See all 5 routes on Locust Fork
Alabama | Blount County
Locust ForkSwann Covered Bridge public put-in to Covered Bridge Road near Nectar public take-out
A source-mapped 4.1-mile Locust Fork section from the historic Swann Covered Bridge to the Covered Bridge Road take-out near Nectar, with wooded banks, bluffs and the named Powell Falls.
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Route location
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Need to know
Why this call
Route overview
Trip details
Access rules, camping, seasonal conditions and trip length.
Distance, difficulty, rules and camping
Plan ahead
Tomorrow and the weekend
Forecasts can change. Check current conditions again before leaving.
Waiting on forecast.
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Plan
Plan your trip
Launch points, shuttle details, distance, and access notes.
Route logistics
Access and shuttle
A scenic public-access Locust Fork day section with a mandatory waterfall scout.
Access map
Put-in
Swann Covered Bridge public put-inSwann Bridge parking is public but confirm the current carry and site conditions.
Take-out
Covered Bridge Road near Nectar public take-outCovered Bridge Road parking is limited; do not block the dirt road.
Road shuttle
Access notes and hazards
Access caveats
- Swann Bridge parking is public but confirm the current carry and site conditions.
- Covered Bridge Road parking is limited; do not block the dirt road.
- Powell Falls is outside the group’s skill level unless scouted and runnable; portage on the right when needed.
Watch for
- USGS 02455000 stage and rapid rises
- Cornelius Falls and the two Class II rapids
- Strainers, bridge debris and low-water scraping
- Private banks and closed or unmarked access points
Plan this paddle
Choose your trip times
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Conditions
Water levels, gauge history, and hourly forecast
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USGS measurements
More about this gauge
These measurements come from the gauge station. Water depth and current can differ along your trip.
River camera · USGS
View at the gauge
Locust Fork near Cleveland, AL. This view may be outside your paddling reach. Images are periodic and do not establish safe conditions.
Gauge detail
Water-level history and forecastDetailed view
Gauge
Recent trend
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Gauge source
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Hourly forecast
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Short-route forecast
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Route gallery
Photos
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Score & sources
Why this score
See the gauge, weather, and source notes behind today’s call.
Why this scoreData reliability: checking
This rating reflects whether the gauge measures this part of the river, whether published water-level guidance is available, and how recently the data was updated.
- Checking data sources and update times.
- Checking evidence cautions.
Data behind the scoreWater levels, published guidance and update times
These readings and published water-level limits help explain today’s score.
| Gauge site | Locust Fork near Cleveland, AL |
| Gauge height | Checking |
| Discharge | Checking |
| 24h trend | Checking |
| 24h change | Checking |
| Current band | Checking |
| Rain last 24h | Checking |
| Rain last 72h | Checking |
| Air temp | Checking |
| Water temp | Checking |
| Wind | Checking |
| Gusts | Checking |
| Rain timing | Checking |
| Preferred range | 1.80 ft to 2.20 ft |
| Low threshold | 1.40 ft |
| High threshold | 2.80 ft |
| Evidence strength behind the range | Local route guidance |
| Gauge observed | Checking |
| Paddle Today updated | Checking |
| Main source behind this score | Friends of the Locust Fork River section guide |
| Gauge source | Checking |
| Weather source | Checking |
| Rainfall source | Checking |
NotesWhat to know before you go
These notes cover the access details, route quirks, and source caveats most likely to matter once you get there.
- Named reach and distanceSwann Covered Bridge to Covered Bridge Road near Nectar; 4.1 miles; Difficulty 1–2
Friends of the Locust Fork River documents the public endpoints, scenic bluffs, Powell Falls and the section length.
- Scoring band1.6 ft low-water cue; 1.8–2.2 ft preferred planning band; 2.8 ft review ceiling
The guide publishes the low-water cue and warns about higher stages; preferred bounds are conservative product planning guards.
- Direct gaugeUSGS 02455000 Locust Fork near Cleveland
USGS provides direct stage telemetry for the connected Locust Fork corridor.
- Public endpoint verificationSwann Covered Bridge and Covered Bridge Road near Nectar
The linked Friends of the Locust Fork section map marks both public access points and describes their parking and carries.
Verify it yourselfCheck the source links
Use these links to double-check the gauge, route details, and access notes before you head out.
Paddler reports
Recent notes from paddlers
A few quick notes from people who were on this route recently.
Reports
Paddler reports
See recent photos and notes from people on the route.
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Keep exploring
More routes to check next
Compare another stretch on this river, or explore different rivers within 75 straight-line miles.
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Quick answers
Locust Fork paddling FAQ
What water level is best for the Swann Covered Bridge public put-in to Covered Bridge Road near Nectar public take-out route on the Locust Fork?
Paddle Today watches Locust Fork near Cleveland, AL and treats 1.80 ft to 2.20 ft as the target band for this route, with weather and recent trend included in the final score.
Where does the Swann Covered Bridge public put-in to Covered Bridge Road near Nectar public take-out route on the Locust Fork start and end?
This route starts at Swann Covered Bridge public put-in and ends at Covered Bridge Road near Nectar public take-out, about 4.1 river miles on the water.
Is the Swann Covered Bridge public put-in to Covered Bridge Road near Nectar public take-out route on the Locust Fork suitable for beginners?
This is listed as a moderate route. Expect more planning than an easy float, and use the live score, route notes, and source links before committing.
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