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Spend a full day drifting eight miles down the Upper Meramec, passing limestone bluffs, caves, and gravel bars. Rafts, canoes, and kayaks accommodate families and groups—book early and arrive prepared to float back to Ozark Outdoors' Main Beach.
Spend a full day drifting eight miles down the Upper Meramec, passing limestone bluffs, caves, and gravel bars. Rafts, canoes, and kayaks accommodate families and groups—book early and arrive prepared to float back to Ozark Outdoors' Main Beach.
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Operated by Ozark Outdoors · Leasburg, Missouri
Skinner's Landing sits on the Upper Meramec River near Leasburg, Missouri, and delivers an easygoing eight-mile float that reads like a field guide to Ozark stream country. Launching from Ozark Outdoors and returning to the Main Beach, paddlers, canoeists, and raft parties drift past limestone bluffs, small caves, and broad gravel bars beneath oak and sycamore canopy. The current here is gentle—wider than the Huzzah or Courtois—so navigation is forgiving, with long runs of slow water punctuated by short riffles and quiet side channels. Choose a raft for a full-day, social trip (rafter times average about an hour per mile) or opt for a canoe or kayak to cover the route in five to seven hours and lean into personal paddling rhythm. The run is family-friendly: children are welcome, though note life vest policies (guests under 13 must wear vests; children under 50 pounds should bring a USCG-approved vest). Ozark Outdoors staffs a shuttle from the Main Beach Sail Shades to the Skinner's Landing put-in; check in at Meramec Mercantile at least 45-60 minutes before departure. Geology takes center stage here. The Meramec cuts through Mississippian limestone, exposing ledges, pocket caves, and fossil-rich shelves. Gravel bars form natural rest stops where small groups can beach, jump, wade, and picnic. Birdlife is active along the banks—kingfishers, herons, and mergansers hunt the shallows—and deer and turkey sometimes watch floaters from bluffs above. Plan water and sun protection: cool mornings and hot afternoons are common between May and September (the season listed for this float), and staff may move guests to alternate routes if debris or low flow poses a hazard. Ozark Outdoors issues rain checks only under sustained morning rain; otherwise floats run. Note the “no glass or styrofoam” rule and respect carry-in, carry-out practices to preserve the river. This float is a solid introduction to Meramec paddling for multigenerational groups, casual anglers, and photographers alike. Bring a small cooler (under 52 quarts), a secure dry bag for electronics, and a sense of patience—the river sets the pace. Endpoints at Ozark Outdoors return you to parking, rental gear, and a chance to book another trip on the Meramec, Huzzah, or Courtois. For accessible, scenic day-long river time within easy reach of St. Louis-area weekenders, Skinner's Landing is a reliably scenic option that shows the limestone heart of the Ozarks without technical whitewater or long portages. Trips launch hourly from early morning—rafs and boats typically depart between 8 a.m. and noon, while kayaks and canoes also have put-ins through 1 p.m.—and tickets are handled at Meramec Mercantile; ranges in cost vary by vessel and party size ($45–$450). Arrive early, hydrate, and leave no trace to keep this river open for future floats. Always.
Check in at Meramec Mercantile and then proceed to Main Beach Sail Shades to board the shuttle to Skinner's Landing.
Children are welcome; minors must be accompanied by a parent or guardian and life vests are required for guests under 13. Children under 50 lbs should bring a USCG-approved vest.
Canoes and kayaks typically take 5–7 hours; rafts average about an hour per mile and can take around 7–8 hours depending on stops and flow.
Yes—coolers must be under 52 quarts in size and secured to your boat.
A rain check is issued only if it is raining consistently between 8:00 a.m. and noon at Ozark Outdoors Resort; otherwise floats proceed and no cash refunds are given.
Yes—Ozark Outdoors provides a shuttle from Main Beach Sail Shades to Skinner's Landing; have your tickets ready for drivers.
Ozark Outdoors is a Leasburg, Missouri outfitter specializing in guided and self-guided river floats, aerial park experiences, and on-site rentals. The business operates river trips on the Huzzah and Meramec rivers and on Courtois Creek, offering a range of distances and durations to suit different groups. Signature river options include Butt's Slab, a 10-mile canoe or kayak float through Courtois Creek, Huzzah, and Meramec with 5 to 7 hours on the water; HWY 8, a 10-mile forested float on the Huzzah and Meramec with 5 to 7 hours; and Scotia, a brisk four-mile trip that combines two miles on the Huzzah and two miles on the Meramec, finishing at the Ozark Outdoor Resort. On-site activities include golf cart rentals for self-guided exploration of facility paths and the Floating Treetops Aerial Park above Turtle Pond with six harnessed courses and zip line finales. Trips emphasize scenic floating past forests, caves, and gravel bars and are described as family-friendly and ideal for nature lovers. Safety features include harnessed aerial courses and guided float logistics. Ozark Outdoors serves day visitors and families seeking outdoor recreation near Leasburg, relying on clearly described trip lengths and durations to help guests plan. The business provides equipment options for canoeing and kayaking, rentals for on-site exploration, and adrenaline-tinged treetop courses, making it a comprehensive outdoor recreation provider in the local Ozarks. Reservation details, safety briefings, and equipment options are provided to visitors at booking to ensure clear expectations and safe participation for families and individual paddlers alike.
Book with Ozark Outdoors