The Nature Conservancy. Protecting nature. Preserving life.™

The Paint Rock River is a free-flowing tributary of the Tennessee River spans three counties in northeastern Alabama and one county in southeastern Tennessee. The Watershed encompasses about 460 square miles and is one of the most biologically important regions in the state for both aquatic and plant and animal associations.

The Paint Rock River supports an extremely diverse array of aquatic life, including some 100 species of fish and about 45 different mussel species. More than 12 globally rare mussels are found in the Paint Rock and its tributaries. One of the mussel species are found nowhere else in the world and one fish species is confined to the Paint Rock River and one stream in Kentucky.

On top of the plateaus within the watershed, isolated ponds dot the landscape. White-fringeless orchids are often found around the pond perimeters and state-rare dragonflies are found in the above waters.

This watershed harbors a massive and unique rock formation known as the Wall's of Jericho by local residents. The underlying limestone of the watershed is riddled with caves, springs and sinkholes and is a well-known destination for cavers throughout the US. The Conservancy established Keel Mountain preserve in 2001 at the "foot" of this watershed. The Conservancy's Paint Rock River Office opened in Paint Rock, Alabama in May 2001. To learn more about how The Conservancy is working in the Paint Rock River or for information on volunteer opportunities at the Paint Rock River Project Office, contact Doug Fears, Program Director at dfears@tnc.org.

Things To Do

Plan Your Visit

Directions

Discussion

Have you been to this preserve? Are you thinking of visiting? See what others are saying about their experiences and add your comments below.

Add Your Comments

Time for you to join the discussion. Tell us about your experience at this preserve. What plants and animals did you see? When did you go? You can help others plan their visit when you share your thoughts. And thank you for visiting one of our nature preserves!

Read our guidelines on posting comments