Jamie L. Whitten Lock and Dam
An impressive feat of engineering on the Tenn-Tom Waterway, the Jamie L. Whitten Lock offers a dramatic 84-foot lift for vessels.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
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See the lockage in action
Jamie L. Whitten Lock and Dam
Best Time
See the lockage in action
Highlights
Must-see attractions
An impressive feat of engineering on the Tenn-Tom Waterway, the Jamie L. Whitten Lock offers a dramatic 84-foot lift for vessels.
"Quite an experience to go through Whitten Lock… hats off to all the engineers and crew."
View from the Bridge
Public access is limited; the best viewing spot is from the nearby bridge. :camerawithflash:
Impressive Lockage
Experience the rapid 84-foot lift, a highlight for boaters transiting the Tenn-Tom. :boat:
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
The 84-Foot Lift
Jamie L. Whitten Lock
Witness the impressive 84-foot water level change as boats ascend or descend, a truly remarkable engineering feat.
Tenn-Tom Waterway Transit
Jamie L. Whitten Lock
Experience the "boat elevator" of the Tenn-Tom Waterway, a vital link for maritime transport and recreation.
Impressive Engineering
Jamie L. Whitten Lock and Dam
Marvel at the scale and precision of this $75 million project, a testament to American engineering and hard work.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Accessing the Lock
Experiencing the Lockage
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
View from the Bridge
Public access is limited; the best viewing spot is from the nearby bridge. :camerawithflash:
Impressive Lockage
Experience the rapid 84-foot lift, a highlight for boaters transiting the Tenn-Tom. :boat:
Appreciate the Engineering
Acknowledge the hard work and skill of the engineers and crew behind this massive project. :muscle:
Fastest Lock in America
The Whitten Lock is noted as one of the fastest and second-largest lifts in the country. :stopwatch:
Tips
from all over the internet
View from the Bridge
Public access is limited; the best viewing spot is from the nearby bridge. :camerawithflash:
Impressive Lockage
Experience the rapid 84-foot lift, a highlight for boaters transiting the Tenn-Tom. :boat:
Appreciate the Engineering
Acknowledge the hard work and skill of the engineers and crew behind this massive project. :muscle:
Fastest Lock in America
The Whitten Lock is noted as one of the fastest and second-largest lifts in the country. :stopwatch:
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors are impressed by the sheer scale and engineering of the Jamie L. Whitten Lock and Dam, particularly its rapid 84-foot lift. While direct public access is limited, the viewing experience from the bridge is considered worthwhile for appreciating this significant piece of infrastructure. The efficiency and hard work of the lock crews are frequently highlighted.
"Wish the general public would be able to see it a bit closer than from the bridge that's about an 1/8th mile away. The map looks like you can drive up to a parking lot at it, but that's not the case, and the gates are locked at it. From what I could see from the bridge, it looks pretty impressive."
Outdoors With Shawn
"Quite an experience to go through Whitten Lock…Southbound Looper MV Etcetera going through the lock dropping @84 feet…hats off to all the engineers and crew that made this $75M project…and thanks to Lockmaster Justin for coordinating our transit."
Yolanda DeWit
"well engineers did a stand up job on all the locks in the river system as far as I am concerned and the army core deserves a round of applause for there hard work nothing about the labor that went into them could have been easy. I'm sure lots of blood sweat and tears went into them and it just makes me proud to be an American to work the lines from a tug boat and see it over and over it never gets old"
Will A. Knipe (The Night Knipe Bama)
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
Public access to the immediate vicinity of the lock and dam is restricted, with gates often locked. The primary viewing point for visitors is from a bridge located approximately an eighth of a mile away. This offers a good vantage point to observe the lock operations without direct access to the facility itself.
While maps might suggest drive-up access, the gates to the lock and dam area are typically locked for security and operational reasons. Parking is generally not available directly at the facility for the general public. Visitors should plan to view from the designated bridge overlook.
Yes, the Jamie L. Whitten Lock is an active part of the Tenn-Tom Waterway and is used by commercial vessels and recreational boaters. Transiting the lock is a key experience for those navigating this route. +2
The Tennessee-Tombigbee Waterway (Tenn-Tom) is a system of canals, locks, and reservoirs connecting the Tennessee River to the Tombigbee River, providing a navigable route from the Midwest to the Gulf of Mexico. The Jamie L. Whitten Lock is a crucial component of this waterway. +1
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
No, tickets are not required to view the Jamie L. Whitten Lock and Dam from the public bridge overlook. Access to the operational areas of the lock and dam is restricted.
The lock operates for transiting vessels, and while specific public viewing hours aren't posted, the lockage process typically occurs during daylight hours. It's best to check with the Army Corps of Engineers for any specific operational schedules if planning a boat transit. +1
There is no admission fee for viewing the Jamie L. Whitten Lock and Dam from the public bridge overlook. It is a free vantage point for observing the lock's operations.
Official public tours of the operational areas of the Jamie L. Whitten Lock and Dam are generally not offered. The experience is primarily observational from designated public areas or through boat transit.
🎫 🧭 Onsite Experience
The lockage at Jamie L. Whitten Lock is described as quite an experience, with boats dropping or rising 84 feet. It's noted as one of the fastest locks in America, making the transit efficient and impressive. +1
The Jamie L. Whitten Lock is recognized as one of the fastest locks in America. While exact times can vary based on traffic and procedures, the efficiency of the lockage is a notable feature.
The 84-foot rise (or drop) is the significant change in water level that boats experience when transiting the lock. This substantial lift is a key feature that makes the Whitten Lock impressive and efficient.
Photography and videography are generally permitted from the public viewing areas. Many visitors share their experiences online, capturing the impressive lockage process. +2
📸 📸 Photography
The best photographic opportunities are from the bridge overlooking the lock. This vantage point allows you to capture the scale of the lock, the boats in transit, and the impressive water level changes. +1
You can capture dramatic shots of boats entering or exiting the lock chamber, the rising or falling water levels, and the intricate machinery involved in the lock operation. Videos of the full lockage are particularly popular. +1
While general photography is allowed from public viewing areas, it's always wise to be mindful of any posted signage or instructions from lock personnel, especially if you are on a boat transiting the lock.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
Boaters and Mariners
For those undertaking longer journeys like the Great Loop, the Whitten Lock is a notable landmark. The engineering and the skill of the lock operators are frequently praised by mariners, who often express pride in the American infrastructure that facilitates such travel.
Engineering Enthusiasts
Visitors interested in infrastructure will appreciate the scale of the project and the role it plays in connecting waterways. While direct access is limited, observing the lockage from the nearby bridge provides a compelling perspective on this vital piece of American infrastructure.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
The Engineering Marvel of the Whitten Lock
The lock's design and operation are crucial for facilitating navigation along the Tenn-Tom Waterway, connecting the inland waterways of the Midwest to the Gulf of Mexico. This waterway serves both commercial shipping and recreational boating, making locks like Whitten vital arteries for commerce and leisure. The speed at which the Whitten Lock operates is a particular point of pride and efficiency, often referred to as the "fastest lock in America."
For visitors, understanding the engineering behind the lock enhances the appreciation of its function. While direct access is limited, observing the lockage from the nearby bridge provides a tangible sense of the scale and power involved in moving vessels through such a significant elevation change. It's a testament to human ingenuity and the ability to reshape landscapes for practical purposes.
Navigating the Tenn-Tom Waterway: A Boater's Perspective
The experience of being lifted or lowered by such a substantial amount of water is often described as being in a "boat elevator." This unique aspect of waterway travel is a key draw for recreational boaters undertaking journeys like the Great Loop, with records even being set at this very lock.
It's important for boaters to be prepared for the lockage process. This includes understanding communication protocols with the lockmaster, having appropriate lines ready, and following instructions precisely. The coordination required from both the lock crew and the vessel operators is essential for a successful and timely transit.
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