Since 1991, Friends of the Locust Fork River (FLFR) has defended the free-flowing and natural wonder of the Locust Fork River and its tributaries by educating the community, promoting recreation, watch-dogging polluters, and advocating for the river. In 2018, FLFR, with a grant from CFGB, engaged in a feasibility study of locations on the Locust Fork River that could be transformed, by means of “riverscaping,” into public access points on a river where the majority of riverfront property is privately owned.
In 2024, Taylor Riverside Park was opened to the public. In 2025 FLFR completed another project, the Bruce Phillips River Park, in the Town of Susan Moore. FLFR is now preparing another river restoration project, this time, "riverscaping" the beach and stream bank at the site of the historic Swann Covered Bridge.
Pursuant to a COLLABORATION AGREEMENT between FLFR and Blount County, Alabama, and MOU with the Town of Cleveland, FLFR will apply the basic principles of river-scaping to the stream bank area on the Joy Rd. side of Swann Covered Bridge. This historic landmark, at 330.1 feet in length, is the second longest covered bridge in Alabama, drawing more visitors every year. The park site is moderately steep, deeply riven in some areas, rocky, and crossed by gullies as a result of uncontrolled storm-water from Swann Bridge Road and adjacent property owned by the Swann Family. When approached by FLFR board members and a Blount County Commissioner, the Swann Family representative, Jodey Swann, agreed to sign a long-term lease with the County for a parcel to be developed into a usable and environmentally-sound public access to the river.
The long stream bank will be stabilized with erosion-control rock and plantings; drainage will be installed to channel storm-water runoff; the terrain will be graded and contoured; and basic cut-and-Gll work will underlay the gravel parking area and footpaths. The stabilized stream bank and storm-water runoff management will add value to Blount County’s growing network of tourism sites that offer many outdoor recreational opportunities. When completed, this project will transform a well-known scenic, public space into a beautiful and safe public access park for local families as well as visiting nature lovers, paddlers, and tourists.
River Distances in miles:
From bridge Cty Rd. 14 in Snead
To Bruce Phillips River Park on Painter Rd in Susan Moore - 2 miles
To Taylor Riverside Park, bridge on CR 26 - 6 miles
To Taylor Ford Rd. - 5 miles
To Kings' Bend Scenic Overlook Park, bridge on Hwy 79/231 - 7 miles
This section has dangerous rapids!
To Swann Covered Bridge - 3.5 miles
To Swayback Bridge on Hwy 160 - 2 miles
To bridge on Nectar Bridge Rd - 2 miles
To bridge on CR 13 in Nectar - 5 miles
To Blalock Bridge on Center Springs Rd in Hayden - 10 miles
See you on the River!
In 2024, Taylor Riverside Park was opened to the public. In 2025 FLFR completed another project, the Bruce Phillips River Park, in the Town of Susan Moore. FLFR is now preparing another river restoration project, this time, "riverscaping" the beach and stream bank at the site of the historic Swann Covered Bridge.
Pursuant to a COLLABORATION AGREEMENT between FLFR and Blount County, Alabama, and MOU with the Town of Cleveland, FLFR will apply the basic principles of river-scaping to the stream bank area on the Joy Rd. side of Swann Covered Bridge. This historic landmark, at 330.1 feet in length, is the second longest covered bridge in Alabama, drawing more visitors every year. The park site is moderately steep, deeply riven in some areas, rocky, and crossed by gullies as a result of uncontrolled storm-water from Swann Bridge Road and adjacent property owned by the Swann Family. When approached by FLFR board members and a Blount County Commissioner, the Swann Family representative, Jodey Swann, agreed to sign a long-term lease with the County for a parcel to be developed into a usable and environmentally-sound public access to the river.
The long stream bank will be stabilized with erosion-control rock and plantings; drainage will be installed to channel storm-water runoff; the terrain will be graded and contoured; and basic cut-and-Gll work will underlay the gravel parking area and footpaths. The stabilized stream bank and storm-water runoff management will add value to Blount County’s growing network of tourism sites that offer many outdoor recreational opportunities. When completed, this project will transform a well-known scenic, public space into a beautiful and safe public access park for local families as well as visiting nature lovers, paddlers, and tourists.
River Distances in miles:
From bridge Cty Rd. 14 in Snead
To Bruce Phillips River Park on Painter Rd in Susan Moore - 2 miles
To Taylor Riverside Park, bridge on CR 26 - 6 miles
To Taylor Ford Rd. - 5 miles
To Kings' Bend Scenic Overlook Park, bridge on Hwy 79/231 - 7 miles
This section has dangerous rapids!
To Swann Covered Bridge - 3.5 miles
To Swayback Bridge on Hwy 160 - 2 miles
To bridge on Nectar Bridge Rd - 2 miles
To bridge on CR 13 in Nectar - 5 miles
To Blalock Bridge on Center Springs Rd in Hayden - 10 miles
See you on the River!
