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
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’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.
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.
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.
This page features the current runnable status of most of the rivers in our database. Use this feature to find the active white water!
Detailed descriptions of Alabama paddle trips including maps, directions, photos, and more.
This world-class outdoor venue is located steps from downtown Montgomery, Alabama, and adjacent to the I-65 and I-85 corridors, Montgomery Whitewater is an outdoor destination unlike any other. The park boasts an Olympic-standard recirculating whitewater channel, utilizing the world’s most advanced whitewater technology for paddlesports athletes and competitions. The park is rooted in adventure, outdoor lifestyle, and shared experiences, and is a premier destination that invites people to be outside, challenge themselves, discover new activities, and enjoy their surroundings.
The Alabama Cup Racing Series is made up of the Mulberry Fork Canoe and Kayak Races and the Locust Fork Whitewater Classic. 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 partners across Alabama!
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
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
Watch the 2021 Southern Exposure film, THE LAST LAST HIKE, featuring 83-year-old Nimblewill Nomad. Nimblewill is about to become the oldest person to thru-hike the Appalachian Trail. But he didn’t start at Springer Mountain, Georgia – his trek began on Flagg Mountain in Alabama, the true southern terminus of the Appalachian Mountain Range. Throughout his odyssey, he’s meeting hikers along the way and sharing the magic of Flagg Mountain, where he has been the caretaker for the past three years. With more than two decades and 50,000 miles of hiking experience behind him, will this really be his last last hike?