Mark and me
Running 10 miles down the North Fork River in the beautiful Ozarks, you can canoe, float, kayak or swim. There are many canoe rentals along this river but we chose the locally owned ma and pop establishment called Pettit’s Canoe Rentals. Now for some people $38/day is not a lot for canoeing but I use to free. Once you pay they charter you and the canoe’s up river at Hammond Mill and ride the down the lazy river10 miles to Blair Bridge. It may be a lazy river but along the way are a few class I and II rapids, thanks to the heavy rains the Ozarks have been experiencing, which makes it much more fun. You’ll pass many rock/sand bars to rest and swim in the 60 degree river that is naturally fed by springs. You can also experience the cave that sits high above the river, but the trek up there is one to experience. Had I known about it, I would’ve brought climbing clothes. The short trail was pretty much straight up with loose gravel and not much to grab on to. I would’ve loved to climb it but I didn’t want to run to the doctor to patch up my butt from the slide down. LOL! Another feature down the way it a waterfall, now don’t get too excited, it’s only about a 2 foot drop; but when you’re in a canoe it seems bigger but always fun. What would normally take about 5-6 hours, took Mark and me only 4 hours since the river was still flooded, but still worth the fun and relaxation.
