Current River Canoeing

For those of you who love the water and the relaxing sights and sound of nature, a canoe trip is just what you need. In fact, some of the best times of my life have been on the Current River. 

The Current River actually begins at Montauk State Park. Pigeon Creek and Montauk Spring converge and form the headwaters of the Current River. Montauk Spring not only makes up a lot of the headwater’s consistent flow, but, as you may already know, it also provides outstanding conditions for trout fishing. After leaving Montauk State Park, the Current River enters into the Ozark National Scenic Riverways.

In fact, those wanting to canoe down the Current River may use the access point just outside Montauk known as Tan Vat. Tan Vat is a very popular area for fishermen and swimmers as well and is also full of history. Settlers in the early 1800’s used this particular area to process animal hides into leather. They would soak the hides in what is called a “tan-vat” because the vat was filled with tannic acid. After the hides were soaked in the tannic acid, they were removed and then submerged into a deep spot along the Current River that is known to this day as Tan Vat Hole.

Tan Vat Hole

Tan Vat isn’t the only place along the Current River full of history though. One of the most popular destinations along the river is Welch Spring. Every time I do a canoe trip, I always stop to walk around and swim in this freezing cold spring. The history of Welch Spring is rich.  In 1913, C.H. Diehl, a doctor from Illinois, bought Welch Spring for 800 dollars. Dr Diehl believed that the spring water had healing properties and that the cool, pollen-free air that came from the cave would help people with asthma, emphysema and tuberculosis. Dr Diehl built a hospital over the mouth of the cave, into the side of a bluff. To this day, the walls still remain.

For those of you who interested in scheduling a canoe trip of your own, you can make reservations by contacting one of the many canoe rental businesses including Jadwin Canoe Rental and Silver Arrow Canoe Rental.