Community
Franklin County is home to a strong mix of locally-owned businesses and regional and national companies. Nearly 70 businesses and industries are found throughout the county in industrial parks in Russellville, Red Bay, Phil Campbell and Vina. Huntsville, Birmingham and Nashville are all within easy driving distance. Franklin County offers a fine educational program encompassing two outstanding public school systems: Franklin County Schools and Russellville City Schools. These school systems administer many programs including Head Start, kindergarten, elementary, secondary and vocational training. Northwest Shoals Community College has multiple campuses in Phil Campbell and Muscle Shoals. The University of North Alabama, only 30 minutes away, offers numerous programs for obtaining bachelor’s, master’s and doctorate degrees.
Recreation
Franklin County is perfect for hunting, fishing and boating enthusiasts. Thousands of acres are available for wild game hunting. The Bear Creek Lakes System, which winds through the Franklin County area, provides easy access to outstanding fishing. These 8,000 acres of recreational waters are some of the cleanest in Alabama because no industry is allowed on its shores. Largemouth bass weighing more than 15 pounds have been caught here, with the average being in the 10-to 12-pound range. Boating, water skiing and swimming are also popular activities, thanks to the calm waters and sandy beaches. There are also plenty of facilities for those who love to camp. Bear Creek Lake alone has more than 160 full-featured sites in five campgrounds on 15,000 acres. The nearby Sipsey Wilderness Area, one of only two such areas in the state, offers hiking, camping, hunting, fishing and horseback riding, and is the third largest wilderness area east of the Mississippi. A Registered National Natural Landmark, Dismals Canyon is a secluded wilderness tucked deep within the foothills of the Appalachian Mountains. It’s been featured in Reader’s Digest’s “Off The Beaten Path” as one of America’s most interesting and still un-crowded places to visit.