Blount County, Alabama covers almost 650 square miles of the picturesque northern AL Mountain-Lakes Region. Known for its scenic covered bridges, Blount County offers a tranquil setting amidst natural beauty, charming small-town communities and a splendid quality of living.
Census 2000 recorded Blount County’s population at just over 51,000. Estimates taken in 2004 showed an almost 8% increase, with 55,000 residents. Blount County forms the far northern border of the prosperous Birmingham-Hoover Metro Area, one of Alabama’s fastest-growing and most affluent regions.
Blount County, Alabama formed in 1818 after the long and violent Creek War with the Muscogee Native Americans, and named in honor of Gov. Willie Blount of Tennessee. Settlers called the first town Bear Meat Cabin and later changed it to Blountsville. Blount County incorporated in 1827. Oneonta, population 6,000, is the county seat. Fifteen other smaller communities comprise Blount County, with colorful names such as Locust Fork, population 1,000, Nectar, population 400 and Allgood, population 600.
Three tributaries of Alabama's mighty Black Warrior River wind through Blount County: Locust Fork, Mulberry Fork and Blackburn River. Locust and Mulberry have long stretches of exciting white water rapids and host numerous events sponsored by the American Whitewater Association. Alabamans consider all three waterways to be some of the finest canoeing rivers in the state.
Blount County boasts two pristine lakes. Highland Lake at 900 feet above sea level is one of the highest lakes in the southeastern United States. A community of 400 residents nestles along the shoreline. Inland Lake contains 5,000 acres of some of the finest fishing waters in the North Alabama Lakes Region.
Palisades Park is a 90-acre preserve with hiking trails up to its 1,300-foot summit, two pioneer cabins, a schoolhouse and a farm museum, demonstrating Blount County’s heritage. Rickwood Caverns extends over a mile underground, with 260-million-year-old limestone formations. Hang-gliding and rappelling in Blount County have become favorite pastimes, taking advantage of the natural terrain formed by Straight Mountain, Warnick’s Peak, Walker's Gap and Pine Mountain.
Blount County, Alabama provides a quick getaway from the hustle and bustle of Birmingham. An outdoor enthusiast’s wonderland, Blount County’s small towns offer southern hospitality, gracious living and a slower pace.
