New park on scenic river trail coming soon to Blount County

A new riverside park is coming to Blount County thanks to Friends of the Locust Fork River (FLFR). Now owned by Blount County, the park will serve as a public access point to the Locust Fork River featuring a boat ramp, parking and other amenities.

Taylor Riverside Park will celebrate its grand opening ceremony April 20 at 10AM.

Public access to Locust Fork River

The park is located on the Alabama Scenic River Trail, which extends over 12 miles to King’s Bend Scenic Overlook. The Locust Fork River section is a hidden gem, containing attractions like:

• Excellent fishing
• High biodiversity
• Native vegetation
• Rock bluffs
• Small rapids

In addition to providing a safe public access point to the river, Taylor Riverside Park also corrects surface water runoff from the highway that was eroding the stream bank.

Park amenities

With the help of EBSCO, Alabama Scenic River Trail, Blount County and others, Friends of Locust Fork River have been able to add amenities to the new park, including:

• Flat parking area
• Stone staircase leading to river
• Boat ramp for canoes + kayaks

Want to help make the park even more beautiful? FLFR is taking donations to help make the final touch-ups like stair rails, trash cans and picnic tables.

Email info@flfral.com to sponsor a bench in your name or in a loved one’s memory.

Kayak trip celebrating grand opening April 20

Celebrate the park’s grand opening with a paddle along the Locust Fork River from Taylor Riverside Park on April 20 at 9AM. Bring your own kayak or canoe, paddle and life jacket and take to the water with guides from FLFR.

Learn more.