Here are some of the reviews:
“It’s like someone dropped a piece of Costa Rica into Missouri. [The river] isn’t worth two visits–it’s worth dozens.” – Mike Bezemek, “A Belated Return to the Jacks Fork, Regular Paddler, Remarkable Waters,” Canoe & Kayak Magazine (November 23, 2015).
“Once described as the Mozart of rivers, the upper Jacks Fork is one of Missouri’s wildest and most scenic rivers. It’s a deep and narrow valley that offers spring paddlers a spirited float. … A paddler’s paradise? An Ozark nirvana? For me, it’s heaven. … This is a true wilderness float, with both calm Class I reaches and wild-but-mild, white-water-capped Class II rollercoasters. It paddles like a river that’s dropping down the western slope of Colorado.” Brett Dufur, “To Heaven and Back on the Upper Jacks Fork,” Missouri Conservationist Magazine (March 19, 2013).
“Abundant riverbank campsites, caves, sink holes, bluffs, springs, natural vegetation and other features are everywhere up and down the river. Access is above average, with put-in and take-out points spaced to allow trips of varying lengths depending upon what you want to do and how the river is flowing at the time. If you are planning a trip to the Current River, then take the time to also schedule a day or two on the Jacks Fork for a little more ‘thrill’ than you will find on the tamer Current. The river is also great for anglers with its crystal clear, cool water.” “Jack’s Fork River, Missouri Report by Marc W. McCord” for Southwest Paddler.
“On the upper Jacks Fork River wilderness reigns. There are no road overpasses, hordes of humans nor drone of jetboat engines. A few strokes of the paddle and my floating partner … and I, are swept into the speedy current, away from the simple access at Blue Spring and into a wild, watery world which few people ever experience.” – Bill Cooper, “Floating the Upper Jacks Fork,” Kirksville Daily Express (June 30, 2016).
Canoe Outfitters include
Akers Ferry Canoe Rental
Carrs Canoe Rental
Harvey’s Alley Spring
Jacks Fork Canoe Rental and Campground
Two Rivers Canoe Rental
Windy’s Canoe Rental
Horseback Trail Riding
“The hills and forests of the Ozark National Scenic Riverways area abound in trail riding opportunities. Horseback riding in the Ozark Riverways is limited to state and county unpaved roads, and the four NPS designated horse trails. The National Park Service has marked and color coded some 23 miles of horse trails, but a good topographical map will help. All of the designated trails are in the Two Rivers area.” National Park Service Website.
Trail Riding Outfitters include
Coldwater Ranch
Cross Country Trail Rides
Hay Hollow Stables