Celebrating the Sipsey and Mulberry Forks of the Black Warrior River
is pleased to announce…
RIVER RUN FROM CROCKETT
Join this 14 mile, flat-water race honoring the 1813 escape of Black Warrior Town's residents from Davy Crockett and the Tennessee Militia.
The Lower Sipsey Fork River starts below Smith Lake Dam. You can put in at RIVERSIDE FLY SHOP, Alabama’s only year round rainbow trout fishery. This is a flat water river where paddlers will enjoy the cold, clear water released from Smith Lake. Even in July, the temperature of the water is bracing while both the water and shore are pristine. Paddlers need to be on the lookout as they may spot deer, blue herons, otters, or even bald eagles along their 12 mile journey. Further down river the remains of an old railroad trestle speak to the times when Debardeleben Coal Company mined the area. Paddlers can choose to end at THE FORKS which is the confluence of the Sipsey and Mulberry Forks, located behind T&R GROCERY, a local gathering place. Whether you spot a family of otters running alongside the stream or hear the faint sound of an Indian woodhen, there is no other stretch of river quite like this.
Beginning at THE FORKS (5848 Sipsey Road, Empire, AL) you can continue down river as you pass under the Debardeleben mining bridge that was built and installed by the Virginia Bridge Company in 1913 to haul coal from the Sipsey Mines. The river gets wider and deeper as you paddle along this leg of the journey. You can take out 7 miles down river at LYNNS PARK, historically known as SANDERS LANDING. Here you can enjoy a meal at the legendary FROSTY MUG, an old school drive in restaurant. You’ll need to bring cash!
As you continue to down river, most days you will enjoy a pleasant breeze. The fall is a great time to paddle this section of the river to experience the colorful changes that come with the season. Roughly 7 miles from LYNNS PARK you can take a right up Cane Creek and take out at DISNEY LAKE/ LANDING, Located in the historic city of CORDOVA. This take out is near the sight where the residents of BLACK WARRIOR TOWN took refuge from the Tennessee Militia. Originally called Dent, it became known as El Cordova and became host to the Indian Head Textile Mills. Echos of this past can be seen in the architecture of the homes. The city celebrates this beginning every 2nd Saturday in October with the Indian Head Harvest Festival. Home to many other civic events, CORDOVA is a majestic place to enjoy outdoor recreation.
