Cahaba River in Alabama

Trip Overview

The put-in was at Grants Mill Road and the take-out was at Old Overton Road near Liberty Park. The water level was at 500 CFS. The river was running faster than usual due to the recent rains and the river was at an ideal level for this trip. The trip took us barely over an hour in a canoe, but we were paddling most of the way.

There are a few strainers to watch for, including one about 1/2 mile in that can be dangerous on river left. it does not stick far out over the water but there is a hidden rock about 30 feet in front that pushed us at the tree. One other to watch for is on the left side of an island. the approach looks similar to the first but there is no rock and you can paddle right across the current and avoid with no major difficulty.

The trip itself is one of my favorite on the river, with steep cliffs lining much of the banks and very little development along the river until you start seeing houses in Liberty Park perched along the ridge line near the end of the trip. We saw several dozen wood ducks along the river and three deer. Otherwise there was no notable wildlife. There are several pools that look like they could be good for fishing but we did not try them out.

As for rapids, there are maybe 10 "rapids" on the whole section, none of which would classify as class II @ 500CFS. Outside of the two strainers, this float is easy at this level and suitable for all levels.

Fees:

None

Directions:

I-459 to Grants Mill Road. Travel along Grants Mill road until you get to the gravel parking lot at the bridge over the river (maybe 1 mile from the interstate).