Big Piney

The Ozark Plateau peaks where the Big Piney and Gasconade Rivers begin. Both rivers and their tributaries flow north to the Missouri River. Camping facilities range from modern in the state parks, to primitive in the Forest Service and Conservation Area campgrounds. Floating is casual with few rapids, but the fishing is some the best in the state.

Paddy Creek Wilderness offers backpacking and equestrian trails, as well as a bass trophy area on the Big Piney River beginning at Slabtown and running north to Fort Leonard Wood.

Three trout streams and hatcheries exist at Bennett Springs on the Niangua River, Maramec Springs on the Meramec River, and Montauk State Park where the Current River originates.

To the south the Jacks Fork River flows east into the Heritage Region where it joins with the Current River. Both the rivers are administered and protected by the US Park Service, and offer a scenic float for canoeists of all ages.