Buck Creek (Cahaba River tributary) facts for kids

Buck Creek is a cool stream, about 17.3-mile-long (27.8 km), located in Shelby County, Alabama. It flows into the Cahaba River. Long ago, in the 1800s, people used the creek's water power to run factories. Today, Buck Creek is mostly used for fun activities like fishing and canoeing. It also helps local towns by taking treated water from their water cleaning plants.

Where Buck Creek Flows

Buck Creek is entirely within Shelby County, Alabama. It flows in a special direction, generally from southeast to northwest. This is different from most valleys and ridges in central Alabama. The creek starts high up on Double Mountain. From there, it flows south, then turns west near Saginaw.

The creek then goes under several major roads, including U.S. Route 31, Interstate 65, and State Route 119. After this, Buck Creek turns north. It passes through areas like Siluria and the cities of Alabaster and Pelham.

As it continues, the creek turns northwest and flows past the city of Helena. In Helena's Old Town area, there's a dam across the creek. This dam creates a small lake called Lake Davidson. In the early 1900s, this lake was used for fun and to power water wheels. The dam is even lit up at night! Buck Creek keeps flowing northwest until it joins the Cahaba River.

Creek Branches and Lakes

Buck Creek has smaller streams that flow into it, called tributaries. The main tributary is Cahaba Valley Creek. It joins Buck Creek near the border of Helena and Pelham. Cahaba Valley Creek flows northeast, following the natural shape of the land. It starts in Oak Mountain State Park.

Cahaba Valley Creek is also dammed to create Beaver Lake, which is inside Oak Mountain State Park. Another stream, Peavine Creek, also starts in Oak Mountain State Park and joins Buck Creek before Cahaba Valley Creek does.

What Buck Creek is Used For

Today, Buck Creek is a popular spot for outdoor activities. People enjoy fishing, wading in the shallow parts, and canoeing on the water. If you want to canoe, there are places in Helena that can rent you a canoe and even help with transportation.

The Old Town Amphitheater park in Helena is right next to Buck Creek. It's a great place for picnics and just hanging out. Every spring, the Buck Creek Festival is held at this park. Thousands of people come to enjoy the fun!

There's also a historic marker near the creek in Helena. It tells the story of the Central Iron Works rolling mill. This factory was built on the banks of Buck Creek in 1865, but it's not there anymore.

Gallery

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  Buck Creek flows over the dam at Helena during fall low water period

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  Alabama Highway 261 bridge across Buck Creek in Helena during a rare snowfall on January 19, 2008