Big River

The Big River is the southern major tributary of the Meramec River. It rises in Iron County and flows north. It flows into the Meramec River east of Eureka.

Upper Course
The Big River rises in Maxwell and is immediately impounded by Council Bluff Lake. The river looks as it did hundreds of years ago: rugged and wild. Upon leaving the lake, the Big passes the city of Belgrade. The river's channel is choked by willow jungles and braids. This section is floatable by whitewater enthusiasts after a heavy rain. It widens considerably near Irondale, however the wild character still exists. It enters St. Francois County near Leadwood and meanders. It collects the Flat River near Park Hills and Desloge. It is here that pollution from mining begins to taint the river.

Middle Course
Near Bonne Terre, the Big River continues to meander, it meets its first large tributary northeast of the city. This tributary is called Terre Bleue Creek. The effects of hundreds of years of mining have taken their toll here, from failing tailing pond dams to groundwater leaching. The valley of the river is only a mile wide with entrenched meanders. The bottom of the river is gravel with mud interspersed. Mineral Fork, which enters on the left ends the middle section.

Lower Course
The lower Big River is a slow moving stream with numerous bends. Low dams are interspersed throughout the section and require numerous portages for outdoor enthusiasts. Creeks that enter the Big River are also meandering streams. The Big comes to an end near Byrnes Mill after several hairpin meanders.