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Cahaba River National Wildlife Refuge: Alabama's Aquatic Gem

Discover Alabama's biodiversity hotspot: hiking, fishing, and the stunning Cahaba Lily await at this unique wildlife refuge.

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The Cahaba River National Wildlife Refuge, established in 2002, protects a unique stretch of Alabama's Cahaba River, renowned for its exceptional biodiversity [3, 8, 10]. Home to endangered species and the stunning Cahaba lilies, the refuge offers hiking, fishing, and wildlife observation [3, 4, 10].

A brief summary to Cahaba River National Wildlife Refuge

Local tips

  • Visit during May or June to witness the spectacular bloom of the Cahaba lilies [9, 10].
  • Check the refuge's website for trail closures and current conditions before your visit [9].
  • Bring binoculars for optimal birdwatching, especially during spring and fall migrations [9, 10].
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Getting There

  • Driving

    The Cahaba River National Wildlife Refuge is located approximately six miles east of West Blocton, Alabama, on County Road 24 [4, 6, 13]. From I-20/59, take Exit 97 [4, 6]. Take Hwy 11 south for 3 miles to Hwy 5 at the traffic light [6]. Turn left onto Hwy 5 south and follow it approximately 9 miles to County Road 24 [6]. Turn left onto CR 24 and take CR 24 approximately 6 miles [6]. River access is provided by a gravel road (River Trace Road) on the south (right) side of Bibb County Road 24, about 250 yards past the refuge entrance sign [4, 6, 7]. Be aware that River Trace Road is a narrow gravel road [7, 12]. Limited parking is available along River Trace Road [15]. Checking the weather and water levels prior to visiting the Cahaba River is highly recommended [6].

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Discover more about Cahaba River National Wildlife Refuge

The Cahaba River National Wildlife Refuge, established on September 25, 2002, encompasses approximately 3,689 acres (15 km2) along the Cahaba River in central Alabama [3, 8, 18]. The refuge protects a remarkable section of the Cahaba River, Alabama's longest free-flowing river, celebrated for its rich aquatic life [8, 10]. The Cahaba River boasts more fish species per mile than any other river in North America [8, 10, 18]. The refuge is a sanctuary for several federally listed species, including the Cahaba shiner, goldline darter, round rocksnail, and cylindrical lioplax snail [3, 4, 5, 10]. It also safeguards 64 other rare plant and animal species [3, 4, 5]. The Cahaba lily (Hymenocallis coronaria), a threatened aquatic plant, is an iconic feature, with the largest known stand of these lilies residing within the refuge [3, 4, 8, 10]. These striking white flowers bloom from mid-May to early June, drawing visitors from across the region [4, 7, 10]. The refuge's landscape features rolling uplands adorned with mountain longleaf and loblolly pines, alongside mixed upland hardwood species lining ravines and the river's edge [8, 10]. Visitors can explore hiking trails that meander through diverse habitats, offering opportunities for wildlife viewing, photography, and immersion in nature [9, 10]. Birdwatchers can spot migratory and resident birds, including songbirds, hawks, and herons [9, 10]. The area has a history of coal mining from the mid-19th to mid-20th centuries [8, 18]. Today, efforts are underway to restore the longleaf and hardwood forests, aiming to re-establish the ecological balance [8, 10]. Visitors can enjoy fishing, canoeing, hiking, photography, and wildlife observation [3, 5, 9, 10].

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