Mulberry Fork of the Black Warrior River facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Mulberry Fork |
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| Physical characteristics | |
| Main source | 34°15′15″N 86°30′54″W / 34.25426°N 86.51498°W |
| River mouth | 33°33′25″N 87°11′15″W / 33.55705°N 87.18749°W |
| Length | 102 miles (164 km) |
The Mulberry Fork is an important river in the U.S. state of Alabama. It flows for about 102 miles (164 kilometers). This river is a tributary of the Black Warrior River. A tributary is like a smaller stream or river that flows into a larger one.
The Mulberry Fork is one of three main "forks" or branches. The other two are the Locust Fork and the Sipsey Fork. All three of these forks come together to create the larger Black Warrior River. The Mulberry Fork helps to drain water from the southernmost part of the Appalachian Mountains. This area is located north and west of the city of Birmingham.
About the Mulberry Fork
The Mulberry Fork is a key part of Alabama's river system. It collects water from a large area. This area is known as its drainage basin. The water from this basin eventually flows into the Mobile River.
Where Does It Start?
The Mulberry Fork begins in the northeastern part of Cullman County. This is south of a town called Arab. From there, the river starts its journey.
Its Journey to the Black Warrior River
As the Mulberry Fork flows, it makes many tight turns. These turns are called meanders. It forms the border between Cullman County and Blount County.
The river then receives water from the Sipsey Fork. The Sipsey Fork joins it from the northwest. This meeting point is about 15 miles (24 km) east of Jasper.
Later, in southern Walker County, the Mulberry Fork flows into Bankhead Lake. Bankhead Lake is a large reservoir. A reservoir is a man-made lake used to store water. The Mulberry Fork forms the northernmost arm of this lake, which is about 10 miles (16 km) long.
The place where the Mulberry Fork and the Locust Fork used to meet is now underwater. This area is submerged within Bankhead Lake. This confluence is about 25 miles (40 km) west of Birmingham.
