Alabama Rivers & Creeks

Start with the flagship rivers below, then explore wilderness gorges, metro floats and coastal streams.

Flagship

Terrapin Creek

Year-round family-friendly float with sandbars, shoals and multiple outfitters around Piedmont & Centre.

Beginner–friendly Spring-fed
Flagship

Cahaba River

Free-flowing classic with lily blooms, shoals and sandbars near Birmingham and beyond.

Scenic Seasonal
Flagship

Coosa River

Dam-release whitewater and big pools near Wetumpka, plus quieter flatwater up- and downstream.

Class II–III Urban whitewater

More Rivers & Creeks

These rivers add wilderness gorges, metro floats and coastal bayous to your list.

River / Creek Region Style Notes
Sipsey Fork Northwest (Bankhead) Gorge, bluffs, waterfalls Seasonal flows through sandstone canyon; best for groups comfortable with remote settings.
Flint River North Alabama Flatwater & shoals Beginner-friendly half-day floats and sandbars near Huntsville.
Tallapoosa River East / Central Moving water, small rapids Lloyd Owens Canoe Trail with outfitters and riverside camping.
Sipsey Fork Northwest Gorge wilderness Spectacular canyon scenery in Bankhead National Forest.
Mobile–Tensaw Delta South Coastal Delta bayous & big water Bartram Canoe Trail routes, platforms and wildlife-rich bayous.
Bear Creek System Northwest Lakes & managed canoe trail Network of lakes and controlled-flow river sections with campgrounds.
Perdido River South Coastal Clear coastal stream Sandbars, easy current and a “beach-river” feel on the Alabama–Florida line.
Locust Fork North-central Moving water & whitewater Sections range from friendly shoals to solid whitewater runs – choose carefully.
Little River Northeast Steep creek gorge Little River Canyon offers advanced whitewater in a national preserve setting.
Styx River South Coastal Small coastal stream Warm-weather tubing and easy paddling with sandbars and forested banks.