Cahaba Lily Canoe Trip: Cahaba River National Wildlife Refuge – May 18, 2025

• When: Sunday, May 18th, from 8:00 am to no later than 4:00 pm
• Caravan Meeting Location: Amped Fitness at the Colonnade, 3427 Colonnade Pkwy, Birmingham, AL 35243
• Boat Launch Meeting Location: Canoe Beach at Cahaba River National Wildlife Refuge
• Day of event contact: Wil Rainer, Mobile: (901) 210-7850
• Recommended Donation: $40 per person. Children 12 and under are free. Members, remember your discount code! 
• Availability: Space is limited. We will develop a waitlist once all spots on the trip are filled.
• You will need: Brown bag lunch, at least 1 liter of water, sun protection, close-toed water shoes you don’t mind getting wet
• We will provide: Boats (contact wilr@cahabariversociety.org to inquire about using your own boat), paddles, and life jackets.
• Registration: Email our Field Programs Director, Wil Rainer

Description

Join us for an unforgettable journey to Hargrove Shoals, home to the largest known Cahaba Lily shoals in the world, located within the Cahaba River National Wildlife Refuge. This guided canoe trip offers a rare opportunity to experience the breathtaking beauty of these iconic flowers in their natural habitat.

The Cahaba lily trip is one of our more physically demanding excursions, requiring participants to drag their boats across Caffee Shoals on the return trip to the boat launch. As you step out to pull your canoe, keep in mind that the rocks can be extremely slippery, so caution is essential. This is why closed-toe shoes are required for all participants.

Despite the challenge, the reward is well worth the effort. The sight of the Cahaba lilies in full bloom is truly unforgettable. These resilient flowers are uniquely adapted to life in swift-moving water. Unlike their close relative, the swamp lily, which grows in marshes where its seeds can float, the Cahaba lily’s seeds sink and settle among the foliated rocks of the limestone shoals, ensuring their survival in the dynamic currents of the Cahaba River.

We encourage participants to bring cameras to capture the beauty of the lilies, but please remember that we will be in the water, so plan accordingly to protect your gear. This is an experience you won’t want to miss.

What to Expect on Your Guided Canoe Trip

Join us for a guided canoe trip through the stunning Cahaba River National Wildlife Refuge, where you’ll experience the beauty of Alabama’s longest free-flowing river and its famous Cahaba lilies.

Meeting & Departure

• Our group will meet at 8:15 AM at Amped Fitness (3427 Colonnade Pkwy, Birmingham, AL 35243) to caravan to the Cahaba River National Wildlife Refuge.
• We will depart promptly at 8:30 AM. You’re welcome to join the caravan or travel to the refuge on your own.
• If you’ll be meeting us at the Cahaba Wildlife Refuge, plan to meet at Canoe Beach by 10:00 AM.
• Be advised that there is limited cell service in the Refuge, so plan your trip ahead of time.
• Please notify Wil Rainer at wilr@cahabariversociety.org of your travel plans.

The Canoe Trip Experience

This guided paddle follows a down-and-back route, made easier by the river’s unique geology. As we navigate the Cahaba:

• You’ll witness the contrast between limestone shoals, where the Cahaba lilies thrive, and deep sandstone pools with slower-moving water, allowing us to paddle back upstream, returning to our starting point.
• Upon arrival at Hargrove Shoals, we’ll enjoy a scenic lunch among the lilies (please bring your own brown bag lunch).

Important Notes

• Weather & Water Conditions: Guided trips are subject to weather and river conditions. If there are any changes or cancellations, we will notify all participants. Due to the brief nature of the lilies’ blooming season, it is unlikely that a trip will be rescheduled.

What to Bring

• Water (at least 1 liter)
• Lunch
• Sunscreen
• Sun hat
• Close-toed water shoes. Sandals and flip-flops are not protective enough when walking through the shoals. This site shows some of the shoes our team might be wearing. Old tennis shoes also work well.
• Photography equipment (waterproof bags are recommended for any technology)

You are welcome to bring a cooler for your water and lunch, but alcohol is prohibited.

Registration:

Email our Field Programs Director, Wil Rainer (wilr@cahahariversociety.org) with the following information.

• Trip name/date
• Number of people, specify number of children and ages

Make your suggested donation HERE.