Cahaba River
Shelby / Bibb Co. · 194 mi · Class I–III
30.6CFS/ 1.98 ft
Below Optimal
→Stable
Optimal: 500–3000 CFS · USGS #02423500
⚡Flow data is live from USGS·Rapid classifications and CFS ranges need community verification·Know this river?
194 mi
Length
Class I–III
Difficulty
500–3000 cfs
Optimal
1,800 cfs
Avg Flow
1,620 cfs
Hist. Median
#02423500
USGS Gauge
Cahaba River National Wildlife Refuge · Alabama Scenic River

The most biodiverse river per mile in North America — 194 miles from the Appalachian foothills near Birmingham to the Alabama River. Home to 131 fish species, 69 rare and imperiled species, and the largest known stand of Cahaba lilies, which bloom spectacularly each May.

Trip sections
Upper Cahaba — Trussville to Grants Mill, Birmingham suburban
Middle Cahaba — Shelby County, Cahaba lily shoals
Lower Cahaba — Bibb County to Alabama River, remote
Outfitters
Cahaba Canoe Launch
Shelby County access and rentals
72-Hour Flow Forecast
NOAA NWPS
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10-Year Flow Patterns
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Your Optimal Range
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Data Quality

River conditions are community-verified. CFS ranges, difficulty ratings, and trip sections may not reflect every flow level or seasonal change. Always check current conditions, scout unfamiliar rapids, and paddle within your skill level. If you spot an error, use the Improve This River button at the top of the page — your local knowledge is what makes this atlas accurate.