The Eleven Point (See Map) is a unique spring-fed, beautiful stream with heavy foliage along its bank. It runs through a deep valley mostly within the Mark Twain National Forest. Good gravel campsites are infrequent. The National Forest Service has provided numerous access points, many of which include primitive camping areas. In addition there are several camp areas cleared out alongside creeks, featuring pit toilets, sometimes tables and usually well-mowed. A hiking trail connects several of these campsites.

These campgrounds start about 9 miles below Hwy. 19 bridge (Greers Spring) and are usually on the left hand side or the river up small creeks, providing a harbor-type take-out about 100 yards up from the river. These government prepared campgrounds are in heavy timber with level ground. Entrances to float campgrounds usually have advance warning marker one quarter mile upstream and then another marker at the mouth of the creek-harbor. There are two large springs between Greer and Riverton in addition to several smaller interspersed springs. Roughly plan on about two hours paddling between springs.

Before starting our Eleven Point River float at Hwy. 19 bridge, we will be sure to visit Greer Springs, which is listed as one of Missouri's most beautiful. Visiting hours are usually from about 8am to 3pm. From Hwy. 19 bridge, we will proceed south to the top of the hill (less than a mile). On the right is an old mill that can hardly be seen from the road and a pedestrian gate with a small sign. Across the road (east side) is a well-kept cottage where Norma lives. She is the groundskeeper for this private property, including Greer Springs. With a little pleasant conversation and assurances that you won't smoke, picnic, litter, etc.., she will usually give you permission to hike to the springs. It is a worthwhile 45 minute round trip walk. There is no fee. Since the trail is closed in mid-afternoon, it is a good idea to visit early during the car shuttle.

Turner Mill is about five miles downstream from Hwy.19 bridge. A small stream comes in from river left, just as the river makes a left turn following a shoal. On the right is a remote government access and primitive campground. It may be difficult to find the trail which is slightly down- stream from the small stream (spring branch) and across from a government access. If you miss the trail, 100 yards or so further downstream is the remains of a road access off to the left. Fifty yards up this road leads to a parking lot for Turner Mill and a good access road from the northeast. Formerly water was fed by a wooden chute from a spring emerging from the mouth of a small cave to a large overhead steel waterwheel. The wheel is still in the spring branch and the remains of the water chute are visible. Picnic area with pit toilets and tables is about 200 yards up the spring branch from its junction with the Eleven Point River.

In this area, on the river left, is the Irish Wilderness. In the midst of the hills is the small village of Wilderness where several retired rangers live. Numerous hiking trails are in the area including the McCormick Trail (consisting of the Green Trail and White Creek Trail) which is about an 18 mile loop between Camp Five Pond and Whites Creek Float Camp.

About 12 miles downstream from Hwy. 19 is Whites Creek Float and Backpacker's Camp on river left. From this camp is a trail following Whites Creek upstream. One forth mile or so from the camp, the trail swings about 120 degrees to the right as it crosses the usually dry Whites Creek. The trail then proceeds up the hill with several swichbacks to the mouth of a large, natural, unspoiled cave. Have your flashlights out. There are large rooms, bodysize stalactites and stalagmites and on the cave floor is a fairly well beaten trail going back several hundred yards. Allow about an hour or two for the hike to the cave and return.

Boze Mill Spring includes an old mill site and spring branch dam, road access and government camping area. It is about 17 miles from put-in and 3 miles from take-out. Take-out is at Hwy. 160 bridge - Riverton. The best take-out is on river left, above the bridge. Large paved parking lot, pit toilets and good river access. No camping permitted in this area. Hufstedler's Canoe Rental is approximately one quarter mile east and provides free camping behind their store and canoe livery. It is a heavily used campground with minimal maintenance.

On river right, below the bridge, is a government picnic area, an alternate take-out point. This will be a long, hard day and if you plan to do trout fishing, suggest allowing for a two day trip. Missouri fishing license and trout permit needed.

WEATHER

Although summer days can be hot and humid, water is cool and paddling is usually pleasant. A dip in the cool river is welcome several times during the afternoon. Suggest sun screen and large-brimmed hat. Nights are normally mild along the river. Sheet or light blanket desirable. Frequent rain storms during the summer. Fall and spring are the most beautiful seasons and can be chilly.

INSECTS

Along most of the Ozark streams in this area, mosquitoes are noticeable but not objectionable. Insect repellent usually does a good job. Ticks and chiggers can be a problem, bring some sulfur for these insects.

RIVER TRAFFIC

Expect heavy canoe traffic during the summer weekends. This may require scheduled departures. During the week, the river is remote and secluded.

CONTACT

Hufstedler
Riverton Rural Branch, Alton, MO 65606
(417) 778-6116
(The late Mr. Hufstedler is a legend along the Eleven Point River as a outstanding river guide, fisherman and woodsman for over 50 years)

Richard's Canoe Rental, Camp and Store
Route 2, Alton, MO 65606
(417) 778-6186
(located on Hwy. 19, south end of Greer - Richard is a great guy, very helpful and has attractive camp sites)

Woods Float and Canoe Rental
junction Hwy. 19 and Hwy. 160, Alton, MO. 65606
(417) 778-6497
(an excellent outfitter - most cooperative and helpful - large operation)

Difficulty - Class I and II (normal water)
Gradient - 5.6 feet per mile
Quadrangles - Montier, Birch Tree, Van Buren, Gatewood
Missouri County - Oregon