Drifting Along an Alabama River is My Preferred Summer Pastime
In the summer of 20XX, I found myself without plans for Memorial Day weekend, a very unusual situation for me as a planner. With everyone heading to the lake or beach, I found myself in landlocked Birmingham without access to even a neighborhood pool. Inspired to create a memorable day, I turned to the internet, setting a couple of parameters: the activity had to be within driving distance and involve water.
My search led me to a kayak trip down the Coosa River, departing from the small town of Wetumpka, Alabama. Known primarily as the filming location for the 2003 Tim Burton movie 'Big Fish,' and more recently as the featured location for the first season of 'Home Town Takeover' with hosts Erin and Ben Napier, Wetumpka offered a picturesque setting for a summer day outing. Just an hour-and-a-half drive from Birmingham, the scenic town alongside the Coosa River easily met my requirements.
To get on the water, I scheduled a trip with Coosa River Adventures, a local outfitter that has been taking paddle enthusiasts on journeys since 1995. The outpost is conveniently located in the woods less than half a mile from downtown Wetumpka, making it ideal for a day spent on the water. Coosa River Adventures offers trips on Monday, Thursday, Friday, Saturday, and Sunday, leaving at 9 a.m., 11 a.m., and 1 p.m. Though marketed as a self-guided paddle trip, the trip is quite manageable even for first-timers.
We began with a quick safety briefing before loading onto a school bus for a short drive to the launch point at Jordan Dam. From there, we embarked on a seven-mile paddle down the river, taking anywhere from three to four hours to complete, depending on the speed of the river and the number of stops we made.
The river's flow rate ranges from 2,000 to 10,000 cubic feet per second. During lower flow days, more paddling is required, and the rapids are smaller, allowing for better sightseeing opportunities due to exposed riverbanks, grass beds, and rock formations. Conversely, higher flow days may present Class III rapids, which, while more challenging, are still manageable with proper guidance.
On our first trip, we invited a group of friends without Memorial Day plans and had an enjoyable day paddling the entire route in approximately two hours. Our mistake was that we were unaware of the river's swift current, which propelled our kayaks more than we realized.
Throughout the summer, we returned to the Coosa River, engaging in a better-planned outing over Labor Day weekend with a larger group. We consciously kept our paddles still on flatwater sections and stopped to appreciate the scenery whenever something caught our eye, such as schools of shad or lone blue herons. We also took a leisurely lunch break at Moccasin Gap, a 50-by-25-yard island located halfway through the route.
Whenever I feel the summer doldrums creeping in and find myself yearning for some fresh air, I know exactly what to do. For around $40 (less if paid in cash), I can enjoy a full day of fun on the Coosa River, an experience that never fails to leave me with a renewed appreciation for the beauty of my home state.
[Incorporating Enrichment Data: The Coosa River flows through Wetumpka, a picturesque south-central town in Alabama known for its scenic charm, making it an ideal location for outdoor activities like kayaking.]
- As a change from the ordinary, I decided to explore outdoor recreation in Alabama over Memorial Day weekend, settling on a kayak trip down the Coosa River in Wetumpka.
- Coosa River Adventures, a local outfitter, offers self-guided paddle trips on the Coosa River, providing an opportunity for culture and lifestyle enthusiasts to enjoy the southern living of Alabama.
- In the home-and-garden magazine 'Southern Living', you might find ideas for summer travel that include Alabama's outdoor living and its distinctive activities and entertainment.
- Since the Coosa River offers varying flow rates, it caters to both beginners and experienced kayakers, making it a suitable destination for outdoor-living enthusiasts of all levels.
- With its combination of picturesque scenery, outdoor recreation, and charming southern hospitality, Wetumpka, Alabama, is an ideal spot for a memorable summer travel idea.
