Hiking
Alabama has four State Parks in the Cahaba River basin and a Wildlife Management Area (WMA) in Shelby and Bibb Counties that offer some interesting hiking. Most of the Parks have hiking trails, but Oak Mountain has the greatest selection of trails.
WMAs are private lands open to the public and managed for hunting and some other activities, including hiking and camping.
Federal lands in the Cahaba River basin include USDA Forest Service land and the Cahaba River National Wildlife Refuge. A map of the management area is available.
- USDA Forest Service - The Oakmulgee Forest has developed trails at Payne Lake (In Hale County, outside the Cahaba River basin) and lots of other trail-less areas for getting lost.
- Cahaba River National Wildlife Refuge has developed trails that begin from the parking area off County Road 24 east of Piper Bridge.
The Nature Conservancy has protected the following biologically significant lands within the Cahaba River watershed that offer some hiking opportunities:
- Kathy Stiles Freeland Glades (Additional Information)
- Barton's Beach
- Pratt's Ferry
- Highway 22 Canoe Access
Fishing
Fishing on relatively small streams from a canoe is very different from the more typical Bass fishing experience. Having no depth-finder, no outboard motor, nor even a trolling motor (although some enterprising types do figure out a way to mount one on a canoe) might be a change for many fishermen. It can be very challenging to coordinate casting, paddling on moving water, dodging overhanging trees and the many other elements of fishing on moving water. But for just that reason, not so many people subject smaller streams to the fishing pressure that reservoirs regularly endure. The result can be some very productive fishing.
There are also some private lakes in the lower Cahaba River basin that offer great lunker opportunities for those who can manage the membership fee.
As for where to fish, I am a poor one to offer advice. So, here goes:
You can catch Crappie, Bass, and other sunfish in the pool above the Highway 280 diversion dam.
There are also a wide variety of fishing options available at Lake Purdy. Contact the concessionaire "Let's Go Fishing" at 205 991-9107
In the upper Cahaba River, stream segments below the Hwy 280 diversion dam receive significant nutrient loading from wastewater treatment plants. While this has impaired populations of some native fish species, it has probably enhanced the Spotted and Largemouth Bass populations.
In the middle Cahaba River, the Cahaba River National Wildlife Refuge makes fishing accessible to shore and shoal fisherman on foot or for those using a jon boat. Bass and Channel catfish are commonly caught here.
The Cahaba Historical Park in Centreville, AL is also open to the public and you can find bank fishing and wading opportunities there. A boat-launch is available there and a small donation for its use is requested.
In the lower basin, the numerous tree-snags are great cover for bass, but you would do better with some really heavy-test fishing line and snag-less lures.
The Perry Lake Park is another fishing option in the lower basin. The lake may not be the most productive fishing, but it is remarkably scenic.