Now it’s easier than ever to enjoy Moon River Canoe launch—learn why

Moon River Canoe launch is now more accessible than ever, thanks to a parking lot that just opened this week. Right on time for summer, water enthusiasts have a new spot to easily enter the Cahaba River. Read on for full details.

New parking lot at Moon River Canoe Launch

Spearheaded by Freshwater Land Trust (FLT), the new parking lot was unveiled at the Moon River Canoe Launch on Tuesday, May 3. Although the canoe launch has been around for several years, there was not a convenient parking or access area before now.

When warm weather hits, you can load up the canoes and head over to the new parking lot, which has room for about seven vehicles. Then, you’ll just be a short path away from the Moon River Canoe Launch, putting you straight into the gorgeous Cahaba River.

“We are thrilled to provide public access to the Moon River Canoe Launch with the addition of the new parking lot. The more people that can be exposed to the spectacular Cahaba River, the better, and we hope the use of it encourages people to protect the numerous rivers and streams in our area.”

—Rusha Smith, Executive Director, FLT

A team effort

FLT recognized tremendous community support to make this project come to fruition. Let’s give it up for these spectacular partners:

• The City of Irondale
• The Daniel Foundation of Alabama
• Alabama Power Foundation
• Jefferson County Department of Health
• Vulcan Materials Company

The parking lot was designed by Goodwyn Mills Cawood and built by Outdoor Construction, under FLT’s careful watch. Because there are designated wetlands nearby, the gravel parking lot was built on an ALDOT right-of-way to ensure no negative repercussions for the native habitat. It was there first, after all!

Moon River Canoe Launch joins the Cahaba Blueways Project

With the addition of this parking lot, FLT’s Moon River property is officially welcomed into the Cahaba Blueways Project. If you’re not familiar, Cahaba Blueways is a partnership led by The University of Alabama Center for Economic Development (Roll Tide to that).

The goal of the initiative is to help local governments and nonprofits (like FLT) provide our community with safe, sustainable and FUN access to the Cahaba River, while ensuring the river stays protected so it can continue to thrive.

“The Moon River Access is an example of the great work that Cahaba Blueway partners are doing to create infrastructure that strengthens the connection between people and the river while protecting this fragile resource.”

—Brian Rushing, coordinator, the Cahaba Blueway Program

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