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Yellow River Canoe Trail
The Yellow River Canoe Trail is officially designated as part of Florida’s Statewide System of Greenways and Trails. Located in the western Panhandle near Crestview, this trail offers 56 miles of very pleasant paddling. The Yellow River drains the state’s highest elevation. The current is faster than many other Florida rivers because of the river’s steeper descent to sea level. The upper section of the trail is bordered by hardwood forests and high sandy banks. Further downstream, the river widens and becomes more placid as it meanders through cypress-gum swamps. Sandbars can be found on some of the curves. Long sections of the trail, particularly on the upper section, are undeveloped, offering the paddler a glimpse of the Florida early explorers might have seen. Observing wildlife, particularly birds, is an enjoyable part of paddling this trail. Look for turtles sunning on logs over the water, or the large, long-legged wading birds such as the great egret as it stands motionless in the shallow water.
Locator
Yellow River Canoe Trail Map

Click here for printer-friendly map and description (PDF 400 kb).

Major Activities Paddling
Counties: Okaloosa, Santa Rosa
Mileage: 56
Skill Level: Intermediate
Difficulty: Moderate
Usual Current: Average (2-3 mph) on lower section to swift (3+) on upper section

Notes and Precautions
Motorboats are more numerous on the lower section. Be aware of overhanging branches and snags beneath the water that may require technical skill to navigate around. 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 Eglin Natural Resources, 107 Highway 85, Niceville, FL 32578.

Access

  1. SR 2 Bridge – At Oak Grove 4.5 miles west of SR 85.
  2. US 90 Bridge – 4 miles west of Crestview. Launch from the graded road .25 mile southwest of the bridge. (17 miles)
  3. Boat Ramp – From Holt, take SR 189 south 2.5 miles to the river. Launch at private landing. (19 miles)
  4. SR 87 Bridge – SR 87 leads southeast from US 90, 6 miles west of Harold. Access is at SR 87 bridge 3 miles south of I-10. (20 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.