Bear Creek in Alabama

Trip Overview

This is the middle section of the Bear Creek Floatway, Rock Quarry to Military Bridge.

The tornado of April 27, 2011 that destroyed Hackleburg also closed this section to public access. TVA controls this creek with recreation releases on the weekends from Memorial Day to Labor Day. With the passing of time, a few chain saws and a good flushing the water way in back open. There were seven of us on this day.

The trip is 9.7 miles by GPS. It is a shoal and pool type creek. No portages like the upper run. It's great for introducing beginners to paddling moving water.

We saw several Blue Herons, Wood Ducks and a Bald Eagle. We had the creek pretty much to our self's as the Rental crowd uses the Upper section.

Accommodations:

They are no facilities at the access points. Camping isn't allowed along the float-way. There is a campground on Upper Bear Lake and at Dismal Canyon.

Outfitting:

Bear Creek Canoe Run is the local outfitter.

Fees:

No fees to float the creek with your own boat. You have to have a special permit to fish Bear Creek, $3.25 a day. You can get this locally.

Directions:

Put In, from the Outfitter on US 43, South to Hackleburg, Left at Shell station onto 172, cross Bear Creek bridge, Left into Rock Quarry Access point.

Take out, return to Shell station and follow 172 West. There is a Co-op on your Left, turn Right onto 119, Right onto Jackson Military Rd. Right just before bridge.

Resources:

"Paddling Alabama" book (ISBN-10: 0762721928)