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Huzah River is a part of the MERAMEC RIVER watershed,
click HERE to go to the MDC Meramec River pages
of watershed descriptions, features and statistics.
MDC HUZZAH River Mile by Mile Map from
Missouri Canoe and Floaters Association. EPA Meramec River Watershed Profile
The cold, crystal clear waters of the Huzzah
River offer some of the finest floating-fishing-swimming and natural
environments. The Huzzah River channel is somewhat smaller and shallower
than the Meramec, and as water levels recede in mid to late summer even
canoes may occasionally drag bottom. But, there is still safe navigable
passage, the water quality is unsurpassed, and during times of excessive
rains and high water the Huzzah River recedes to safe floating levels
much faster than the Meramec and can provide an enjoyable, comparable
option at times that the Meramec is unfloatable. For those who prefer
a challenging, more exciting float, the Huzzah during slightly or moderately
high water can most surely provide them with their needed adrenaline
fix.
As tributaries of the Meramec, the history
of the Huzzah & Courtois Rivers parallels that of the Meramec in
many respects, and they may all be considered as part of the same overall
water course. An Iron works operated on the Huzzah near Scotia around
the mid-1800s, grist mills operated at various locations, and
railroad ties were hacked from the surrounding wilderness and (during
high water) floated down to the Meramec and the nearest railroad connection.
For those who would like to witness a bit of Huzzah antiquity firsthand,
there is The Dillard Mill State Historic Site (near Davisville). The
gristmill has been restored to operational order, and guided tours are
available, call 573-244-3120 for more information.
The headwaters of the Huzzah River are
the East Fork and West Fork Creeks of Dent county, and the Crooked Creek
of Iron county. The East and West Forks converge near the Dent-Crawford
county line, about another mile into Crawford County the Crooked Creek
joins the flow, and the Huzzah is born. Through twists and turns the
Huzzah takes a generally northern (approx.40 mile) course to its confluence
with the Meramec (note: some maps include the East Fork Creek as part
of the Huzzah which may add approx. 10 miles to the previously mentioned
length). About 1/4 mile before the bridge at Scotia, the Huzzah accepts
the cold crystal clear waters of the Courtois River (on the right).
After the merge, their combined flow takes a northwestern course for
1.5 miles before emptying into the Meramec. The short run of the course
of both of these streams may at first imply an unlikelihood of high-order
recreation potential, but in reality these rivers offer some of the
finest fishing, floating, and swimming fun that exists anywhere.
canoeing
- rafting
- kayaking
- tubing
- camping
log cabins - cozy cabins
- a/frame house - hideaway
house - riverbend
house trailer
group packages
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