The most challenging task in this trip is finding the boat ramps.  The river is wide and free of obstacles, except when there is debris from a rain storm.  When the water is running fast, a 40 mile day is possible.  The trip should not take more than 2 days.  There are 6 boat ramps with overnight facilities along the trail.  The Austin Park is 28 miles downstream, but no longer has facilities for camping.  Keosauqua is another 8 miles, with the Hotel Manning right next to the boat ramp.

Cliffland Access is maintained by the state, but it is difficult to find and there are no signs off Hwy. 34.  Detailed driving directions are in the previous section.  Cliffland has a park and a boat ramp.  It is in the Fox Hills area, and is quite scenic with its tree lined bluffs and deep forest.  It is a quick row down to Eldon, about 11 miles.  Eldon is the home of the American Gothic house (Grant Wood).  The city boat ramp is right next to the fairgrounds.

The next boat ramp is at the Shidepoke Access near Selma, 5 miles downstream.  There are picnic tables, and there is room for camping. 

This is the first access in the new Van Buren County water trail.  Expect informational kiosks, water trail signs, and modern outdoor toilets.  If you are going on, the river begins to pick up speed through this area, about 5 miles to the Douds bridge across V64 (there is a new boat ramp at Douds as of 2/1/07). 

You are 4 miles  from the Big Bend, which is a horseshoe bend to the west, and back to the east and north, past Keosauqua.  As you turn sharply west, it is 6 miles of paddling along a very wide stretch of the river and you come upon Austin Park on the west bank.  It is 15 miles from Shidepoke to Austin Park.

Another 6 miles and you pass Lacey Keosauqua park with it's high bluffs, pass under the new bridge, and arrive in Keosauqua, founded in 1839 just 4 years after the Dragoons took their journey of exploration through Indian territory.

From Keosauqua, the river bends east and north 4 miles , then runs 4 miles to Bentonsport, a retored village maintained by Van Buren County.  There is an excellent campground,  a shelter with restroom facilities, and the buildings are "riverboat gothic."   Check out the new boat ramp and the SST  (sweet smelling toilet).  Iron and Lace and the General Store are must sees.

Another 4 miles downstream is Bonaparte, a Main Street city with historic facilities, including the Bonaparte Retreat restaurant with an old mill atmosphere and great food.  There is a city boat ramp and park should you care to stop.  The rapids can be passed on foot, or run them if you dare.  It's about 3 miles down to the Van Buren Access boat ramp.  Another 3 miles brings you to Farmington, with a rather steep boat ramp but an excellent restaurant and very friendly people.