Branson Missouri Kayaking on Flat Creek
There is a lot of places to go kayaking in and around Branson. The Branson area is located in the Ozark Mountain Region of Southern Missouri. These mountains were created from a high plateau, and as the centuries rolled by, rain, water, erosion cut the valleys, the rivers, to leave a mountainous topography.
As a result, some of the best rivers in the nation for paddling are in South Missouri, the rocky topography results in crystal clear waters and some very large springs scattered throughout the Ozark Mountain Region.
The rivers run throughout the Missouri and Arkansas Ozark Region, with the headwaters of the White River Valley running through the Branson area. The headwaters of the White River have been known to flood pretty wildly and fast, and still can and do.
Table Rock Lake Dam, Flood Gates Open
Since the 40s and 50s, several dams have been built as a flood control system to protect what is in the watershed below including the northern portions of the state of Arkansas.
The priorities of these US Army Corp of Engineers managed dams, they are: 1, Flood prevention, 2. Electricity production, 3. Wildlife and Nature preservation, then finally 4. Recreation. These are the four benefits and priorities of Dams in this area, and most areas. These are also in the order of priorities.
For flood protection, they will control flooding and protect what is below, while protecting the dam itself if the water gets too high. Then they must increase the release if the dam itself is threatened to be topped by water. Flooding in recent years has gotten pretty high in the Tanycomo area as an example flooding homes below, even part of the new Branson Landing Shopping district.
Flat Creek, Branson Missouri Float Trips
If you are out Kayaking, Canoeing, Fishing, or any kind of recreational boating or water activities, be alert to the lake’s dam releases on the Tanycomo section especially, and all river or lake sections right below the dams. Dams have a release siren when the water flow will be increased due to release changes. Be alert to these sounds.
The top of the White River Valley watershed includes Beaver Dam and Beaver Lake. The Beaver Dam releases and flows into Table Rock Lake.
Table Rock Lake is within the Branson area. Table Rock Lake affords some great lake paddling, kayaking, even swimming, as the water warms up nicely during the summer season. If you like to lake swim, Table Rock Lake is the best option in the Branson area with these warming waters. .
From Table Rock lake, these upper headwaters of the White River then flow in to what is Called Lake Tanycomo.
Flat Creek, Ozark Rivers, Missouri Float Trips
Lake Tanycomo, a cold water lake, is river looking with current, even a river like width. The currents can be very strong, so care should be exercised when boating on Tanycomo. It is not typically the novice area at all, as the biggest activity on this lake is fishing. Lake Tanycomo is only considered a lake because of a low water dam that has been built around the Forsyth area, a Branson Missouri neighboring town. Lake Tanycomo is very cold, even too cold for Trout to spawn, so the Trout are stocked in this section of the river. Tanycomo runs right through the Branson Missouri area, winding around the Branson Landing and waterfront Condominiums and homes. Much has been built in the last 20 years at the time of this post.
With these descriptions of the area, the best area for Lake Kayaking is Table Rock Lake. A good destination. if you would like to lake paddle, is the Table Rock Lake State Park, on the south side of the Table Rock Lake Dam. It is easy to find on the map for your Branson Vacation. Kayaks can be rented close by, with Branson Kayak right across the road from the State Park. Their website is KayakBranson.com They can provide more information if you give them a call.
River Swimming on Flat Creek, Near Branson Missouri
For River Kayaking, the best places would actually be above Table Rock Lake. Flat Creek is a smaller creek that is fun at good levels. It can get too low, and too high, but is considered navigable by the state of Missouri, and two or three River Accesses are managed by the Missouri Department of Conservation. These accesses are located on State highways. This river however is not served by a commercial outfitter, but is sure worth the ask. If you have your own kayaks or canoes and are bringing them on your Branson Vacation visit, This is our top choice. These photographs feature Flat Creek. Flat Creek Meanders around through two state maintained accesses on Hwy 39, Then EE Highway, (private access, have respect!), and ends up at the headwaters of Table Rock Lake at Highway 173. From EE to 173 is mostly lake, so be prepared to paddle if you put in at EE. Again EE is a private access that has allowed visitors, but this can change at any time. Trashing any area of the river is not welcome, (for any river), so keep this in mind, as this river flows through private lands. There is only one bluff with very little land that is public lands, and is difficult at best to identify without a GPS.
Flat Creek, Missouri Float Trips
The other area north of Branson Missouri for Kayaking that is not too far away is James River. The James River does have outfitters, one with the same name as the river, James River Outfitters, and is located about 20 miles north on highway 248 of Reeds Spring, The Town of Galena. There has been an outfitter in the Hootin Town area too, a state access above Galena. James River flows from Springfield, includes Lake Springfield, then winds southerly to Table Rock Lake very near Cape Fair.
These are the Kayak, Canoe, Missouri Float Trip Rivers in the Missouri headwaters of Table Rock Lake. Also worth the inquiry on the Arkansas Side is the Kings River, The Kings river flows north near the Eureka Springs area and also has an outfitter, Kings River Outfitters. It too can get very low, but is a beautiful river for a float trip.
Flat Creek, Ozark Mountain Rivers
Any one of these rivers are not a bad choice. Outfitters to call are: Kings River Outfitters, Branson Kayak, James River Outfitters.
These photos are of a recent trip on flat creek showing a beautiful farming valley with bluffs, rapids, and bends. The gradient on flat creek is 7 foot per mile, still a class 1 to class 2, decently fast and fun for the area at the right river levels. For low levels, shorten your trip length a bit, as it does move slow in low water. Some dragging was required on our float expedition.
With the outdoor opportunities of Kayaking, Canoeing, Paddling near the Branson area, it definitely can make a great day during your Branson Vacation! Enjoy! Leave No Trace, Take Only Pictures.
All photos can be clicked on for the large view, then right clicked to be saved as a computer desktop background, or saved for an 8X10 print for wall decor. We hope you enjoy, and enjoy your Missouri Float Trip, even near Branson Missouri!
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