Enjoy Nature on Northern Alabama's Unspoiled Rivers

Two dependable rivers in arctic Alabama action attributes lovers quiet opportunities to adore fishing, paddling, and birding. The Flint River and the Paint Bedrock River are two of the endure chargeless abounding tributaries of the Tennessee River basin in the arctic allotment of the state. But clashing the Tennessee River and its four accepted TVA impounded lakes, the Flint and the Paint Bedrock rivers are almost alien and uncrowded. Outdoor enthusiasts can adore recreational activities while accepting the amnion appealing abundant to themselves.
The Flint River headwaters activate in southern Tennessee and breeze south into Madison County, Alabama arctic of Huntsville. The Flint, with its two capital tributaries- Brier Fork and Mountain Fork, meanders for added than 65 afar afore abutting the Tennessee River. Development forth the river is minimal, and anglers will adore accomplished fishing. They will acquisition spotted bass, largemouth bass, bedrock bass, approach catfish, and longear sunfish a part of the angle breed in the Flint River. The high breadth of the river is acceptable for both wading and fishing from canoes. The breadth beneath Hwy 431 is accomplished for float fishing in collapsed basal boats.
The lower sections of river are agreeable for canoeing and kayaking. River abyss is about 2-5 anxiety with some baby Class I rapids. Paddlers may appointment some collapsed trees. Good places to put in/take out are at river crossings forth Hwy 72E, Hwy 431S, Old Hwy 431, Cloud Cove Road, and Hobbs Island Road. There are no accessories forth the river.
Walkers can adore the Flint River Greenway in Madison Canton abreast Owens Cross Roads. The 1.8 mile paved aisle runs through Hays Attributes Preserve. The aisle connects on the arctic end with Big Cove Creek Greenway, which continues addition three afar north. Aisle users may atom wildlife including deer, rabbits, and a array of birds. A banal arch over the river provides breathtaking views. Parking is accessible at anniversary end of the greenway, off Hwy 431 and Old Hwy 431.
The aboriginal Paint Bedrock River flows from southern Tennessee's Cumberland Plateau south through Jackson, Marshall, and Madison counties in Alabama. It empties into the Tennessee River beneath Guntersville Dam. The river is abundantly undeveloped, with the best baptize admission credibility at canton alley arch right-of-ways. The river is home to a assorted array of amphibian activity including 100 breed of angle and 12 breed of attenuate mussels. The Alabama lampmussel and the anemic Lilliput mollusk are alone begin in the Paint Bedrock River.
For those who adore birding, the Roy B. Whitaker Paint Bedrock River Bottle is one of 50 stops forth the Arctic Alabama Birding Trail. The Attributes Conservancy maintains the preserve, amid off US Hwy 72 amid the towns of Gurley and Paint Rock. Birders may be adored with sightings of grasshopper sparrows and scissor-tailed flycatchers in the acreage or great-crested flycatchers and redeyed vireos which backup in the woodlands. Spring and abatement migrations accompany added varieties of birds to the area. Admission to the bottle is free.
Two outfitters in the breadth accommodate rental boats and shuttle service. Arctic Alabama Canoe and Kayak in Huntsville rents canoes and kayaks by catch on the Flint River. Float trips of 1.5, 3, and 4.5 hours are available. Rates are $45 per being for individual boats and $35 per being for bifold boats, which includes paddles, claimed abutment device, and shuttle. Tubes hire for $20 per person. Shuttle account for those with their own boats is $15 per person. Alabama Eco Adventures will hire canoes for $50 per day and kayaks for $35-45 per day on both rivers. Shuttle account is available.