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Cahaba River Park: A Natural Oasis

Explore Alabama's natural beauty at Cahaba River Park: hiking, biking, canoeing, and scenic trails await!

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Cahaba River Park, nestled at the confluence of the Cahaba River and Shades Creek near Helena, Alabama, offers a scenic escape with over 1,500 acres of natural beauty [3, 5]. The park features diverse outdoor activities, including hiking, mountain biking, canoeing, and fishing, with well-maintained trails and river access points [1, 3].

A brief summary to Cahaba River Park

  • Monday 7 am-8 pm
  • Tuesday 7 am-7:30 pm
  • Wednesday 7 am-7:30 pm
  • Thursday 7 am-7:30 pm
  • Friday 7 am-8 pm
  • Saturday 7 am-7:30 pm
  • Sunday 7 am-7:30 pm

Local tips

  • Check water levels before planning water activities, as swimming and fishing are dependent on safe conditions [1, 2, 3].
  • Bring appropriate footwear for hiking or biking, as trails vary in terrain [1].
  • Pack a picnic to enjoy at one of the three pavilions located in the park [1, 3, 5].
  • Be aware that there is no motorized vehicle access between the North and South sectors of the park [1, 2, 3].
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Getting There

  • Driving

    From Birmingham, take I-65 South to Exit 242 for Hwy 52 W toward Helena [5]. Follow Hwy 52 W and County Road 13 to River Road (County Road 251) [5]. Continue on River Road to reach the park entrances. There are multiple parking areas available within the North Sector, and parking is free [1, 5]. Note that County Road 251 does not cross the Cahaba River, so there is no vehicle access between the North and South sectors [1, 3].

Unlock the Best of Cahaba River Park

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Discover more about Cahaba River Park

Cahaba River Park is a joint venture between the Alabama Forever Wild Land Trust and Shelby County, designed to preserve and showcase the area's natural resources [1, 3, 5, 7]. The park is divided into a North and South Sector, with the North Sector being the primary developed area for recreation [1, 5]. This sector boasts approximately 30 miles of multi-use trails, including 21 miles of professionally designed single-track trails perfect for hiking, mountain biking, and trail running [1]. These trails meander through diverse landscapes, from ridgetop pine forests to the banks of the Cahaba River and Shades Creek [1]. The park provides several amenities to enhance the visitor experience. Three picnic pavilions offer shaded relaxation spots, and two include restroom facilities [1, 3, 5]. Trail signage is placed throughout the park to help visitors navigate the extensive trail system [1, 5]. The Cahaba River itself offers opportunities for canoeing, kayaking, swimming, and fishing, depending on water levels [1, 2, 3]. Keep in mind that motorized vehicle access is not available between the North and South sectors [1, 2, 3]. The Cahaba River is known for its remarkable biodiversity, supporting over 131 species of freshwater fish, including the unique Cahaba Shiner, as well as numerous mussel and snail species [11]. The Cahaba Lily is one of the many plant species that thrive in and around the river [11].

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