Town Creek

PUT IN INFORMATION

Put in at High Falls Park just below the Falls.  The park is only open from 10am-4pm so be mindful when planning your trip. High Falls website: http://www.seehighfalls.com/index.htm

RIVER DESCRIPTION

Town Creek is a nice introduction to creeking for aspiring Alabama Creekers. The put-in is just below High Falls (class 5), a 30- 35 foot near-vertical falls, which has been run on occasion.  This would be a much more popular run if the access to the put in and take out were better and less strenuous.

The action starts quickly and continues all the way to the lake. There are class 3 rapids galore, some of which may have a few interesting slots and moves, though most are fairly straightforward. The canyon is heavily forested with large cliff bands up above.

About two-thirds of the way down the river lies the Blockage - a big class 5 that is normally portaged. There is always a bit of apprehension because the approach to the Blockage does not look that different from the entrances of many of the class 3 rapids crowding the run. Be aware of a larger than normal horizon line and get out and scout or portage on river right.   The blockage is a steep rock bound series of chutes with some badly placed undercuts. An open boater was killed here a few years ago when he fell into the river and was washed into the rapid as he prepared to portage. It is often run by hardcore creekers who may be spending the day slumming on Town with less able friends.

Below the Blockage there are more class 3 rapids to the lake. The lake paddle is mild compared to some of the other Guntersville runs but there is a short hike up a hill at the take-out. This run is well worth doing especially for boaters who are not up to the tougher runs in the area. Then again, if you run High Falls and the Blockage, you've turned it into a pretty tough run.

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