Rock Pile Spring, Muscle Shoals, Alabama, 35662

## Overview Rock Pile Spring is a natural public drinking spring located in Muscle Shoals, Alabama, in Colbert County, along the south bank of the Tennessee River. The spring water flows down from the surrounding hills that line the river's southern bluffs — part of the geologically rich terrain shaped by millennia of river erosion through the ancient limestone bedrock of the Tennessee Valley. The spring sits on the lower portion of the TVA (Tennessee Valley Authority) Reservation near the historic Wilson Dam, one of the earliest major hydroelectric dams in the United States, completed in 1924. The area's connection to the Tennessee River and the TVA's vast public lands gives Rock Pile Spring a unique setting where natural hydrology and early 20th-century American infrastructure history converge. Visitors have historically used this spring as a drinking water source, and it has long been known to locals in the Muscle Shoals area. ## Directions 1. Head to the area near **410 Dearborn Avenue, Muscle Shoals, AL 35661** — this is the nearest address to the spring. 2. Make your way toward the **TVA Reservation** land near **Wilson Dam** on the south bank of the Tennessee River. 3. Look for the **rock heap (rock pile)** on the lower part of the TVA Reservation grounds. The spring emerges at or near this distinctive pile of rocks, which gives the spring its name. 4. **GPS coordinates:** 34.74, -87.67 — use these to navigate to the approximate location, though the final approach may require a short walk on foot. *Note: The TVA Reservation is public land, but access hours and road conditions may vary. It's a good idea to check with the TVA or local authorities for any seasonal closures or access restrictions before visiting.* ## What to Expect Rock Pile Spring is a hillside spring where water naturally flows downhill from the bluffs along the Tennessee River's south bank. The spring is identifiable by a notable rock heap at the lower section of the TVA Reservation — a landmark that has given the spring its local name for generations. The surrounding landscape is characteristic of northwest Alabama's river valley terrain: wooded hills, limestone outcrops, and the broad expanse of the Tennessee River nearby. Wilson Dam itself is an impressive sight and worth a visit while you're in the area. The water has been historically used as a drinking water source by locals, though as with any natural spring, water quality can vary with weather and seasonal conditions. The flow originates from the hills above, filtering through the region's limestone geology, which is known for producing clear, mineral-rich water throughout the Tennessee Valley. The spring is in a relatively accessible location on TVA land, but visitors should wear sturdy footwear, as the terrain around the rock pile can be uneven. The area around Muscle Shoals offers plenty of additional attractions, including the famous FAME Recording Studios and the scenic beauty of the Shoals region along the Tennessee River.