Upper Cahaba

If you're in Birmingham and need a quick whitewater paddling fix, the Upper Cahaba is just the ticket. This section of the Cahaba is a nice, mild whitewater run in close proximity to metro Birmingham. Since this is the uppermost commonly paddled run on the Cahaba, it does require some recent rain. While not a difficult run, intermediate skills are required to attempt this section without an experienced guide. Most of the gradient occurs in two stretches before and after a footbridge over the river. The rapids toward the end have a few nice play waves that get much better at higher levels. You will also encounter a scenic high railroad trestle along the way.