Smack-Out Access

Smack-Out Access provides public boat ramp and parking facilities for paddlers and boaters on Shoal Creek in Stark City, Newton County. This one-acre Missouri Department of Conservation property was donated for public recreation in 1995 and offers a convenient launch point for exploring this large Ozark stream.

Shoal Creek is a substantial waterway—a 6th-order river draining 903 square miles with an average flow of 738 cubic feet per second. The creek features a gentle gradient of 1.5 feet per mile and moderate current averaging 1.51 feet per second, making it suitable for both kayakers and canoeists of varying skill levels. The diverse fish community supports recreational fishing for black bass (all three species), crappie, sunfish, catfish, and rock bass, though paddlers can also enjoy scenic float trips through the Ozark border region.

Multiple access points exist along Shoal Creek—including Cherry Corner, Allen Bridge, Limekiln, Tipton Ford, and Wildcat Glade—allowing for flexible trip planning and shuttle options. Bring drinking water and plan accordingly, as the creek flows through a wooded landscape typical of the region.