Terrapin Creek, which runs through Cleburne, Calhoun and Cherokee counties of northeast Alabama, runs for nearly two hundred miles inside the state line. It’s one of the latest additions to the Alabama Scenic River Trail and is guaranteed to be a hit for those seeking pristine paddling on clear, fast water and class one, two and (depending on conditions) three whitewater. The fast-running creek, which would be called a river in most parts of the states, will keep you busy all day as it runs through the convoluted ridges from riffle to shoals. Right now, the main access to the river is six fun-filled miles from Stewarts Bridge to Terrapin Outdoor Center, a prominent outfitter that puts six thousand boats a summer on the creek. The Alabama Scenic River Trail has recently applied for a grant that would improve access to the point that the current six miles of access could be expanded to nearly forty of the river’s very best paddling miles for eight river segments that would support a trip from the bridge near Oak Level all the way into Weiss Lake.
Below, the location of Terrapin Creek.
The Alabama Scenic River Trail has applied for a grant to improve access to the Terrapin. The status of that grant is unknown as of December 2009. Whether the improvements we are seeking are made or not, the following County Rights of Way have been deemed usable for river access. If you go to one of these access points and the bank is in poor condition, please don’t use it. We need to keep this clear, free-running stream in good shape (numbers refer to sites on
a downloadable map at this link):
1. Oak Level. East side of bridge R.O.W. there is ample headroom for a car to drive under. Under the west side of the area there is private land where resident allows parking for $2.
Nearby is nearly all privately owned Fagan's campground area, and is also where Pinhoti hiking trail and Ladiga biking trail cross Terrapin Creek and the Alabama Scenic River Trail, the only place in the state where such a confluence occurs.
Vigo Bridges 2 & 3. Near CR 203 are the two single lane bridges on Highway 94. The eastern bridge is condemned and has been closed for years. Both bridges provide suitable access. On the first (2), enter downstream of the bridge on south side of creek, on the other (3), enter the creek on north side and just downstream of the bridge.
4. Highway 278/33 Bridge. After crossing the creek heading east, turn north (left) onto CR 33 is the old water plant property. New plant has been build nearby. The old structure still stands on this property, which is fenced, mowed and kept up. Has gated iron fence and ample parking. A concrete bridge crosses a small creek here and provides a good place for access.
5. Stewarts Bridge. This is currently the most-used put-in on the river. This is the put-in used by Terrapin Outdoor Center (256-447-6666, 4114 County road 175 Piedmont AL 36272—call for directions, there is a problem with most GPS directions to the outfitters).
6. Hurricane Creek. This creek empties into Terrapin Creek at one of its most popular spots. This access off of Cherokee County Road 33 adds a beautiful stretch to one of the most scenic (and, with its normal-water sandbars, most accessible banks for the paddler) parts of the Terrapin.
7. Ellis Bridge. Where Highway 9 crosses Terrapin Creek. Hundreds of people use this spot every month, weather permitting, on this steep bank on state Right Of Way.
8. Highway 71 Bridge near the town of Centre on a 30-foot steep bank.
The Alabama Scenic River Trail is also seeking funding for a printed guidebook for the Terrapin.
