Recreation on Alabama’s Rivers

Alabama’s rivers offer some of the best recreational opportunities in the United States. Whether you are looking to reel in some largemouth bass, head for some whitewater in your kayak or canoe, or just cool off with a swim on a hot summer day, Alabama’s rivers have something beautiful awaiting you.

Canoeing/Kayaking

IMG_0960
A perfect day on the Upper Tallapoosa River

Whether you enjoy the relaxation of floating down a peaceful stream or the rush of navigating intense whitewater, Alabama’s rivers have something for you.

Alabama Scenic River Trail

Alabama’s great new river trail is the longest water trail in any single state of the country, beginning at the Georgia state line and winding its way across nine beautiful lakes, with scenery ranging from magnificent wildlife preserves and steep stone cliffs to the tranquil beauty of the secluded creeks of the Delta region—the second largest delta in the US. The Trail follows seven rivers and two creeks through a wide variety of types of paddling and scenery. After passing through the Delta, the route follows the eastern shore of Mobile Bay, ending at historic Ft. Morgan.

Birmingham Canoe Club

An active paddling club for kayakers as well as canoeists offering paddling instruction, safety training, organized outings, monthly meetings, social events, merchant discounts, and more.

Huntsville Canoe Club

A group of people interested in paddling all types of self-propelled craft – canoes, kayaks, and sit-on-tops – on a variety of types of water. Members’ skill levels and experience range from newcomers to the sport to experts, and our preferred venues range from local lakes to the wildest of white water. This club offers monthly meetings, organized trips, safety and trip leadership training, and more.

Alabama Whitewater

American Whitewater

Detailed descriptions of Alabama paddle trips including maps, directions, photos, and more.

Appalachian Mountain Club 

Rivers in the Northeast are popular recreation areas for paddlers, swimmers, anglers and bird watchers. A key component in the nature of rivers is a variety of vegetation that falls or is swept into our rivers and streams. For some paddlers, homeowners, and others who live near rivers, large woody vegetation is an impediment or simply unsightly. For the fish, mammals, birds and insects who live in and around the river, these logs and big branches form an essential element of the river’s ecology. Protecting these instream habitat characteristics is important to assuring a species-rich and diverse river system.  Learn More >>>

12688252_956335364444032_6846847303735590852_n
Tony Diliberto at the Alabama Cup Races 2016

Alabama Cup Races

The Alabama Cup Racing Series is made up by the Locust Fork Invitational, Mulberry Fork Canoe and Kayak Races and Locust Fork Whitewater Classic races. Courses consist of about 25 gates, set on a class Il/lll rapids approximately one hundred yards long. Race courses are spectator friendly with walking trails right beside the courses.

 

Swimming

Looking for a place to cool off on a hot day? Visit one of Alabama’s many swimming holes. Just be sure to confirm that your waterbody is clean, and remember to support river conservation groups to keep it that way!

Check out Swim Guide from our alliance partners!

Coosa Riverkeeper’s Swim Guide

Cahaba Riverkeeper’s Swim Guide

Hiking

Alabama features a number of hiking trails that run alongside its beautiful streams and rivers.

Hiking Alabama – A collection of information about Alabama’s hiking trails.

Fishing

Elizabeth Brooke reels it in!
Elizabeth Brooke reels it in!

Whether you enjoy fishing freshwater or saltwater, Alabama is a state rich with opportunities for the “one that got away”.

Coosa Riverkeeper’s Fish Guide

Outdoor Alabama’s “Fishing Alabama” Guide – Information for anglers in Alabama