Take Out

This take-out access point on Mud Creek in Madison County, Missouri provides a landing spot for paddlers completing downstream runs on a substantial sixth-order stream. Mud Creek drains a 548-square-mile watershed and maintains an average flow of nearly 564 cubic feet per second, making it a significant waterway in the region. The creek descends 185 feet over its 36.81-mile length, creating an average gradient of 5 feet per mile with an average water velocity around 2.15 feet per second, characteristics typical of a moderately flowing river system suitable for paddling.

As a take-out location, this site serves primarily as an exit point for boaters completing multiday or day-trip runs from upstream put-ins. The moderate gradient and flow rates suggest manageable water conditions for intermediate paddlers, though the large stream order indicates this waterway can generate significant volume during high water periods. Paddlers using this take-out should be familiar with the section being run and aware that take-out sites typically offer minimal facilities compared to dedicated boat launch areas.

The location is situated in Madison County in the Missouri Ozark region, approximately 359 miles from the confluence with the main river system. Before visiting, paddlers should verify current access conditions, confirm any private property restrictions, and check recent water level and weather data, as conditions on mid-sized streams can change rapidly.