Big Piney

Big Piney River flows for 21 miles through Texas and Pulaski counties where it feeds into the Gasconade River. This largest tributary of the Gasconade has 9 boat access points along the river , many of which offer camping and picnic facilities. Big Piney winds through some of the most beautiful scenery in the Ozarks. The river is fed by numerous springs so it remains floatable throughout the summer. The Big Piney River, which flows through Ft. Leonard Wood and Devil’s Elbow, remains largely undiscovered. Other popular floating rivers are more highly advertised and more “on the beaten path” than the Big Piney. Although the Big Piney is not well known, it offers a relaxing, enjoyable, and scenic float that is comparable, if not better than floats on other nearby rivers. For those who enjoy a scenic float trip, the Big Piney is well worth a visit.

Shot by Mr. C Watkins

The Big Piney River originates near Cabool, MO and flows north to join the Gasconade near Jerome. It flows through remote parts of Missouri between Cabool and Houston. After flowing north past Houston the Big Piney enters the Mark Twain National Forest and Ft. Leonard Wood. River accesses and good roads leading to the Big Piney are few and far between. Some access points are provided by the National Forest Service, the Missouri Department of Conservation (MDC), and private businesses. Most accesses are not located near heavily populated areas.

The Big Piney’s location is the main reason that it remains so undeveloped, scenic, and peaceful. The river is kept relatively cool all summer since it is fed by various springs along its course. These springs also help keep the water levels consistent and allow the river to be floated during dry periods. High and scenic bluffs are common in some stretches of the River. The Big Piney is not as clear as other Ozarks rivers and carries a greenish hue. This color is due to the abundance of plankton, a microscopic organism nourished by nutrients washed into the river from the surrounding landscape. Most of these nutrients are from the soil of the region, which happens to be slightly more nutrient rich than most Ozark soil. The abundance of plankton has led to a rich and diversified river food chain, making the Big Piney an excellent location to fish for rock bass, small mouth bass, and other species of fish.

(Special Thanks to C. Watkins for this information.)Here are three locations in which you can easily access the river.

Pulaski County Tourism Bureau
137 St. Robert Blvd., St. Robert, MO 65584
Toll Free: 1-877-858-TOUR (8687) • 573-336-6355