Nodaway River

The Nodaway River is a true hidden gem for paddlers looking to ditch the crowds and get a little wild. Winding through quiet farmland, wetlands, and wide-open conservation areas, it’s the kind of river that feels like yours alone. No boat ramps, no flashy signs—just a handful of primitive access points where you can slide in a kayak or canoe and drift into the quiet. Nodaway River Park near the town of Nodaway has a decent launch spot with a nearby parking lot, while Possum Walk Access out by Clearmont gives you another entry—though be ready for a steep bank and a bit of a scramble. If you’re cool with a little mud and some adventure, this river delivers the kind of back-to-basics float that makes you feel worlds away from everything.

What makes the Nodaway even more special is where it ends. Just north of St. Joe, the river spills into the Missouri—and a float that finishes at Nodaway Island Conservation Area is pure gold. That confluence moment is something else: one minute you're gliding through a narrow, tree-lined channel, and the next you’re staring down the wide, rolling power of the Missouri. Nodaway Island is the perfect place to wrap up your trip, with a concrete ramp and plenty of space to load out. It’s the only developed takeout along the route, which makes it the best bet for folks putting in farther upstream. Whether you're piecing together a multi-hour float or just paddling for a peaceful morning, the Nodaway offers a wild and wonderful way to reconnect with the water.