Looking to beat the Birmingham heat? Here are 7 ways to cool off at the river this summer—tubing, kayaking and more!

Whether you’re looking for a canoe adventure or a relaxing float on an inner tube, cooling off at the river is some of the most fun you can have during a Birmingham summer. We’ve got five places to check out within two hours of downtown. Keep reading to find your next weekend expedition!

Let’s Float, Alabama

It’s no secret that Alabama is home to some of the most beautiful natural landscapes in the nation. The weather is heating up here in Birmingham, and you may not be too keen on the idea of a weekend hiking trip. Never fear! You can still enjoy a journey through our stunning forests while staying cool. Rent a canoe, kayak, or inner tube, grab your cooler and get to floatin’!

1. Limestone Canoe and Tube

• Address: 1531 Limestone Pkwy. Brierfield AL, 35035
• Hours: Mon.-Sun. | 9AM-4PM
• Prices: $10 per person | $5 cooler tube

2. Terrapin Outdoor Center

• Address: 4114 County Road 175 Piedmont, Alabama 36272
• Hours: Tue-Wed. 9AM-5PM | Th.-Sun. 8AM-5PM
• Prices: $30 solo kayak | $50 tandem canoe

3. Talledega Creekside Resort

• Address: 760 Lake Whitland Dr. Talladega, Alabama 35160
• Hours: Thurs-Mon | 9AM-3PM
• Prices: $25 kayaks | $15 tubes | $10 cooler tubes

4. Canoe the Cahaba

• Address: 2370 Highway 52 Helena, Alabama 35080
• Hours: By appointment – call for a reservation
• Prices: $50/canoe or $35/kayak for 5-mile trip | $65/canoe or $45/kayak for 10-mile trip | guided trips available

5. North Alabama Canoe and Kayak

• Address: 1143 Moontown Rd. Brownsboro, Alabama 35741
• Hours: Mon-Fri call for reservations | Sat. 8AM | Sun. 10AM
• Prices: $45 single kayaks | $35.00/person canoes, canoe-kayak hybrids, tandem kayaks | $25 kids kayaks

6. Coosa River Adventures

• Address: 415 Company St. Wetumpka, Alabama
• Hours: Daily 8AM-5PM | call for reservations
• Prices: $29/one-person kayak | $55/two-person kayak | $39/paddleboard | $59/canoe

7. Coosa Outdoor Center

• Address: 172 River Rd. Wetumpka, AL 36902
• Hours: Wed.-Sun. | 9AM-6PM
• Prices: (prepaid) $25 small | $30 medium | $40 large +fishing | $50 double + canoe

Find all of these awesome places within 2 hours or less of downtown Birmingham!

Floating Not Your Thing?

Float trips certainly aren’t the only way to cool off in the summer, though! If you’re looking for another option, Bham Now is here to help!

• Want an option for younger kids who may not be ready to kayak? Check out these 14 splash pads within 45 minutes or less
• Prefer a dip in the pool to a dip in the river? Here are 10+ pools to cool off in
• Looking for a slightly larger vessel than a kayak or canoe? We’ve got 4 places to rent a boat near Birmingham
• Too much sun? Check out 8 places to take your kids when it’s hot out

Tag us on social @BhamNow with all your summer adventures!