TRIP-AT-A-GLANCE: Little Missouri River
DATE / TIME	8/11/2026 / 1:30-4:00 PM
PUT-IN	Riverside Picnic Area (Narrows Dam)
TAKE-OUT	SR 222
GAGE	4.32 feet (24 on the SWEPCO generation schedule)
FLOW / DISCHARGE	724 CFS
AIR TEMPERATURE	95°F official, felt like 75°F on the water
PRECIPITATION	None
WIND	Occasional mild breeze
PARTICIPANTS	Duane Hecklesberg, Sam Reyna, Cindy Murray and Kent Walters from HCC
	Richard Schultz from HSV Paddlers
VESSLE TYPES	1 Dagger Katana, 1 Mad River WW Canoe, 1 LL Remix XP9 and 2 LL Bean Manatees
CLOUDS	Scattered clouds
RIVER MILEAGE	6.2 on GPS Track

 

 

We met at the takeout, where Duane had already transferred Richard’s kayak into his truck.  We drove to the put-in, unloaded boats and gear and got on the river at 1:50 PM.

 

The Put-In at 1:50 PM

 

The water in the swollen river was moving very fast and was cold enough to significantly modify the air temperature at our level, lowering it by about 25°F. 

 

And they’re off!

 

There were some very pushy sections in some of the rapids.

 

Cindy and Sam in a calm section, with Richard way back behind Cindy’s upper paddle blade

 

In the wildlife category, we saw a great blue heron, an egret and two bald eagles.

 

The wave trains were a lot of fun, and there was plenty of movement in the water to hold our attention.  It was an exhilarating run.

 

Duane in the turmoil

 

Cindy, our newest HCC member, enjoying our hydration break in the flowers

Sam, imitating Mary, who is recovering from hip surgeries

 

Richard adrift in the calm section near our hydration stop

 

Sucking up to the only exposed rock on the trip

 

Duane and Cindy at the takeout, with our shuttle vehicle in view

 

After completing the reverse shuttle, we finished our trip with our traditional meal at Telinga’s Mexican Restaurant in Murfreesboro.

 

Good times.

 

Lessons Learned:

 

The carnitas at Telinga’s are far better than their steak Americano.

 

 

Our route

Author: Kent Walters

 

Link to Photo Album

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