Mo. Dept. of Conservation to host guided paddle trip along the Mississippi River

CAPE GIRARDEAU, Mo. (KFVS) – The Missouri Department of Conservation invites the community to a guided paddle trip along the Mississippi River later this month.

According to a release, participants will get to float by canoe or kayak, enjoy lunch on a sandbar and learn from expert guides on a 13-river mile trip from Trail of Tears State Park to the Red Star Access on August 24.

“This program is designed for confident paddlers who have a minimum of one year experience in paddling waterways such as the Current, Missouri or Black Rivers,” said MDC Cape Girardeau Conservation Nature Center Manager Laci Prucinsky.

“Generally, the river flows at five miles per hour,” Prucinsky added. “A support boat will always be present, as an added safety precaution but navigating this river definitely calls for skill and strength.”

The release noted that participants are asked to bring lunch, snacks, sufficient water, sunscreen and water shoes (no flip flops) and appropriate clothing for the river float. Personal flotation devices (PFDs) or lifejackets are required.

Additionally, participants ages 16 to 17 must be accompanied by an adult within the same boat. Participants are also required to attend a safety briefing covering navigation, river hazards, flows and other important information on Aug. 23.

Registration is required due to limited space. To sign up, call the Cape Girardeau CNC at (573) 290-5218.

For more information, click here.

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