Take Me to the River

It was right about the height of the COVID quarantine in 2020. We had reached the end of all the things we could do at home with middle schoolers in the house. We had gardened, we made bread, and we got a dog. And a cat. And chickens. We celebrated the graduation of 6th grade and 8th grade in the driveway, to much fanfare, with just the four of us and a cake. And the animals. We built things, we made things, we got bored and then we got bored again. It was quiet. All the time. There were no airplanes in the skies. It was time to do something to get outside, out of our neighborhood, to try something different.

We had kayaked as a family before, in the lake. We even had a canoe and a couple of kayaks. Our kids love the water as much as we do. One thing we had not done before, was explore the wonders of the rivers of Alabama, our new home.

This seemed like as good a time as any to load up the kayaks and hit the river.

We chose the Tallapoosa River, as it winds its way through our county and surrounding areas. My husband is one of those people who can find out absolutely anything on the internet. He had our kayak trip all planned out as soon as we said the word.

We loaded up:

• PFDs for all (personal floatation device),
• Paddles for all,
• 2 Kayaks (1 adult and 1 kid per kayak)
• Snacks and water bottles for the day
• Sunscreen
  

We had 2 cars (this is important). One car had the trailer and the kayaks for the Horseshoe Bend boat ramp. The other car is for the end of the paddle, where you pull out at Jaybird Creek (to haul us back to the car with the trailer). This can also be achieved with a helpful friend who will meet you at the end of the paddle and cart you back to your vehicle.

We then had a choice. Paddle and make the trip in 2.5 hours OR float the whole way and arrive 6 hours later.

Either way is a dream. It’s literally, “whatever floats your boat.” Your paddle, your style.

We then had the joy of a light and easy paddle with few rapids. We found a rock that you can climb and jump off of into deep waters, in the middle of nowhere. It was so fun to watch the kids do this over and over again. Kayaking the river was so peaceful, so quiet, the expanse of nature so unbelievable. We loved every minute and have gone back many times for this day full of adventure, sun and water therapy.

If you time it right, sometime between Mother’s Day and Father’s Day, you can kayak the Tallapoosa (as well as other rivers in the area) to see the lilies blooming on the water. I understand that it is quite the sight to behold!

Alabama the Beautiful never disappoints when it comes to nature and the views that are possible throughout the state. The Tallapoosa winds its way from Bremen, Georgia to the gulf. And kayakers are wildly friendly and helpful as you navigate your way through the waters.

The Facebook Group The Tallapoosa River Kayak Club boasts several thousand members that are more than willing to help you plan your trip and sometimes even help you find a willing soul to shuttle you in places. There are plenty of free campsites along the river. The friendly crew on the Fb group will share all sorts of helpful information with you when you are doing the planning.

The Alabama Scenic River Trail is a nonprofit with an outstanding website (www.alabamascenicrivertrail.com) that boasts maps of the state, places to put in your kayak, guides and outfitters along the river and even ways to get involved in the river community. As they say: ASRT is a statewide resource for water-recreation in Alabama. Our resource network is designed to make the state’s waterways safe and accessible for all. See you out on the water!

• Have a float plan that you communicate with someone who won’t be with you during your adventure - where you will put in, how long it will take, when you will return. It’s always good for someone to know where you will be and when.
• Cell service is spotty at best on the rivers so plan accordingly.
• Check water levels as applicable. Spring time is typically the best time to kayak due to the amount of rain.

Don’t own a kayak? No problem! There are plenty of outfitters in the state who will provide kayaks and gear as well as shuttle service. The ASRT website lists plenty of reliable companies and organizations that can help you out with your day of kayaking. All you have to do in most cases is grab your friends and family and call for the reservation. Dreamy!

Now get out on the water and delight in all that Alabama has to offer.

Written by: Angie Stryker