Reviewed by: Liv George
Your guide to floating down Alabama rivers this summer
Reading time: 4 minutes
There are plenty of ways to enjoy Alabama waterways this summer. Whether you are looking for an adventure or just hoping to go with the flow, this guide will give you the state’s best spots to get in and out of some of the most popular rivers in the state.
You could be doing a solo trip in a kayak or a group trip by tubing down these rivers but it’s always a good reminder to keep an eye on a weather and to go with a plan of where to get in + out of the water. And make sure you have someone ready to pick you up when you get out!
You can find a full map of our recommendations below. Then keep reading to find out more about the locations you need to know + the best way to plan your day on the water.
Cahaba River
Whether you are kayaking, tubing or canoeing, there are plenty of stops along the Cahaba River you can use to get in and out of the water. We wanted to highlight some of our favorite rides including where to drop in and where to take out.
- Moon River on Highway 78 to Grants Mill Road
- Grants Mill Riverwalk to Old Overton Road
- Old Overton Road to Highway 280
These spots all run back to back so if you’re up for a longer adventure in one day, you can go Moon River to Highway 280.
Black Warrior River
This river is mostly known for running through the heart of Tuscaloosa but there are plenty of spots the river can take you.
- Locust Fork: Highway 31 in Kimberly to Buck Short Bridge on Mt. Olive Road
- Mullberry Fork: Garden City to Bangor
- Hurricane Creek: Hurricane Creek Park to Holt Peterson Road bridge
Flint River
If you’re looking for some currents to ride in the northern part of the state, Flint River is one of the most popular spots you can choose. There are several places to put in or take out, leaving you with options on how far you want to extend your day on the water.
From just a couple of hours to a full-day trip, here are some spots along the way you can use:
- Moontown Road
- Little Cove Road
- Flint River Greenway
- Chickasaw Landing on Hobbs Island Road
Tallapoosa River
While there are several different spots along the Tallapoosa River to enjoy, Section 3 is often considered one of the best for kayakers. The speed varies depending on recent rainfall but it is likely to take anywhere from 2 to 4 hours. You can put in at the Horseshoe Bend public access ramp and take out at Jaybird Landing.
Conecuh River
The Conecuh River travels from Union Springs before moving all the way into Florida as the Escambia River. One particular section is considered to be a good family trip with slow to moderate speeds for floating down the river toward the coast.
You can drop in around the River Falls Boat Ramp near Point A Lake. There are several small spots to stop along the way, whether to get out of the water or just to enjoy the scenery. The short trip can end just past Prestwood Road bridge west of Andalusia.
Chattahoochee River
This river runs along the border between Alabama + Georgia, with most of it technically being in our neighboring state. But while you may have to cross the state line to get to some access points, it’s a short drive and well worth it.
One of the more popular points runs right along Phenix City. A 2.5 mile whitewater section known as Rushsouth spans from the North Highlands Dam to the Columbus Trade Center. Kayakers can find an abundance of great features from put-in to take-out.
Styx River
We include Styx River in this list for the tubers looking for more lazy rivers than whitewater rapids. It’s one of the most popular spots in the state to just sit and relax on an afternoon float down the river.
The river itself is just over 40 miles long in Baldwin County with several spots for swimming and fishing as well. For tubing with a group, most people will use Styx River Tube and Canoe Rental in Robertsdale.
What are your favorite river spots in Alabama? Let us know by tagging The Bama Buzz on Instagram, X, Facebook + LinkedIn.
