20 Canoe Camping Trips in

and around Alabama

LEGEND

1. Tensaw Rice Creek

2. Tensaw Canal Lake

3. Tensaw Boatyard

Ldg. – Hubbards Ldg.

4. Upper Tallapoosa R.

5. Lake Wedowee

6. Lake Martin

7. Sypsey Fork

8. Cahaba River

9. Mulberry Fork

10. Inland Lake

11. Hatchett Creek

12. Choccolocco Cr.

13. Lower Coosa R.

14. East Fork Little

River

15. Flint River

16. Choctawhatchee

River

17. Sequatchie R. -TN

18. Hiwassee R. -TN

19. Blackwater R. -FL

20. Suwannee R. –FL

21. Terrapin Creek

Upper & Lower Tensaw Delta

**Beach / Island / Platform Camping

**Six access points to the swamp near Stockton, north of I-65

**Short hike to indian mound

Trip PlanningAlabama State LandsTaking time to plan your trip can significantly enhance your experience. Be aware of the Rules for Use and take pride in what this region has to offer. Leave no-trace of your presence so the experiences for those whom follow are as nice as yours. Review the information provided for the trail you plan on using; obtain water level information to optimize your enjoyment and safety. While most trips are without mishap, be aware and prepared for potential hazards. For information about local outfitters, motels and restaurant’s contact the area Chambers of Commerce.

www.northbaldwinchamber.com , www.cbchamber.org , www.mobilechamber.com .

Leave no-trace

Show respect by minimizing your presence and impact in all ways. Take pride in the ability to pass through the area without leaving any sign of your presence. Never discard garbage or food scraps in the swamp no matter how small or insignificant they may seem. Such items pollute the environment and attract unwanted animals. Avoid disturbing wildlife (and other visitors) by keeping quiet and not approaching them too closely. Avoid disturbing plants and other natural features by leaving them in place and building fires only at designated sites. Deposit all human waste in a toilet. Campers on overnight canoe trips are required to use portable toilets between facilities. For information about how to enjoy the outdoors while “leaving no trace” visit www.LNT.org .

Significant Factors Relating to the Delta Water Levels

Public use of all water routes within the Delta are greatly influenced by water levels of the area’s rivers. Trail routes within the northern portion of the Delta are especially influenced by water levels on the Alabama River. The first upstream impoundment on the Alabama River from the Delta is Claiborne Reservoir. Operation of Claiborne Dam by the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers is the single most influential structure affecting the water levels on the upper Delta. Review the information provided with the respective trail descriptions for optimal water levels. This information is helpful in trip planning and trail selection. For water level information at Claiborne Dam, call 1-888-771-4601 and work through the Menu options to select Claiborne Dam tailwater, or check the Army Corps of Engineers’ websites at: http://water.sam.usace.army.mil/ Additional information can also be found at http://al.water.usgs.gov/

Hazards

While most canoeists and kayakers paddle the Delta without mishap, visitors need to be aware ofand prepared for potential hazards. Carry first-aid and survival kits. Keep them secure andaccessible, and be familiar with their use.

Alligators: American Alligators are common to the Delta, and offer visitor’s a uniqueopportunity for wildlife watching. Beware of your surroundings, the time of the year andalligator behaviors. Never feed alligators or approach a nest. On occasion visitors may find analligator uncomfortably close to or completely blocking the path. This is most likely to happenwhen an alligator hauls out to sun on the bank of a narrow section of trail. Avoid simply tryingto pass quietly by an alligator in this situation. If the alligator suddenly feels threatened, it willlikely dash to the safety of deep water by the most direct route. If the alligator does not feelthreatened until visitors have paddled alongside, it may “escape” directly toward visitors. Neverget caught in the path of an alligator’s escape route to water.

Becoming lost: Once off-trail, there are a few helpful landmarks from which to regain bearingsin the Delta. Moving from North to South, all trails cross several man-made features, includingpower line ROW, Gas line ROW, I-65 and the L and N RR trestle. Utilizing these landmarksand maps the user can navigate back on course or to one of the several landings in the area.Aside from extremely remote bayous and creeks, most waters are frequented by small motorizedcraft on a regular basis. Another good idea is to have a float-plan buddy (someone not on thetrip) with whom visitors can leave a trip itinerary and whom visitors can inform of a safe return.

Heat exhaustion and Heat stroke: Heat exhaustion and heat stoke are real possibilities. Beaware of their symptoms and the course of action one should take if a partner exhibits symptomsof heat related problems. Drink plenty of water and avoid strenuous activity during the hottestpart of the day.

Hypothermia: Be aware of the symptoms. A dry change of clothes, dry sleeping bag, and drytent are essential, when treating someone with hypothermia. Keeping these items in dry gearbags is a good idea when traveling in the Delta.

Insects that bite (and their relatives): Mosquitoes and deer flies (locally known as yellowflies) are the most bothersome of the swamp’s biting insects. Mosquitoes can be active at anytime of the year during suitably warm weather, but are most numerous from April throughOctober. Deer flies are at their worst from May through September.

Poisonous snakes: Five different poisonous snakes occur in the Delta: Florida Cottonmouth (Water Moccasin), Eastern Diamondback Rattlesnake, Canebrake (Timber) Rattlesnake, Dusky Pygmy Rattlesnake and Eastern Coral Snake.

Thunderstorms and lightning: Thunderstorms are common afternoon and evening occurrencesfrom May through September.

Designated Overnight Route # 1:

2 Days/ 1 Night

• Distance: 14.1 miles

Start: Rice Creek LandingEnd: Rice Creek Landing Campsites: Two Rivers PointType of trail: old river channel, creek, lake, and slough

Habitats: bottomland hardwood swamp, flowing creeks, side channel sloughs and backwaters

Reliability: excellentClick on Thumbnails for Larger Version•

•

• Optimimal water levels: Claiborne Dam river stages ranging from 10 to 19 feet on tailrace readings provide optimum water levels for this route. Levels from 15-18 are the absolute best for the Globe and Bear Creek systems. For water level information at Claiborne Dam, call 1-888-771-4601 or visit http://water.sam.usace.army.mil/ or http://al.water.usgs.gov/

• The Overnight Route # 1 begins at Rice Creek Landing, located on the Forever Wild Land Trust’s Delta Tract, 2.9 miles north of the Highway 225/59 split in Stockton, AL, on Baldwin County Rd. 21. The map shows the trail proceeding out of Rice Creek, up Tensaw Lake to Bayou Tallapoosa, through Bayou Tallapoosa to Tensaw River, down the Tensaw River to Two Rivers Point land based campsite. On day two the trail proceeds down the Tensaw River to Bottle Creek, down Bottle Creek to Bayou Jessamine, and then through this bayou to Tensaw Lake and back to Rice Creek Landing.

2- Canal/Dead Lake Island:

3 Days/ 2 Nights

• ** IMPORTANT **Use of the floating campsites is by reservation only. Note: This trail requires the reservation of both the Canal Island and the Dead Lake platforms.To reserve first night at Canal Island, click here. To reserve second night at Dead Lake platform #1, click here- or -to reserve second night at Dead Lake platform #2, click here.To cancel a reservation, click here.Click on Thumbnails for Larger Version

• Distance: miles

Start: French’s Lake Coastal Access Kiosk

End: Upper Bryant’s Landing

Campsites: Canal/Dead Lake Island

Type of trail: river, creek, lake, and slough

Habitats: old river channel, bottomland hardwood swamp, flowing creeks, side channel sloughs and backwaters

Reliability: Good

• Recommended water levels: Claiborne Dam river stages ranging from 10 to 19 feet on tailrace reading provide optimum water levels for this route. Levels from 15-18 are the absolute best for the Globe and Bear Creek systems. For water level information at Claiborne Dam, call 1-888-771-4601 or visit http://water.sam.usace.army.mil/ or http://al.water.usgs.gov/

• This multiple night trail would require the reservation of Canal Island and Dead Lake Island floating platform campsites. The map shows this route leaving French’s Lake Coastal Access Kiosk. The trail begins in Majors Creek working its way down Globe Creek, into Big Beaver Creek and Little Lake. Day one ends on the floating campsite located on the east side of Canal Island. On day two the paddlers explore Stiggins Lake, the Tensaw River and Bayou Tallapoosa. Day two ends on the floating campsite in the slough located on the west side of Dead Lake Island. On day three the paddlers travel up Tensaw Lake to Upper Bryant Landing.

3- Tensaw Delta

French Lake Access to Rice Creek Landing

• Designated Overnight Route # 3: 3 Days/ 2 NightsAlabama State LandsDistance: 30 miles

Start: French’s Lake Coastal Access Kiosk End: Rice Creek Landing

• Campsites: Spoonbill Sandbar, Two Rivers Point Type of trail: old river channel, creek, lake, and slough

Habitats: bottomland hardwood swamp, flowing creeks, side channel sloughs and backwaters

Reliability: Good

• Note: Platforms have no facilities (bring a porta potty)

• http://www.outdooralabama.com/outdoor-adventures/bartram/OvernightRoute3.htm

• Optimimal water levels: Claiborne Dam river stages ranging from 10 to 19 feet on tailrace readings provide optimum water levels for this route. Levels from 15-18 are the absolute best for the Globe and Bear Creek systems. For water level information at Claiborne Dam, call 1-888-771-4601 or visit http://water.sam.usace.army.mil/ or http://al.water.usgs.gov/

• Overnight Route # 3 is a combination of routes #1 and #2, which begins at French’s Lake Coastal Access Kiosk, Holley Creek or Boatyard Lake Landings. Both of the latter locations are privately owned, but allow for public use in the form of fee associated boat launching and overnight vehicle parking. The map shows the trail begins in Majors Creek working its way to the old Alabama River channel. Day one ends at the Spoonbill Sandbar campsite. Day two proceeds down the Alabama River to Little Bear Creek, Bear Creek, Stiggins Lake and the Tensaw River. Day two ends at the Two-Rivers campsite. On day three the paddlers proceed down the Tensaw River and then into Bottle Creek, connecting to Bayou Jessamine, and then out to Rice Creek Landing after crossing the Tensaw River and Briar Lake.

Trip 4: Tallapoosa RiverSection: Owen Canoe Trail to Lake Wedowee

***Campers Note: Below I-20, island camping only is recommended so as to avoid any difficulty with landowners***

Class:I (II) Put-In:Hwy 46 (or others) Gradient:~2.7'/mile Take-Out:CR 448 (or others) Length:~15 miles Precip. Gages: Shuttle:Hwy46/ I20/ CR49/ CR448 Delorme Gazeteer:P. 33 C9 Water Q: Primary Gage:Tallapoosa Near Heflin Links:TOPO MAPRequired Level:2', 4' ideal, 7' high PICTURESIndicator Gage: TRIP REPORTRequiredLevel: Notes:Tallapoosa River Outfitters From Lex Brown at Tallapoosa Outfitters:

The Tallapoosa in Cleburne County is the site of the Lloyd Owen's Canoe Trail. The trail offers access to 50 miles from the GA line to the Cleburne / Randolph County line, close to the upper end of Lake Wedowee. Mostly flatwaterwith many small shoals, several class 1's, great for beginners, church groups, scouts, etc...It is an awesome area, not much swiftwater but great scenery and several class 1's (1 class 2 in the right water).

The easiest place to find/access the river is actually Tallapoosa River Outfitters. There is a public boat ramp there. It is located: Follow I-20 (East in AL, we are very close to the GA line) to exit 205, go east on Hwy 46 for 3 miles. Cross Tallapoosa River bridge, ramp is on the left. (Perry Hand Bridge)

The other site worth noting is upriver from TRO. Follow I-20 to exit 210. Follow CR 49 north for 2 miles. Turn left onto CR 448. Go 1-2 miles to deadend at the river. This is the Dryden's Mill campsite. The Dryden's Mill campsite has a boat ramp, toilets, a pavilion, and picnic tables.

Put in at Dryden's Mill and float down to TRO at the Perry Hand Bridge on Hwy 46 for a nice day trip. There are also seven other access points along the trail without campgrounds that I'd be happy to point out if interested, but these two handle the most traffic. It is roughly a five hour paddle between Dryden's Mill and Hwy 46. I have a 3 hr trip off private access to Hwy 46 ramp. These are the two most popular runs.

This section of the Tallapoosa offers year round paddling, even during dry weather. I recommend going from 2 feet to 6-7 feet, with 4 feet being ideal on the Heflin gauge. This is roughly 200 cfs to 1000 cfs. It is safe to run up to pushing 2000 cfs because the obstacles are underwater, but anything over 6 feet deep causes problems if someone flips their boat. They have to go to the bank to get going again. It is rare for us to be outside of the 3-5 feet range during warm weather.

Tallapoosa River Outfitters (tallapoosariveroutfitters.com) is open on weekends and holidays in March -October. If you have any questions email me or call anytime at 256-239-6399.

5- Lake Wedowee, Flat Rock Park; Lineville, AL

• Details & Description Open May–September.

Day-use park. Swimming, picnicking, fishing,

nature trail. Unique location. 25 acres of

granite shoreline.

• From SR9 & SR 48, go east on hwy 48 3 miles.

Turn right on Shady Grove Lane & go 1.5

miles. Turn left on Blakes Ferry Road & go to

the lake ~2 miles.

• Nearest private camping at Lakeside

Camground & Marina, Wedowee (256) 357-

2033

6- Wind Creek State Park

Lake Martin

• Contact Info...

• 4325 Alabama Highway 128Alexander City, AL 35010256-329-0845256-234-4870 (fax)

• Park Amenities: Lodging/Cabins , Tent/ RV Camping / RV Storage Fishing Marina Swimming, HikingTrails

• Maps & Directions

• Operating Hours: 7 a.m until sundown

• This park spans 1,445 acres along the shores of Lake Martin, which is a 41,000-acre clear-water reservoir perfect for fishing, swimming and boating. Park facilities include the largest state-operated campground in the United States with 626 sites, many of which are waterfront sites allowing campers to fish, swim and boat right out their back door. Other facilities include a marina, campstore, fishing pier, hiking trails, playground and picnic areas with tables, grills and shelters. Ten camping cabins will be constructed at Wind Creek State Park, five of which are now open to the public.

Trip 7: Bankhead Natl. Forest/West Fork Sypsey/Smith Lake

Run: West Fork of the Sypsey to Houstion C.G. Smith Lake

Sections: 1, 2, 3 (section 1 challenging for heavily loaded canoes!)

Class: I-II Put-In:CR 60 (Cranal Rd.) Gradient:~3'/mile Take-Out:Houston Campground Length:~23 miles

Gages: Shuttle: CR60-Hwy33/US278/ CR63 Delorme Gazeteer:P. 23 B10/C10 Primary Gage: CR60 (Cranal Rd.) Links:TOPOMAP Primary Gage:CR 60 (Cranal Rd.) MAPRequired Level:9" wood gage, ~75 cfs?? (see below) PICTURESIndicator Gage: TRIP REPORTRequired Level:

The gage for this run is at CR60. It is a wooden gage that is NOT the same as the gage stage level in feet posted on the USGS internet site. The wooden gage level can be determined pretty well using the USGS flow in cfs (ft^3/s). See the table at the bottom of this page. Optimum level on the wooden gage is about 1'-6"; prudent high level is 4'-0".

The Sipsey River is Alabama's only "Wild and Scenic" designated river. This run is entirely within the Bankhead National Forest located in north Alabama. The river is generally runnable throughout the winter months and into the early spring. Runnablelevels on the Sipsey occur only sporadically during the summer and fall months.

The put-in is at the Sipsey Recreation Area on County Road 60. The recreation area has a large paved parking lot, picnic tables, restrooms and a sloping ramp, making it one of the most convenient river launching sites in the state. The river downstream of the launch site is a combination of vertical canyon walls and steep hillsides. The flow of the steam is continuous and the watercolor ranges from clear to deep turquoise in the pools. Shoal areas appear frequently and add to the excitement for beginner canoeists. Only one actual rapid occurs at a spot where the river necks down to the right. There is actually very little drop across the rapid, but standing waves form at the bottom and give a bouncy ride. At high water levels the standing waves will increase in size. There is a boulder in the center of the rapid which has wrapped several canoes. [Some call this rapid 100 yard dash]. Caution is advisable here as of early 2006, about two minutes past 100 yard dash, there is a log crossing the river. You must portage around this unless you are a limbo champ. Take note and beware. It is a nasty hazard.

The river runs through continuously forested areas for 8.8 miles to the first possible takeout on the left side of the river. The takeout area can be recognized by the remains of a low water bridge structure. This takeout area can be accessed by taking F. S.Road 234 east off of State Highway 33. Another takeout area occurs about 3/4 of a mile downstream at the Highway 33 Bridge. The river below Highway 33 offers more outstanding scenery, but the flow of the stream is halted by the impounded waters of Smith Lake.

Canoe camping opportunities on the Sipsey are the best in Alabama. Most of the land along the river banks is a part of the national forest where there are no restrictions on camping (except during gun deer hunt dates on the Wildlife Management Area). A small portion of the land along the river is private. The only problem that you will have is making a decision on which picturesque camp site to choose. (Murray Carroll)

Trip 8: Cahaba Wildlife Mgt. Area/Section 7 to Hargrove Shoals

Run: Cahaba River Hwy 52 to Hargrove Shoals / 40 miles

Sections: 7 thru 11

Class:I-II

Hazards:

-The old Marvel Slab low water bridge now partially demolished forms a hydraulic. Stay close to bank river right and scout when water is up to the level of the old slab.

-2 ft drop at the bottom of Hargrove Shoals

Put-In:CR52 or others downstream Gradient:3’ to 7'/mile Take-Out:CR26, River Bend Rd . Gages: Shuttle:RiverBend Rd (CR26) / Truman Aldrich Pkwy (old CR5) / Cahaba River Dr (CR24) Delorme Gazeteer:P. 36 C5/D5 Water Q: Primary Gage:Cahaba at Centreville Links:TOPO MAPRequired Level:600 cfs (1000 better) PICTURESIndicatorGage: TRIP REPORTRequired Level:

Notes: The Cahaba river has so many runnable sections that John Foshee broke it into about 14 of them in his Alabama Canoe Rides and Float Trips guidebook. Of the four sections that have any real whitewater, this is by far the furthest downstream. Interest in this section is mainly generated by the three long shoals that serve as ideal habitat for the Cahaba Lilly. The Lilly is indeed the star of the show, a ~2' high white and yellow flower that grows right in mid-stream. They bloom between about Mothers Day to Fathers Day, with peak around May 20. The third set of shoals down from put-in (Hargrove Shoals) is the largest stand of these flowers in the world.

This part of the Cahaba is wide. The shoals are class basically I-II, though they may approach easy class III here and there with surfing waves at high water. The three main shoals slope fairly evenly, with one abrupt 24" drop at the end of Hargrove. Stay generally to the left on the first two shoals, generally to the right on Hargrove. Hargrove is about 1 mile long. After this, it gets deeper and easier for the most part. Tandem canoes are at home here, take a fishing pole if you wish. Lots of threatened fish and snails. Good swimming abounds with a rope swing 150 yards above the takeout.

Level is somewhat important, though this can be run down to a low level. Even at 850 cfs there will be much scraping on the shoals. Go anyway if you want to see the lillies all the way down to 400 cfs or less. Somewhere a bit above 1000 cfs the scraping will subside. It can be a challenge to catch enough water during lilly season. Too much H2O, probably above 2000 cfs, puts the lillies under water.

Take out at River Bend Rd on Nature Conservancy property. -- with help from Shane Hulsey ☺

Trip 9: Mulberry Fork

Whitewater Bend to Sipsey Confluence -28 miles

Trip 10: Inland Lake (Blackburn Fork)

Blount Co. CR 27 to Inland Dam -8 miles

Trip 11: Hatchet Creek; Coosa County

US231to Sipsey Confluence -16 miles

Run:Hatchet Creek Sections 1 & 2 (Foshee) NOTE: This is the section below the whitewater Section (-1)

Class: I

Put-In:US Hwy 231 Gradient: 7‘ to 9’/mile Take-Out: CR 29

Shuttle: Hwy 231 / SR 22 / CR 29 Delorme Gazeteer:P. 38 C4/D4/E4/E3 Links:Hatchet website

Primary Gage: Hatchet@Rockford Hatchet blw Rockford

Required Level: 500 TRIP REPORT

Notes: A beautiful, clear creek located south of Sylacauga. The creek's headwaters are located in the Talladega National

Forest and it runs through mostly forested land until its flow is stopped by Lake Mitchell. The stream flows briskly below

Highway 280. The pools are frequently interrupted by frisky shoals that add spice to the trip. The scenery is exceptional with

only a few streamside cabins to remind the canoeist that you're not in total wilderness. There is one Class II (+) drop on this

section of creek. Maximum flow is about 2000 cfs. (Murray Carroll)

Lots of additional information, pictures, stories, and a map can be found at a dedicated Hatchet website. The gradient is a bit of

an approximation, but fairly close.

I don’t think you can correlate the 280 bridge gauge with the USGS gauge below 231. This is because you

are trying to correlate two different points on a curve that varies it’s trajectory with increasing flow rates.

Sometimes the USGS gauge says 3000cfs and 280 gauge says 3ft. Other times the USGS gauge says

1200cfs and the 280 gauge is still on 3ft?? So from my years of experience with this creek, you just can’t

make an accurate computation about this creek and its large watershed. Anyway 2ft 11 is a great level for

beginning canoeist. At this level you have great flow all the way to the take out. All the rocks are

submerged so you have nothing to avoid hitting. The creek is floatable at lower levels (1ft6in) but I’ve had

my experience dragging and dodging. This is the ideal level for any beginners. - Fletcher Scott

AL Power number is 1 800 LAKES11, then 6...I think the USGS internet gage is the same as the Alabama

Power gage, or is slightly downstream.

Trip 12: Choccolocco Creek; Talledega County

Priebes Mill Road, Oxford to Lake Logan Martin -20 miles+/-

Choccolocco Canoe & Kayak

1291 Priebes Mill Rd.;

Oxford, AL (256) 948-5194

Trip 13: Coosa River & Tallapoosa confluence;

Fort Toulouse, Wetumpka, AL

Trip 14: Little River East Fork

Lake Lahusage Dam to Little River Falls

Run:East Fork Little River Section: Class:II (III-) Put-In:Lake Lahusage Dam (off Riverhaven Rd) Gradient:19.2'/mi. to confluence,5'/mi. confluence to Rt. 35 Take-Out:Forest Rd. 04 or Rt.35 Length:11.3 or 14.3 Precip. Gage: Shuttle:Riverhaven/ Hwy48/ CR15/ SR35 Delorme Gazeteer:P. 21 G8/H8, P.27 A7 Water Q: Primary Gage:None - but LRC is good Links:TOPO MAPRequiredLevel:Visual PICTURESIndicator Gage:LRC TRIP REPORTRequired Level:900 (1500 much better) Notes:ACCESS MAP A truly rare species in Alabama, the East Fork of the Little River can actually be run as a whitewater overnighter. This section of the river is wide enough for a tandem boat, has sufficient rapids to make things interesting, and is fairly long with placid stretches well suited to two blades per canoe. Primitive camp sites can also be found along the river. Be sure to check with the National Preserve to make sure they are open. Despair not if you want to run it in a day, that can be done as well.

The put-in is below scenic Lake Lahusage dam. A low head dam is located one-half mile downstream and can be portaged on the right or run anywhere. All of the rapids occur before the confluence with the West Fork of the Little River at mile 8. At 1700 cfs, the river is pleasing Class II with two light Class III rapids and some big pools. Eddy turns are not an essential requirement. The last couple miles above the confluence are pretty flat.

The remaining 6 miles of river down to the Hwy. 35 take-out are Class I with some decent waves at good water. The first half of the combined section is almost completely flat but the 2nd half moves along and has a couple waves. 900 cfs is the extreme minimum while 1500 cfs is the start of the nice range. This run could be made with a good bit of water (2500 cfs? or more?) and things would really move coupled with good play spots. The class III's would rock at higher water. There are no logs to deal with as of 1/2002. (assistance from Murray Carroll)

Notes on the section below the confluence from Jason Smith:

Access along FS road 5 and FS road 3 is fine in 2wd if you have good clearance. Numerous hard bottom stream crossings, but gravel improvements have made the roads much better. 500 cfs is the minimum for this section, and 750 or above is a much cleaner run. Can be run at lower level than the East Fork, which needs at least 1000 cfs... This is a nice lower water alternative for the intermediate boater. Starts as easy Class I-II, then rapids are solid class II from Hartline Ford to HW 35, with one class II-III drop. Total run is 6.0 miles. Alternative run, putting in at Hartline Ford has more action and is a shorter - about 4 miles. This great short run that can be done in 2-3 hours.

Road 05 would be the best take-out on river right, while Road 03 is OK on river left. Road 03 is rutted, but not too bad in a pick-up, or anything with ground clearance. 4WD may be needed on some of the hills if it has rained recently. See the above access map. Three or four more miles bring you to route 35 upstream of the falls. The river below the confluence is largely flat. The alternate take-out about 3 miles below the confluence avoids some flatwater, but delivers a long shuttle. To get to the alternate take-out in 1997, you took Crest Rd. north off Rt. 35 (east of Little River), drove about 3.4 miles and then turned left on forest road 02. After following 02 for 1.4 miles, turn right on road 04 and you'll be at the river.

The shuttle is long but simple. From the take-out, go east on 35, then left on CR15. In Menlo, GA, turn left on Hwy 48 and go up the hill to Riverhaven Rd, the last road before the East Fork bridge. At the end of Riverhaven, turn right on the double yellow line road and go to the end. An old abandoned road leads a few feet from there to the dam.

Trip 15: Flint River; Huntsville

http://www.800alabama.com/things-to-do/alabama-

attractions/details.cfm?id=12&type=canoe

• Description:You can't get much further north in Alabama than this. The put-in at Oscar Patterson Road is just about 7 miles south of the Alabama-Tennessee border. There are only Class I rapids, suitable for the whole family, regardless of skill level.

• The current starts out at a medium pace, but soon gets swifter. Within just a few minutes, you'll see some of the diverse features, with rock outcroppings and some muddy and some sandy banks. At the half-mile point, Mountain Fork flows in from river left. This is a great little stream to paddle up and explore if you'd like. There's a dam about a quarter mile up where you can get out of your boat and survey the sights.

• Continuing southward on the Flint, you'll enjoy the appealing sights of the regional flora. Wildflowers flourish on the banks through slow flow. About half way through your journey, you'll pass Buckhorn Branch that enters from the left, and then you'll encounter a small island. The best path is to the left, as the right split is often very dry, jammed or otherwise unrunnable.

• Continuing southward brings you past Lollar Branch, then Burdine Branch, both on river left. Next, the Flint will start to present some fast shoals to run, the biggest being a two-foot drop.

• Soon the take-out approaches just past Brier Fork on river right. Cross under the Winchester road bridge, pull into the take-out (also on the right), and you've completed another of Alabama's wonderful nature river runs.

• Skill Level: Novice to Intermediate

• Length: 5.4 miles; up to 40 miles if you float all the way to the Tennessee River

• Camping Note: Consult topo maps for one of the numerous islands suitable for camping

• Put-In:From the take-out, turn left onto CR 65 (Winchester Road) a very short way, then right onto Riverton Road. Go 4.6 miles, take a right onto Oscar Patterson Road, and go another 1 mile. Turn right onto Rube Robertson Road and continue about 200 yards to the Patterson Road Baptist Church on the right. On the left you'll see the take-out.

• Take-Out:On I-65 west of Huntsville and a few miles north of Wheeler Lake, take the I-565 East exit. Travel 19 miles, and exit onto US 231/431 North. Go 4.3 miles, and then turn right onto CR 65 (Winchester Road) to head Northeast. Continue 6.2 miles to the take-out located on the right, just before you cross the Flint River bridge.

• Additional Information:Canoe Rentals: Flint River Canoe Rentals107A Michael Drive (just past bridge on Winchester Road)Huntsville, AL 35811(256) 858 - 2280

General Contact: FRCA - Flint River Conservation AssociationP.O. Box 275Brownsboro, AL 35741http://www.flintriverconservation.com

15- Flint River

Trip 16: Choctawhatchee River sections 1-4

US231 Dale County to Geneva, AL

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The Choctawhatchee River is a coastal river in southeast Alabama and the Florida panhandle. The Choctawhatchee River begins in Barbour County and flows through Henry, Dale and Geneva counties in Alabama before going into Florida and eventually to Choctawhatchee Bay and the Gulf of Mexico. Major tributaries include the West Fork just above Newton, the Little Choctawhatchee in southern Dale County, and the Pea River below Geneva. The watershed includes Blue Springs State Park in Barbour County. US Geological Survey data indicates the average annual flow at Newton is 946 cubic-feet per second. Though it has some rapids and a drop in the upper portion, most of the Choctawhatchee River is typical of a coastal river in a southern forest region of cypress, oak and other hardwoods.

Alabama Wildlife and Freshwater Fisheries Division has three boat ramps in Dale and Geneva counties. Clayhatcheeand Newton boat ramps are in Dale County. Both of these ramps are suitable for small, shallow-running boats except during low water conditions. Spann's Boat Ramp is in Geneva County. The river is usually deep enough for shallow running outboard motors in this section. Another popular boat ramp is located at the Geneva City Park. Several bridge crossings over the Choctawhatchee River are very popular places to slide in canoes and small jon boats. US Geological Survey gives water discharge estimates and gage heights.

According to Foshee, this stretch of river averages 75 to 100 ft wide. River flows through one brief stretch of swamp. White sand banks typical of this part of lower Alabama.

Trip 17: Sequatchie River, Tennessee

US231 Dale County to Geneva, AL

• Sequatchie River, Tennessee

• Streams of Tennesse, Volume 2 / Sehlinger & Lantz / Menasha Ridge Press

• (15) Sections / 50 miles / Class I

GENTLE THRILLS

By Ina Hughes, News-Sentinel Staff Writer*

Cruising down the Sequatchie River on a sunny afternoon, fingers trailing in the water, paddling only when the spirit moves - or the river doesn’t – it becomes evident how very good the Indians were at names.

Sequatchie means opossum. Opossums are good at playing dead. When they are a mind to, opossums can lie so still that all signs of life seem to have flowed out of them. Even when not playing dead, opossums are lazy. So is the Sequatchie.

Bob Schlinger and Bob Lantz, authors of “A Canoeing Guide to the Streams of Tennessee”call the Sequatchie a Tennessee sleeper, running sweet, slow and beautiful: “The scenery from the river level is the most spectacular you’ll find on a Class I float in the state.”

Trip 18: Hiwassee River, Tennessee

Reliance to Calhoun

• Hiwassee River, Tennessee Reliance to Calhoun

• Streams of Tennesse, Volume 2 / Sehlinger & Lantz / Menasha Ridge Press

• (3) Sections / 28 miles / Class I (II)

• “Below Reliance, the river flattens out for its final run out of the mountains. Six miles downstream is the USFS Quinn Springs campground and the Gee Creek Campground just below. A ramp is up from the mouth of the creek a few yards, marked by an indian-built fishtrap of v-shaped rock shoals.

• Camping

• The Hiwassee State Scenic Rivers' "Gee Creek" campground includes many sites close to the river.

• The primitive campground has 47 sites, each with a table, fire ring and a grill. Public water and a bathhouse containing sinks, commodes, and hot showers are located near the center of the campground. Campsites are provided on a first-come, first-served basis, and there is a fee for their use. No reservations can be accepted and stay limit is two weeks.

• Call for information: 423-263-0050.

Trip 19: Blackwater River, Florida

Kennedy Bridge to Blackwater River S.P.

Trip 20: Suwannee River

Fargo, GA to Gulf of Mexico

• Suwannee River

• From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia

• Origin: Fargo, Georgia: MouthSuwannee, Florida Length266 miles (426 kilometers)

• The Suwannee River (also spelled Suwanee River) is a major river of southern Georgia and northern Florida in the United States. It is a wild blackwater river, about 266 miles long.

• The river rises in the Okefenokee Swamp, emerging at Fargo, Georgia. The river then runs southwest into Florida, dropping in elevation through limestone layers resulting in Florida's only whitewater rapids. It then turns west near White Springs, Florida, receiving the waters of the Alapahaand Withlacoochee Rivers, which together drain much of south-central Georgia. This meandering forms the southern border of Hamilton County, Florida. It then bends south near , then southeast near , receives the Santa Fe River from the east just below Branford, then south again to the Gulf of Mexico near the town of .

• Suwannee Valley

• As the river turns north-northwest near White Springs, Florida, it begins to border the Suwannee Valley and Suwannee County. This continues to form a "C"-shaped curve as it drops southeast, and south again.

• Recreation

• A unique aspect of the Suwannee River is the . The Trail is a cooperative effort by the Florida Department of Environmental Protection, the Suwannee River Water Management District and the cities, businesses and citizens of the eight-county region of the . The Trail encompasses 170 river miles from Stephen Foster Folk Culture Center State Park to the Gulf of Mexico.

http://www.nationalgeographic.com/suwannee/

http://www.amazon.com/Canoeing-Kayaking-

Guide-Florida-Guides/dp/0897329554

Trip 21: Terrapin Creek, Cherokee County

North of Piedmont to Centre, AL

Run:Terrapin Creek Section:Multiple (see below) Class:I Put-In:CR 8 (Frank Stewart Br.) Gradient:8.2'/mile Take-Out:SR 9 (near Old Coloma) Length:7.3 Precip. Gage:? Shuttle:CR 8 / SR 9 Delorme Gazeteer:P. 27 F7/8 Water Q: Primary Gage:Terrapin at Ellisville Links:TOPO MAPRequired Level:300 (see text) PICTURESIndicator Gage: TRIP REPORTRequired Level: Terrapin Outdoor Center: Rentals, Shuttles, & InfoFriends of Terrapin Creek Notes: Terrapin Creek is not really a whitewater run, but it is a nice moving water float through pasture land in east Alabama. At 650 cfs, the water moves nicely for at least half of the run. The area a few riffles and one class I/II rapid towards the end. This is a very nice family float or introductory run for those looking for moving water practice or a place to work on their roll. Terrapin will hold water longer than most runs due to watershed lakes in its headwaters. Terrapin Outdoor Center features a large selection of canoes, kayaks, and gear. They will also run your shuttle for you for a fee.

Several Notes and perspectives:

The swimming place where the springs come out of the ground and flow into the creek ("Seven Springs") is private property. The previous owners used to not have a problem with people hanging out down there and just having a good time. Unfortunately, the new owners aren't so understanding. The last time I was down there, I was confronted by a man carrying a shotgun. Not a lot of fun! I think anyone would be OK as long as they don't pull their boats up on the area where the springs are. I'm not sure how far the property line goes, but it might be possible to leave the boats right before where the springs come in. - Jeremy Jones

Put in point: Frank Stewart Bridge, on CR 8 about 3.5 mi. north of Piedmont (USGS Piedmont Quad, Township 12S, Range 10E, section 20). This run is about 7.5 miles of mostly easy wide creek with a few rapids probably class I or less. The rapids are clearly shown on the USGS topo map. Minimum flow should be about 600 CFS but 800-1000 is probably optimum. At lower levels there are a lot of shallow rocks that will tear up a fiberglass canoe, as I discovered recently. The take out point is at a pullout along SR 9 where the creek flows near the road. The pullout is very obvious because a lot of vehicles use it (It is rather trashy there). The take out point is at USGS Ellisville Quad, Township 11-S, Range 10-E, Section 31. If you want to continue from here there is much less whitewater but the secondary takeout point is at Ellisville bridge about 2.5 miles north on SR 9 and about 4 more miles by creek. This bridge is where the USGS gage is. The water quality is probably so-so at best, the worst part being that there is a lot of debris washed up on the shoreline along the run. There are some good fishing and swimming holes along the way, a very popular swimming hole at about mile 6.5 just past a big spring on the left you mill see a tree on the right with a cable swing.- Stephen Brewer