Alabama is a land of rivers, where over 5,300 miles of accessible waterways crisscross the state’s topography. Among these rivers, Alabama’s Scenic River Trail stands out as the longest and most diverse river trail in America. From mountain streams to whitewater rapids, and from the river delta to the Gulf of Mexico, Alabama offers a variety of water adventures that are practically a birthright for its residents. And when it comes to exploring the Coosa River, there’s no better choice than Coosa River Adventures, a local outfitter with 26 years of experience in providing safe and exhilarating kayak tours.
The Coosa River Adventure
Coosa River Adventures, located just a stone’s throw away from downtown Wetumpka, has been a part of the community long before it gained fame as the first town selected for a makeover on HGTV’s “Home Town Takeover” reality series. If you’re ready to experience the natural wonder of the Coosa River, Coosa River Adventures is here to make it happen.
To begin your journey, call ahead and make a reservation for a self-guided tour. Trips depart at 9 a.m., 11 a.m., and 1 p.m., with additional times often available on holiday weekends. You can choose between a single or double sit-on-top kayak rental, priced at $34 or $65 respectively. Pro tip: Paying in cash will save you a little extra. Once you arrive, check in at the outfitter’s cabin, grab a lifejacket, and proceed to the property’s majestic big oak tree. Here, Chris, the owner of Coosa River Adventures, will provide a safety briefing to ensure everyone is ready for the adventure ahead.
After the briefing, you’ll board a school bus and head upstream to the launch site. The backdrop of your launch is the impressive Jordan Dam, a 100-foot wall of concrete that controls the river’s flow. The water flow, regulated by Alabama Power, varies from 2,000 to 10,000 cubic feet per second. Typically, on weekends, the flow ranges between 4,000 to 8,000 cfs, but it can be higher during periods of heavy rain.
The trip itself covers seven miles of the Coosa River, taking you back to your starting point. Approximately 75 percent of the journey consists of calm waters, while the remaining 25 percent features class II and III rapids. Divided into four distinct sections, each separated by areas of rapids, the tour is suitable for beginners as long as they follow two simple rules: paddle where the water flows naturally and keep your nose and toes out of the water if you fall out of your kayak.
On days with a flow of 8,000 cfs, you’ll find yourself gliding effortlessly through the flat portions of the tour, while experiencing a little more action in the rapids section. Expect to get wet, as it’s all part of the adventure. Along the way, you’ll witness the wild beauty of the Coosa River Valley, with its lush swamplands, dense forests, and ancient Cypress trees hanging low over the water. Keep an eye out for a great white heron gracefully diving into the active waters to catch a fish. The river is adorned with several islands and rock outcroppings, serving as convenient stops for a quick swim, picnic, or sunbathing.
The tour typically lasts between 3 to 4 hours, with less time required on high flow days. However, Chris encourages paddlers to take their time and soak in the stunning views, as long as they return to the finish by 6 p.m. When you’re ready to wrap up your day on the water, the Coosa River Adventures staff will handle the hard work of loading your kayak. All that’s left for you to do is head back to the cabin, change out of your wet clothes, and reflect on a perfect day of adventure.
Helpful Tips and What to Bring
To make the most of your Coosa River kayak tour, here are some helpful tips and essential items to bring along:
- A small soft-top, zip-up cooler: These coolers are perfect for securing to the front or back of your kayak. Don’t forget to bring bungee cords for added security.
- Swimwear or clothes that you don’t mind getting wet.
- Water shoes for exploring the rocky shoals.
- Waterproof or dry bags to keep your phone and other valuables safe from splashes.
- Snacks or a picnic lunch.
- Deflated floats if you plan on taking breaks to enjoy the river.
- Fishing poles: The Coosa River is renowned for its excellent fishing opportunities, so don’t forget your fishing gear if you’re an angler.
- The tour is ideal for large groups, such as church camps, organizational team-building events, and family reunions. Large groups are eligible for a 10 percent discount on weekday trips.
Are you ready to embark on a thrilling kayaking adventure down the Coosa River? Make a reservation with Coosa River Adventures and get ready to experience the natural wonders of Alabama like never before.
To book your tour and learn more about Coosa River Adventures, visit UpStreamPaddle.
