Cahaba River Trail & Canoe drop — Attraction in Irondale

Nice shady trail-well maintained at Grant’s Mill. Access to trail is paved and steep but there is a handrail. There are wooden benches along the trail and some picnic tables. There are areas to access the river where swimming is possible. Swimming is at your own risk. Next to this short short trail which follows the river is a longer trail through the woods. When you reach trail’s end you can go uphill a few feet and follow the longer trail which I did until I came to a washed out part that was steep so I did not want to traverse it by myself. I returned following the woodland trail back to the start. There were more wildflowers on the wooded trail so I got good river views going down on the river trail and saw nice plants coming back on the woodland trail. What would have made it 5 star? A bathroom! Quick Stop Chevron off Grantswood Court 5 minutes away is a good clean pit stop with good food choices too-even a Meat and 3 type...

This is an access only drop in point for canoes/ kayaks/ inner tubes meaning that it’s Not a rental business address per se. (If You can find one operating after Covid-19 , an equipment rental service could meet you here or you could hire a transport service to drop you here or another spot and take out at this or another on the river, but this location is not the site of a brick and mortar business.) It IS the site of a walking trail, popular swimming hole, drop off/pick up canoe/kayak of your own or arranged beforehand. There is a Paved walkway for a half a mi. or so . There is No changing rooms or bathroom facilities here nor running water. (There may be a port-a-potty but not certain )

*There are dirt trails that lead through the riverine woods and back up to the Highland Church. However this terrain may be marked as “No Trespassing” . So...

Great place to get to the Cahaba. The parking area fills up pretty quickly and unfortunately not all users pay attention and often you can find cars that are blocked in. The path to the Cahaba is concrete, well maintained but quite steep. Not all visitors pay attention to posted signs and you might find a group with a grill at the landing site making it a bit awkward to get a 17' canoe in or out. Before you are looking for a swimming hole or place to put your lawn chair in the Cahaba, check the swim guide that is maintained by the Cahaba Riverkeeper to get an idea about the load of coliform bacteria in the water. Please avoid glass bottles and please leave no trace. The Cahaba is a wonderful, recreational resource, enjoy it but please...