Brushy Creek

Brushy Creek is a Class I (II) creek located entirely within the Bankhead National Forest in northwest Alabama. Brushy is the twin sister of the much better known Sipsey River. 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 with more moving water and small rapids on a narrower streambed. It features steep canyon walls and several waterfalls on small tributary streams. The canoeing season is usually during the winter and early spring. Brushy Creek is suitable for any skill level paddler.

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.