Brushy Lake to FS 255

Brushy Creek is a Class I (II) creek located entirely within the Bankhead National Forest in north Alabama. Brushy is the twin sister of the much better known Sipsey River (West Fork of the Sipsey). The big difference is that the Sipsey has achieved National Wild and Scenic status and Brushy is not listed. The trip down Brushy is as scenic as the Sipsey and features steep canyon walls and several waterfalls on small tributary streams. The canoeing season is usually during the winter and early spring. The put-in is at Brushy Lake; park at the picnic area (a fee is charged by the National Forest Service), canoe across the lake and take-out on the right side of the dam. The dam portage is fairly easy, but you have to lift your canoes over a fence and down a rocky hill. Generally, if the first shoal below the dam is runnable, there will be enough water to float the creek. Here's a rundown on major features: Mile 1 - small feeder stream on west has a beautiful waterfall about 1/4 mile upstream. Mile 2 - Beech Creek enters on river right. Mile 2.8 - "The String of Beads"; a series of rocks strewn along the left shore constricting the flow of the creek. Coal Mine Branch enters on river left. The branch has a shallow, settler-dug coal mine in the bluff lines. There is beautiful waterfall at the head of the branch. Mile 4.3 - Collier Creek enters on river right Mile 6 - Sougahoagdee Creek enters on river right. Be sure to stop here and go up the creek to one of the most magnificent waterfalls in the forest. It isn't far and you won't want to miss this sight! Mile 7 - Rush Creek enters on river left. I have heard that Rush is a great run in high water, but haven't tried it yet. Mile 7.5 - A small waterfalls where a creek enters on river left. Mile 8 - Take-out at Hickory Grove Road (FS Road 255). Information for this trip taken from an article in the "Bankhead Monitor", "Canoeing Brushy Creek". The Shuttle is a guess by the ignorant primary author.