Step One: Getting to the River

If you're not already sure about exactly which river or stream you want to explore I suggest purchasing a few items which will really help you get down to the water.

1. Missouri Atlas and Gazeteer published by DeLorme. You should definitely purchase a copy of this Atlas and keep it in your car. It has a 1:200,000 (1"=3.2 miles) scale and is an invaluable tool. So, allocate $20.00 and purchase this now, not later.

2. Hawksley, Oz. Missouri Ozark Waterways: A Detailed Guide to 37 Major Streams in the Missouri Ozark Highlands last revised in 1997. The Missouri Department of conservation first published Hawksley's guide in 1965 and last revised it in 1997. While it's no longer in print and has been replaced by the next publication it's still a good tool and worth buying if you can find a used copy.

3. A Paddler’s Guide to Missouri This is the Missouri Department of Conservation's replacement for Missouri Ozark Waterways. It covers 43 rivers and has larger maps but in some ways I prefer the compact size of Missouri Ozark Waterways. Anyway, this will set you back $6.00 from the Missouri Department of Conservation so you should purchase a copy.

Anyway, if you purchase the Atlas and either or both of the guides, you'll have the basic tools you're going to need to start your explorations.