Mainstem Black River Trail, Alpine, Arizona. This section encompasses the East Fork below Buffalo Crossing and the mainstem of the river from the confluence of the east and west forks to the reservation boundary. Below Buffalo Crossing the Black River and the road part company as the stream begins to drop more steeply toward its confluence with the White River deep within the Fort Apache and San Carlos Apache Indian Reservations. The river enters a large canyon here, and the streambed becomes more rocky with fewer pools and longer riffles.
Forested slopes dose in to narrow the streamside riparian zone and access becomes more limited.
This area is popular with trout anglers trying to find better fishing along more remote stretches of the stream, but it also attracts other forest recreationists as well. The scenery is great and there's a good chance you'll see some interesting wildlife, including black bear which are relatively plentiful here. The only road that leads directly to the river in this out of the way area is FR 25, which crosses the mainstem of the Black at Wildcat Bridge. Fish Creek Access Trail serves as the sole developed and maintained trail into the area, but there are a number of unmarked and unmaintained paths used regularly by trout anglers and other riverside recreators that provide additional access. Streamside paths extend down-river from Buffalo Crossing and both up and downstream from Wildcat Bridge.