Eagle Mountain Lake in Texas

Trip Overview

Shady Grove Park is a public park in the City of Azle. From this launch point, the paddler will find easy flat water. Shady Grove Park is located on a cove of Eagle Mountain Lake. The cove is fed by Little Creek and Walnut Creek. Walnut Creek is a very historical feature of the area, where settlers first established farms and Comanche and Kiowa Apache raids are commemorated by historical markers.

Between the creeks is an expanse of marsh land accessible to paddlers, with much wildlife including deer, armadillos, raccoons, snakes, foxes, bobcats, nesting grounds of many bird species, beaver and neutra and the occasional but rare report of an alligators.

Just outside the cove and slightly north is Pelican Island, which is reachable only by boat, is mainly abandoned and unused, but has a sizable pavilion on it for remote picnicing. Beware of the poison ivy and bugs!

Over all, exploring the creeks and features of this area can easily occupy the nature-loving paddler for a full day and more, and is in the shallower, protected waters of the lake, reducing the wind and the nuisance of power boaters.

The Eagle Mountain Kayak Meetup club frequents the area as one of their 3 or 4 favorite launch points.

Accommodations:

There are public restrooms, free parking, free public launch, public beach. Playground, ball fields and tennis courts. A pavilion may be rented from the city for group gatherings. Many picnic tables and cement walkways through the park.

Fees:

No fees or permits are required

Directions:

From Fort Worth, take Texas Highway 199 West (northwest) to FM 730 North (Boyd Rd). Proceed north about 2 miles and turn right (east) on Stribling Drive. Proceed about 1 mile, enter Shady Grove Park.