About
Coosa River, Alabama Georgia — 1540 De Soto, 1840s-1880s Industrial, 2020s CRBI 5th Most Endangered 280-mi Rome GA. At 6,200 CFS average flow through 280 miles of Alabama watershed, the Coosa moves substantial water from St. Clair and Talladega counties down to its confluence with the Tallapoosa. Class I-II shoals punctuate the middle reaches through Talladega County, while the upper section from Gadsden to Logan Martin Dam covers 60 miles of reservoir water. The lower section approaches Wetumpka and the Alabama River confluence through the Wetumpka Impact Crater, one of the few confirmed meteor impact sites in the Southeast. Optimal flows run 1,000–8,000 CFS on USGS gauge 02407000, though the river's dam-controlled nature means checking current releases before launching. The Coosa River Basin Initiative, established in 2002 as a conservation partnership, coordinates restoration efforts across the watershed. Coosa River Adventures provides guided trips and equipment for paddlers looking to run the shoals sections.
River conditions are community-verified. CFS ranges, difficulty ratings, and access points may not reflect every flow level or seasonal change. Always check current conditions, scout unfamiliar rapids, and paddle within your skill level.