Coosa River in Alabama

Trip Overview

We tried this part of the Coosa River for the first time today. Even in drought conditions, the river was navigable and fun. Coosa River Adventures gave us a shuttle service to the Jordan Dam, for our sit-in kayaks.

There was plenty of calm water with the low flow and a few Class II and III rapids, even with the 2000 cfs flow (The Alabama Power has a minimum flow requirement varying from 2,000 to 10,000 cubit feet per second (cfs) depending on time of year). We did 7 miles in 3.5 hours with plenty of time for stops and re-running the rapids. Most of the others we noticed were enjoying the rapids on their sit-on-tops.

The wildlife was abundant on this sunny day. There were multiple Blue Heron and Geese with 2 Osprey and some very large fish jumping. I plan to take my fishing pole next trip.

Overall, it was a perfect half-day trip.
We may try paddling from the Dam to Ft. Toulouse Jackson Park for our next trip.

Resources:

www.coosariveradventures.com/

www.alabamapower.com/hydro/coosa.asp#Jordan-Bouldin

waterdata.usgs.gov/nwis/uv?02411600