Turkey Creek is a meandering waterway that begins on Eglin AFB and flows into Choctawhatchee Bay at Niceville, FL.
Arguably the most popular paddle trail on Eglin, Turkey Creek rises in the heart of Eglin and descends through picturesque gorges known as “steepheads” as it makes its way to Choctawhatchee Bay in Niceville.
This twisting clear-water creek has multiple public access points. The most common and easiest to access put-in is at Gooden Bridge on RR 232 but you may extend the trip by 3 miles by putting in at the “Hippy Hole,” on RR 233.
Old cypress snags occur on either side of the creek and fallen trees and low hanging brush are encountered occasionally along this trail. Rogue Creek enters Turkey Creek just south of the put-in. Still farther south, the Highway 123 bridge crosses the creek. Around the next bend, Juniper Creek enters from the east.
During the last 1.5 miles of the trip, the creek leaves the reservation and passes through land owned by the City of Niceville. This section contains a public park and boardwalk with swimming platforms. On warm weekends you will encounter many swimmers, many of whom are children, and are slow to get out of the way. Exercise caution when passing through swimming areas. Pass under the concrete bridge in Niceville, and take out at Twin Cities Park boat ramp. The ramp is located behind a childcare center, next to the cement plant on HWY 20.
