Paddling near Springfield, MO

Sitting at the heart of the Missouri Ozarks in Greene County, Springfield is ringed by dozens of paddlable rivers, streams, and lakes built on classic Ozark 'float' culture — canoe, kayak, and a fast-growing SUP scene. The James River Water Trail threads 6 miles through the city itself, while Table Rock Lake sits about 45 minutes south and Stockton Lake roughly 60 miles northwest.