Best Canoeing in Alabama

Trying to find the best canoeing in Alabama? Bivy has great hiking, biking, paddling, climbing, skiing, riding and more, with hand-curated trail maps, as well as detailed driving directions.

1

Alabama, Garden City

01 :30 hrs
3.5 mi
21.027008 ft
III

Beginning just off Old Highway 31 bridge, this section of the Lower Mulberry Fork of the Black Warrior River offers exciting rapids ranging from Class II to Class III and multiple drops. The most popular set of rapids is named “Hawaii Five O” which is located at the end of this trip. Also enjoy the scenery as you pass pines and oaks along rocky cliffs adding to the visual status. The take out is just after “Hawaii Five O” on the left, at Birmingham Canoe Club Landing at the end of White Water Drive. Be courteous inside this neighborhood, as the residents do not like a lot of noise.

2

Alabama, Lawrence County

04 :26 hrs
10 mi
25.537033 ft
II

The Sipsey River sets the standard for wilderness paddling and is said to be the best in the state. This section of the Sipsey River begins from the Thompson Creek access, along Forest Service Road #208 and travels to the Sipsey Recreational Area along Winston County Road 60 (Cranal Road). Traveling through magnolia, pine, oak and muscadine trees lining the river banks, this river offers multiple class 1 rapids around boulders, limestone canyon walls towering above, waterfalls leading into the turquoise colored river, and abundant varieties of wildflowers. The Sipsey is the only National Wild and Scenic River in the State of Alabama. This section of the Spisey River can also be linked to the lower sections down river. 200 cfs is the lowest limit of water needed to float the Sipsey River. A $3 day use fee is required at the Sipsey Recreation Area.

3

Alabama, Winston County

04 :36 hrs
10.3 mi
15.399353 ft
II

The Sipsey River sets the standard for wilderness paddling and is said to be the best in the state. This section of the Sipsey River begins from the W.T. Mims Public Access Area just past the Highway 33 crossing and ends at Highway 278 bridge. Traveling through magnolia, pine, oak and muscadine trees lining the river banks, this section of the Sipsey River offers an easier float and paddle section compared to the upper sections. It begins with a steady current but slows as the river widens and nears Smith Lake. Enjoy limestone canyon walls towering above, waterfalls leading into the turquoise colored river, and abundant varieties of wildflowers. The Sipsey is the only National Wild and Scenic River in the State of Alabama. This section can also be linked with upper sections of the Sipsey River for multi-day trips.

4

Alabama, Winston County

04 :24 hrs
9.8 mi
20.653137 ft
II

The Sipsey River sets the standard for wilderness paddling and is said to be the best in the state. This section of the Sipsey River begins from the Recreational Area along Winston County Road 60 and travels to W.T. Mims Public Access Area just past the Highway 33 crossing. Traveling through magnolia, pine, oak and muscadine trees lining the river banks, this river offers multiple class 1 rapids around boulders, limestone canyon walls towering above, waterfalls leading into the turquoise colored river, and abundant varieties of wildflowers. The Sipsey is the only National Wild and Scenic River in the State of Alabama. This section can also be linked with upper and lower section of the Sipsey River for multi-day trips. A $3 day use fee is required at the Sipsey Recreation Area.

5

Alabama, Winston County

05 :35 hrs
12.4 mi
8.799973 ft
I

Located in Bankhead National Forest, this particular region of Lewis Smith Lake can be accessed from the beautiful Corinth Recreation Area boat ramp (use fee required). With deep, clear and blue waters Lewis Smith Lake is one of the Alabama’s most beautiful lakes. Spanning into three different counties and with access to many different boat ramps and campgrounds located along the lake shores, this 21,200 acre lake provides a great destination for the whole family to enjoy. Day-use visitors and campers have plenty of recreational activities to enjoy while at Corinth Recreation Area. Access to a boat ramp and swim beach as well as fishing, canoeing and kayaking are available. Take time to explore the many different inlets and coves this region has to offer.

6

Alabama, Hale County

01 :20 hrs
3 mi
6.2248383 ft
I

Located in Alabama’s Talladega National Forest, Payne Lake offers 110 acres of water with scenic vista points from every area on the lake. Shown here begin your trip from the swimming beach area parking lot located on the west side shoreline. From here begin your trip upon Payne Lake. Enjoy canoeing,kayaking and fishing. End your trip back at the same swimming beach area. There is also a boat ramp that can be used if desired located on the southeast shoreline. A $3 day use fee is required. Campsites are available for $6-$16 per night.

7

Alabama, Marshall County

04 :26 hrs
9.9 mi
1.5999908 ft
I

This trip begins at the South Sauty Creek Store boat launch, along South Sauty Road at Lake Guntersville. From here this trip takes you across the open waters of northeast Lake Guntersville and then up to Morgans Cove launch site. Enjoy exploring the many side sloughs on your way back to the South Sauty Creek Store boat launch where this trips ends.

8

Alabama, Guntersville

02 :44 hrs
6.1 mi
3.9999847 ft
II

This trip on Lake Guntersville begins at the boat launch site along Alabama 227 at the end of the bridge entering into Lake Guntersville State Park. From here travel to the southeast end of the Lake to the mouth of Short Creek and then further up stream. The Creek is wide at the mouth but quickly narrows, creating a popular area for fishermen and paddlers in kayaks and canoes. To end this trip travel down Short Creek back into Lake Guntersville and back to the boat launch along Alabama 227. The Short Creek area is known to be a hot spot for viewing bald eagles, which are most common during the winter months.

9

Alabama, Gulf Shores

02 :46 hrs
6.1 mi
1.048093 ft
I

This paddle trip around Shelby Lakes in Gulf State Park begins from boat launch located at the picnic area along the banks of the lake. Paddle along the perimeter and enjoy the scenery and wildlife. Birdwatching is popular in this area, and the lake also provides the freshwater angler with great fishing. Two small islands are located on the lake which this trip will guide you around as well. A $2 fee is required to access the boat launch.

10

Alabama, Franklin County

05 :16 hrs
5.9 mi
12.994049 ft
I

Located on the southern side of Little Bear Creek Reservoir, various branches of the lake such as Grimes, Reid and Rollins Spring Branch can be accessed from the McAfee Landing Boat Ramp. Of these 3 branches, Grimes is the only one with slight development along the banks. Limited development along the shores of the lake make this a great place to getaway with minimal traffic. Camping, fishing, canoeing and kayaking are the main recreational activities at Little Bear Creek Reservoir. A $3 day use fee is required with added fees for campsites and lakeside cabins. This trip is shown as a out-and back using the McAfee Landing Boat Ramp.

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