Bear Creek (Franklin/ Marion Co.)

This about the upper two sections of the Bear Creek Floatway.

This a class I (VI) stream that runs weekends all summer thanks to TVA

recreational releases.

It's located in NW AL and is a great training stream and students get to

paddle Old Mill Falls which has several lines ranging from II to III in the

upper section. The left side is kind of creeky and can be boofed in the

center while the right side is an easy slide to a 2' drop. There is also an

angled slot that has been run successfully but has a treacherous hole if you

don't hit your line just right.

There is alot of flatwater in the lower section broken up by a few class I

drops. A large rock outcropping is a great place for lunch and to watch

people surfing a very nice class II surfing wave. You can also use this as a

'jump rock' for seal launches as it sits about 6' over a deep pool.

200 yards downstream the entire river funnels into the left side and drops

vertically about 20' into a boulder jumble. (VI) Mandatory portage! The

runout at the base of Factory Falls has some very busy aereated water that

is not easy to enter due to the size of the narrow channel. There is an

opportunity here for stern squirts, enders and loops if you dare, the hole

at bottom may slam you into a rock on river left at higher levels

It's in a scenic gorge so if you catch in the winter you will get to see

alot of high bluffs and waterfalls as your paddling the 4-5 miles of

flatwater to the takeout.

Many who have paddled it refer to it as the 'Alabama Death Paddle' but

everytime we schedule a trip we have no trouble filling it. It's a favorite

for novice / newbie paddlers.

It's nine miles long but the actual whitewater totals only 1/4 mile. You can

eliminate 2 miles but you miss Old Mill Falls.

TVA releases 210 CFS but is more fun around 300 CFS. I think I have paddled

it at 450 CFS but some features start to wash out.

Not a bad day trip from Memphis, Huntsville, Birmingham, etc.