Data Disclaimer: Water level data is provided by USGS and NOAA for informational purposes only. Verify conditions on-site before any water activities.
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Hilliard Access provides a concrete boat ramp for launching onto the Black River, a major waterway (Stream Order 9) that flows through southeast Missouri near Poplar Bluff in Butler County. The ramp is situated on a substantial river with an average flow of approximately 10,540 cubic feet per second and moderate current of 2.83 feet per second. With a gentle average gradient of 1.5 feet per mile, this section is suitable for various paddling abilities, though paddlers should respect the river's size and flow.
The access area is open for public use from 4:00 a.m. to 10:00 p.m. daily, though boat launching and landing activities are permitted 24 hours a day. A privy is available on-site. The access is reach-only via the water trail, making it ideal for day trips and multi-day paddles along the Black River corridor. Nearby, Wappapello Lake offers an alternative destination for those seeking a slower-water paddling experience on the St. Francis River just to the south.