One of my favorite features of Tuscaloosa is the Black Warrior River! It provides a source of natural beauty and recreational activities… The river is named for the Native American Trive, the “Warrior” tribe, who once inhabited the area. The winds through the town and served as a transferation route for the coal and timber industries in the nineteenth century! Old mill sites and the historic districts of the town are remnants of the river’s historical importance. I cherish sauntering along the Riverwalk and appreciating the stunning views. There are historical makers along the trail that give information into the region’s past! From the Native American heritage, the Civil War ear and the industrial revolution, the river is an integral component, when the magnolias, petwoods and azaleas start blooming in the Spring, I like to picnic at one of the riverside parks. I watch for songbirds and all different types of waterfowl, however during the summer, the heat and humidity in Tuscaloosa can be brutal. The river is an option to cool off. I can kayak and canoe on the calm waters. To get my heart pumping, I sometimes jog or ride my back along the trails; Although I’m not a fan of fishing, there are bass, catfish and crappie in the river that bring in lots of fishermen. At all times per, the Black Warrior River is the scene of a wide variety of festivals and community events. There are live songs performances, art exhibitions and the annual “Tuscaloosa Dragon Boat Races.” Teams paddle intricate dragon boats for a fun spectacle.