Neosho River
Morris / Lyon Co. · 460 mi · Class I–II
79.7CFS/ 3.35 ft
Below Optimal→Stable
Optimal: 300–3000 CFS · USGS #07179730
Length
Difficulty
Optimal
Avg Flow
Hist. Median
USGS Gauge
Council Grove National Historic Landmark · Neosho River Water Trail
The longest river entirely within Kansas — 460 miles from Morris County to the Oklahoma border. The Neosho passes through Council Grove, where the Santa Fe Trail crossed the river and the last Kanza council was held. A historic river with good water trail development and growing paddling community.
Trip sections
Council Grove to Emporia — 60 mi, Flint Hills transition, best paddling
Emporia to Burlington — 80 mi, wider channel, prairie farmland
Lower Neosho — 100 mi, bigger water to Oklahoma line
Outfitters
Neosho River Water Trail Association
Access maps, conditions, group paddles
72-Hour Flow Forecast
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10-Year Flow Patterns
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Data Quality
River conditions are community-verified. CFS ranges, difficulty ratings, and trip sections may not reflect every flow level or seasonal change. Always check current conditions, scout unfamiliar rapids, and paddle within your skill level. If you spot an error, use the Improve This River button at the top of the page — your local knowledge is what makes this atlas accurate.