Weogufka is a class one hidden beauty of a moving stream—with gar— flowing into a very remote state park that has recently come into the arms of the Alabama Scenic River Trail. The name is Creek language “wi, meaning water, as in the we of Wetumpka” and “ogufki,” meaning muddy.
The creek was the location of Little Joes Fish Camp, a honky-tonk up in the woods of the Game Management area, close to the mouth of the creek where Hank Williams once performed and imbibed. The little club was built out on a pier and it is now ruins falling into the water.
Weogufka begins as a small creek that is barely navigable due to fallen trees. The creek has more rapids than Hatchett Creek, but is less popular because of limited access (which the Alabama Scenic River Trail is working to change).
The creek is much more of a wilderness experience than most in the area. Paddlers can put into the Weogufka, float all the way into Lake Mitchell, then paddle up Hatchett creek taking out at Howells Camp (Highway 22 crossing). The big payoff is the rapids at the end of Weogufka. For most of its floatable length, Weogufka runs thru steep rocky canyons. The attractions include a primitive public campground in the Game Management area on the banks of the creek called Horse Stomp, difficult to find up a few miles of dirt roads but a beautiful place to camp overlooking one of the creek’s rapids. Until recently there was a stone tank there, carved into the rock of the riverbank until it was destroyed by irresponsible citizens few years ago.
Weogufka has a unique crossing called Tyler Ford, which is no more than a cement slab across the creek. In summer the crossing is only several inches deep, but as the water rises in the fall it can become quite dangerous.
The Alabama Scenic River Trail will work to produce access and guide information for this beautiful creek during 2010.
