Alabama's Locust Fork River: A Hidden Treasure

"Ecological imbalance is the result of human imbalance on a personal and social level." -Veronica Ray, Green Spirituality

The National Park Service places the Locust Fork River in the top 2% of all United States' rivers with "outstandingly remarkable" values. Based upon cultural heritage, fisheries, scenic beauty, geological interest, historical significance, recreational value and wildlife, ninety miles of the Locust Fork River qualified for recognition in all categories.

The Locust Fork River is the major tributary of the Black Warrior River. Nationally known for its premiere whitewater abundance, the Locust Fork was included in the American Rivers OUTSTANDING RIVERS LIST for 1991. The American Whitewater Affiliation named it an Outstanding Whitewater River in 1990. In 1986, the Statewide Comprehensive Outdoor Recreation Plan included the Locust Fork in their list of priority recreation rivers.

Sadly, Alabama has less than 10 free-flowing rivers left; the Locust Fork is the second longest. In a 1987 study on the value of free-flowing rivers, of five Alabama rivers the Locust Fork was visited most frequently over the previous three years by river recreationists. Whitewater enthusiasts come from all over the Southeast and the rest of the country to enjoy the thrill of the Locust Fork's whitewater areas. The annual Locust Fork Whitewater Classic, the final race for the Alabama Cup, is held on this river. It is also cherished for its excellent fishing and recreational opportunities. In fact, the Locust Fork boasts:

• class III and IV rapids of whitewater
• historic covered bridges
• abundant fishing availability
• easy access for swimming and picnicking
• remarkably beautiful natural scenery.

All these tourist attractions give ample aesthetic and economic benefits both to Blount County in particular and to Alabama in general.

• The Locust Fork River is also home to the following :
• a multitude of aquatic life, including 74 species of fish
• abundent migratory and stationary birds & wildlife
• unique flora indigenous to the area
• the flattened musk turtle (endangered species)
• mussels & snails (several endangered species)
• a possible home to the Red-cockaded woodpecker
• a possible home to the Indiana grey bat

Map of the Locust Fork River

Now Do You Want To Paddle The Locust?

A simple guide to paddling on

the Locust Fork River.

Section 1. Float Trip. Beautiful Silver Bell Trees in Spring. Put in at Stracener Bridge on county road 14. Take out just below highway 26 bridge. Taylor Ford on Taylor Ford Road is also a possible takeout.

Section 2. Whitewater. Experienced only. Beautiful Scenery, bluffs, waterfall, class 2 and above rapids. Put in just below highway 26 bridge or Taylor Ford. Take out highway 231/79 bridge.

Section 3. Whitewater. Experienced only. Breathtaking scenery, narrow section with high bluff walls. Difficult rapids, up to class 4. Put in 231/79 bridge. Take out Swann covered bridge.

Section 4. Whitewater. Experienced only. Gorgeous scenery. 8 foot waterfall. Large canyon walls. Difficult rapids, class 2 and above. Put in Swann covered bridge. Take out 160 bridge (difficult) or Nectar bridge.

Section 5. Float trip. Relaxing. Small shoals. Put in Highway 160 bridge. Take out highway 13 bridge.

Section 6. Float trip. Pretty wildflowers. Small shoals. Put in highway 13 bridge. Take out Blaylock bridge.

This page last updated: October 21, 2006

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