Shoal River near Crestview Florida is an excellent yet often overlooked paddling destination along the Florida panhandle. From its meager beginnings, the usually peaceful and easy-flowing Shoal travels some twenty-seven miles to join with the Yellow River. Numerous large sandbars along its shallow course offering ample opportunity to stop for a picnic lunch or even to make camp if the weather and water levels are favorable.
The Shoal is not a very deep river, generally ranging from one to four feet for much of its length through hardwood forests. Paddlers can enjoy a peaceful float trip with only a bridge or two interrupting the scenery. As with most rivers, paddler may encounter a submerged log or two, but no log jams. Closer to the take-out point near Hwy 85 just south of Crestview the first hints of civilization reappear in the form of a handful of homes nestled along the highest banks of the river.
Wildlife along the river is abundant. Red-cockaded woodpeckers flit from tree to tree as red shouldered hawks soar overhead. The river hosts an abundance of fish and turtles and the occasional fisherman can be seen trying their luck in lily covered side pools. The surrounding forest is home to Florida black bear, white-tailed deer, wild turkey, fox and coyote.
Plan a Float Trip on Shoal River
The navigable section of the Shoal River begins at the Ray Lynn Barnes Landing on Highway 90 just east of Crestview and continues approximately 9.5 miles to the first take-out at Hwy 85 south of Crestview. For paddlers wishing to continue past this point to the Yellow River or Gin Hole Landing a low-cost recreation permit must first be obtained from the Eglin Division of National Resources, known locally as the Jackson Guard. The office is located at 107 Highway 85 in Niceville and can be contacted at (850) 882-4164 for more information.
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