Chickasabouge Park in Alabama

Trip Overview

We are new to paddling, and chose this location as our second trip due to the proximity of where we live, and the positive reviews from others.

We arrived at the park and payed a $1 per person park use fee. The park is secure with rangers on duty, and Mobile County Sheriffs also respond to this area. There are sandy beaches, places to swim, pavilions, and barbecue grills. The rangers will also take you upstream to a different launch site off Hwy 213. This will lead you back into the park.

We opted to launch from the boat ramp at the park and paddle upstream away from the park. Although the weather was in the upper 90's, it was relatively cool on the water (it was overcast as well). We paddled with little difficulty upstream into some very beautiful scenery.

The creek was very wide to start with, and began to narrow as you paddle close to the Hwy. 213 launch site. We passed at least 5 primitive camping sites along the way, which could make for a very fun overnight trip. There were plenty of swimmers around the camp sites, so paddle with caution! We also passed many other paddlers in canoes and kayaks going both directions, so you won't be completely alone, at least on a weekend.

As we came closer to the alternate launch site, the creek became narrower and narrower. There were also low overhanging branches, which some of had large wasp nests. Once we came to the point that the dead logs and low hanging branches were making us feel uncomfortable, we decided to turn around and head back to the park. When we approached the park, we went past the boat ramp and headed toward the bridge past the swimming area. The water is very wide at the bridge, and seems to be a beautiful trip towards the other direction which will come out at another boat launch in Chickasaw not far from the park. Due to a sudden storm, we didn't make it very far downstream from the park, but we are definitely going to go that route in the near future!

This was an overall fun experience for beginners with some great scenery! Watch for boat traffic, bring your dog if you want (but not into the park area), bring your camera and paddling gear, and have a great time!

Accommodations:

Pavilions, grills, sandy beaches, playgrounds, primitive and improved camp sites, trails, bathrooms, vending machines, on duty park personnel, park store.

This is a county park. No firearms, alcohol, or pets in park. You can bring a pet to boat ramp, but not pavilion area.

Fees:

$1 per person

Directions:

I-65 to exit 13. Turn immediately onto Hwy 213 South. Go about 3-4 miles, turn left at sign pointing to Chickasabogue Park. Go another few miles and turn left again at park sign and you're there! Pay gate attendant.