Hatchet Creek (North Section)

This is another popular run if you're local, but pretty obscure if you're from other parts. The banks range from rocky and steep to dense thicket, but every so often you'll find a sandy bank where you might pull off and take a breather.

The creek is away from civilization, so as of this writing, there's no local outfitter to help you get on or off, but that's part of what makes this run so appealing. All along the way there are bass to be had if you're prepared and give it shot.

You'll see a few creeks emerge on this run. Just past the third mile, a small trickle from Topopkin Creek, sometimes called Toplico or Hatchet Creek, flows in on river left. Halfway through, Mill Creek comes into view, again on the right. Later on, about a mile before the take-out, you'll feel the current accelerate as Socatapoy Creek flows in on the left. This is a lovely convergence of water over rocks; the creek widens, begins to agitate, and you'll be refreshed by the smell of cool water mist at this junction.

Go out of your way just a little and visit another of Alabama's white water treasures.