Cheaha Creek in Alabama

Trip Overview

I have been on this float several times now over the past 2 years. The original put in point that was recommended to us only allowed for a 2-3 hour float, so we decided to travel further up stream and find another put in the next time we went. When the water is up and has a nice flow, the float that can be completed in 6 hours or so with plenty of opportunities to make it longer if you'd like.

The water is clear all the way, such that most of the float, you can see right to the bottom. There are natural springs feeding the creek in several spots where the water is very cold, but most of the water is of perfect swimming temperature. There are multiple shoals, sand bars, tributaries to explore, and beautiful scenery to appreciate.

There are 2-3 decent swimming holes with large rocks embedded into the creekside banks to jump off. I took a fishing pole and a beetle spin and had luck at multiple points down the river. I caught a red eye bass, a regular bass, and a bream while fishing along the rocky bordered areas. Other wildlife noticed were catfish, crawfish, crane, turtles, rarely any snakes, and a beaver.

Scenery is remote and beautiful, "rapids" are really only bends in the creek and areas where the elevation changes over a slab. There's a small 2-3 foot waterfall, which is easily gone over.

The only reason I listed the difficulty as moderate is that we did not check the water level prior to going, and the float wound up taking us 7-8 hours due to helping the gear filled canoe and bottomed out kayaks through numerous shallow spots.

Also: wear good shoes, as the put in and take out spots require climbing up & down the banks with your gear

Accommodations:

No accommodations, no facilities. Come with what you'll need. There is a campground that you will pass along the float on the left side of the creek. Recognizable by the floating pier. It's about 3/4 of the way through the float.

Fees:

No - unless you plan on fishing. If so, you'll need a fishing license.

Directions:

From Oxford, AL, take Highway 21 South to Munford. Turn Left onto McElderry Road. Follow McElderry Road past a sign that says "Chinabee Camp" with an arrow to the left. The next bridge you cross has a pull off spot just on the right side of the road that goes behind the guard rails. This is the put in.

The take out is where the creek crosses under Curry Station Road.

Resources:

I used Google Maps to find the new put in spot.