SHOAL RIVER CANOE TRAIL
DESCRIPTION: Twisting and turning through a remote part of the western Panhandle, the Shoal River Trail covers 27 miles. Few indications of civilization are evident as you canoe through forests of maple, oak, gum and cypress. Along the trail, there are creeks that broaden into small lily-covered pools where fishing is excellent. Sandbars along the bends of the river provide wonderful places for camping. This narrow river is usually 3-4 feet deep, and water levels do not generally fluctuate more that 3 feet.
MILEAGE: 27
SKILL LEVEL: Beginner
DIFFICULTY: Easy
USUAL CURRENT: Average (2-3 mph)
NOTES AND PRECAUTIONS: Between Access 1 and 2, there are two wooden bridges that collect debris which can be dangerous, especially at high water. The end of the trail is on the northern boundary of the Eglin Air Force Base Reservation. Obtain a base recreation permit if you plan to enter the reservation. Information about permits can be obtained by calling (850)882-4164 or writing National Resources Branch, AD/DEMN, Eglin AFB, Florida 32452-5000 You can continue seven miles past the takeout at SR 85 to the junction with the Yellow River, another state canoe trail, mentioned later.
COUNTY HIGHWAY MAPS: Okaloosa, Walton
USGS TOPO QUADS: Laurel Hill, Crestview, Holt
EMERGENCY PHONE NUMBERS: Okaloosa County Sheriff 628-2788 or 682-2375; Walton County Sheriff 892-3186
ACCESS POINTS:
1. SR 285 Bridge - 3 1/2 miles north of US 90/SR 285 junction.
2. SR 393 Bridge - About 3 miles north of SR 393/US 90 intersection. (10 miles)
3. US 90 Bridge - 4 miles east of Crestview. (8 miles)
4. SR 85 Bridge - At wayside park, 5 miles south of Crestview. (9 miles)
There may be access points (both public and private) in addition to those listed here. Please remember that some sites require a fee for launching and/or parking.
CANOE LIVERIES AND OUTFITTERS:
Saquatch Canoe Rental Highway 90 Route 1, Box 242AM Crestview, Fl 32536 (850)682-7189
If any of the information on this page is incorrect or if you would like to make a comment, please contact me at wrpaulchek@pcola.gulf.net
This page produced and edited by the Order of the Arrow, Yustaga 385. Gulf Coast Council, Boy Scouts of America