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Locust Fork River

Locust Fork Scenic Car Trail

Explore the Locust Fork

Scenic Car Drive

A Scenic Drive Along One of Alabama’s Most Beautiful Rivers

The Locust Fork Scenic Car Drive follows winding roads alongside the Locust Fork River, offering a relaxed way to experience Blount County’s natural beauty from behind the wheel. This self-guided drive connects covered bridges, river access points, waterfalls, scenic overlooks, and parks, making it easy to explore at your own pace while enjoying one of Alabama’s most treasured waterways.

What to See and Do Along the Drive

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1 – Swan Covered Bridge Park
  • Cleveland 
    B. 1933 
  • Scenic, exploring, wading, swimming, beach, hiking, canoe launch, camping 
    ASRT take-out 
  • Longest covered bridge in AL: 324 ft 
  • Swann Bluff 
    • IMPRESSIVE! 
    • 120 ft of sheer rock 
    • Walking access from HWY 79, car access from Joy Rd (1590 Swann Bridge Rd) 
  • 1a. POWELL FALLS 
    • 8–10 ft twin falls 
    • Annual FLFR hike in October 
    • 30 minute hike downstream from Swann Covered Bridge, mildly difficult 
2 – King’s Bend Scenic Overlook Park
  • “Grand Staircase” 
    B. 2019 
  • Scenic, wading, short hike 
  • ASRT put-in/take-out 
  • Put-in for whitewater – CAUTION: training required! 
  • Bridge pavement/mural coming soon! 
3 – Mardis Mills Falls
  • TOP 10 Waterfalls of N. Alabama 
  • Scenic, hiking, swimming, camping 
  • Short–moderate difficulty 
  • Lovely .25 mi. hike downstream 
  • Graves Creek of the Locust Fork River 
  • 3a. CORNELIUS FALLS 
    • Private Property 
    • 120 ft wide, 5 ft tall 
    • Access by canoe or kayak only 
    • Annual FLFR hike in May 
    • Swimming, camping 
    • Dramatic rock canyon 
  • 3b. TAYLOR FORD ACCESS 
    • Wading/swimming 
    • ASRT put-in/take-out 
  • 3c. COLD BRANCH ACCESS 
    • Put-in/take-out for fishermen 
    • Unimproved 
4 – Taylor Riverside Park
  • HWY 26, Royal 
    B. 2024 
  • ASRT put-in/take-out 
  • Wading, swimming, kayak/canoe ramp, picnic, parking 
5 -Horton Mill Covered Bridge
  • Oneonta 
    B. 1934 
  • Annual FLFR hike in October 
  • Scenic, exploring, wading, swimming, camping, hiking 
  • Highest covered bridge in US: 70 ft 
  • Calvert Prong of the Locust Fork River 
  • Creek appears to be flowing uphill 
6 – Easley Covered Bridge
  • Rosa 
    B. 1927 
  • The first & oldest covered bridge 
  • Dub Branch of the Locust Fork River 
7 – Palisades Park
  • SCENIC! 
  • Rock climbing, nature trails, fire tower, picnicking, playground, lodges & pavilions 
  • OPEN: 
    Jan–Mar 9–5 
    April–Dec 9–9 
  • FREE Admission 
  • 205-274-2271
  • Not on the river, but GREAT! 
M1 – Let Nature be Your Teacher
  • Featured Mural
  • 237 Railroad Blvd, Oneonta
  • Completed 2020
M2 – Blue Heron & Swann Covered Bridge
  • Featured Mural
  • Covered Bridge Rd & Hwy 79, Cleveland
  • Completed 2021
M3 – Broad Winged Hawk & Mardis Mill
  • Featured Mural
  • Blountsville Fire & Rescue Service 
    Completed 2022 
  • Artist: Joan Babcock