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. In
its northern portion near the Alabama state line, the
river is quite narrow. It widens as it meanders southward
towards its final destination, the Blackwater Bay.
This route is for explorers, as you will paddle through
untouched territory.
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.
Landscape & Wildlife: 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.
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