Finger Lakes State Park in Missouri

Trip Overview

I was quite excited about Finger Lakes because of the all the waterways and narrow little ponds and lakes that interconnect. The day was all but a loss.. the lake is totally dirty. There are chip bags, cigarette butts, etc. floating in the lake and there was a ton of moss everywhere. which was gross and seemed to block off all the connectors to the other ponds and lakes.

Additionally, some of the people there actually made me nervous about leaving any gear unsecured, like my roof rack, etc. Also, the wind seemed to be an issue too. It made the water very choppy and a almost a struggle to go against it.

One last thing, the lake that we did get to kayak in was very close to a firing range. So the constant ring of gun fire was a drag. I love guns, but having to hear them for 4 hours straight was too much. Its not like I am in Camp Pendleton or something. I can see how this lake could be an attractive destination if it were clean, but my experience was so bad that I doubt I will ever go back there to kayak.

Too bad too.
Maybe its awesome in the winter..

Accommodations:

Large floating doc.
Very nasty park bathrooms.

Fees:

None

Directions:

Highway 63 North from Columbia. Watch for signs.