exposed roots of fallen trees and creates a hazardous condition. Learn to avoid obstructions. Back paddle as an aid to changing positions or use "draw" or "pry" strokes to move laterally.

Fishing

Smallmouth bass, rock bass, walleye and trout are eagerly sought by anglers on the Eleven Point. All fishing is subject to state of Missouri regulations. Nonresidents may purchase a three-day or annual license. A trout permit is also required if you are in possession of trout. Gigging is popular, but not permitted within the Wild Trout management area. To prevent illegal fishing practices and possible citations, review and study the latest fish and game regulations published by the Missouri Department of Conservation.

Camping

Float camps are available at various locations on the river. They are accessible by boat and provide a table, latrine, tent pad, and fire ring. Dispersed camping is allowed on gravel bars and on river banks. A Forest Service campground is located at Greer Crossing on Highway 19. Private campgrounds can be found in Alton, Greer and Riverton. No camping is allowed on scenic easements, which are private property.

Outfitters

Canoe outfitters or guides are required to have a permit to operate on the Eleven Point National Scenic River. They can provide canoes, life jackets, and shuttle service for people or private canoes. Contact the Forest Service for a complete list of outfitters authorized to operate on mthe Eleven Point National Scenic River.

Safety First

Beware of flash flooding. The river rises rapidly during and just following heavy rain storms.

Stay off the river during flood stage, especially when it is swollen out of its banks.

If a chute looks a little hazardous to you, step out and walk the boat through. The chutes at Mary Decker and Halls Bay approach are a Class III on the international difficulty scale.

Spring and river water are not safe to drink. Many springs are fed from long distances away and do not provide good filtering of the water and may have many types of contaminants. Boiling may kill bacteria, but does not remove dissolved contaminants. It is recommended that people carry drinking water.

Regulations and Use Hints

To maintain the river's scenic quality, please remember the following:

• Select existing campsites. Latrines are provided at developed float camps.
• Learn hunting and fishing seasons and respect all outdoor enthusiasts. Wildlife may be taken only under Missouri Department of Conservation hunting and fishing regulations and only when you hold an appropriate license.
• Discharging of firearms must be limited to areas away from developed float camps or other sites where people could be injured. Snakes, frogs, birds and other wildlife are part of the river ecology and should not be used for target practice.
• Respect private property rights. Being upon private lands under scenic easement is a violation of State Trespass Laws and Secretary of Agriculture's Regulations.
• Outboard motors are limited to a maximum of 25 hp.

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