Cahaba River in Alabama

Trip Overview

My Wife and I took our first kayak trip Saturday. It was a much needed break. We borrowed a couple of kayaks, thanks Ric, and after figuring out the pick-up and drop-off vehicle situation, which is the hardest part, we were off.

We put-in at Grant's Mill road and took out at Overton road. There is limited but good parking and a nice sitting area to rest or eat at both places. They have easy access to the river and a concrete slab which makes for easy entry. The water level was about 8 inches below the slab at Grant's Mill which according to the some internet reports is low but there was plenty of water. We never got stuck or had to carry the kayak.

The views were great and there was some wildlife. We saw several turtles, a few fish two ducks and one raccoon. Thanks to the Cahaba River Society for clean-up efforts we saw very little trash, although there was several car tires, what's the deal with people thinking it's a good idea to through there old tires in a river, I can't figure that out. Anyway, there were several rapids none were too scary but very fun.

In between the rapids it was peaceful and quiet which allowed for good one on one time with lots of conversation. It was 5.9 miles to the take out at Overton Road. There is a concrete slab there also that made for easy take-out. The water level there was closer to the top of the slab. Just a short walk to the parking area.

The whole trip took 3 hours and 15 minutes which was perfect. We had just started thinking we were getting tired. Perfect distance, perfect time, perfect day. Thanks to God for his perfect creation.

Fees:

none

Directions:

Grants Mill put-in is less than 1 mile off the I459/Grants Mill exit on left. As soon as you pass The Church of the Highlands look to the left. The Overton take-out is actually on Old Overton Road. You take the Liberty Park exit off I459, go toward Liberty Park. At the stop sign go right on Liberty Park Dr. At the next stop sign go right onto Overton Road. Then take the next left before you go under the bridge. The put-in is about a 1/4 of a mile on the right.