Kayak, canoe or float your way down some
of the most scenic waterways in the region
Story by Graham Hadley
LakeLife Magazine archive photos
Submitted photos
As warmer weather rolls into Alabama, and the lake levels rise, people take to the water on Logan Martin and Neely Henry lakes in droves – ski boats, houseboats, pontoons, tritoons and personal watercraft become common sights.
But for those looking for a quieter time on the water, many turn to myriad creeks and streams that feed the Coosa River. And the boats of choice for many are human powered – canoes, kayaks and paddle boards. Sometimes, you don’t even need a kayak or canoe – a good inflatable float and a lazy day drifting along the currents is a great way to pass the time.
Whether you are just looking for a great way to get around and get some exercise, cruise parts of the Coosa and its tributaries not accessible to power boats, or even take part in competitive fishing tournaments – the options are endless.
A number of businesses have cropped up over the past few years that cater specifically to the paddle and float crowd, providing rental boats and equipment and transportation for you and your paddle-craft to some of the most beautiful parts of the lakes and streams.
Several things to keep in mind – many of the businesses that cater to the paddle-and-float crowd are seasonal and affected by everything from the weather to high demand, so it is always a good idea to call ahead and make reservations.
And like anything involving the water, make sure you have all the safety gear you need – life preservers in particular. Other important items to have on your gear list include waterproof cases for cellphones, coolers and containers for food, proper footwear and clothing (and maybe a dry change of both for afterwards).
All of the businesses can help get you outfitted properly and answer any questions you may have. If you don’t own what you need, they can usually rent it to you – and in some cases it is provided at no additional cost with your boat rental.
Many of these businesses have multiple access and takeout points on the water, depending on how long you want to be out and what kinds of boating you are looking for, from lazy winding rivers to a variety of whitewater excitement.
Yak tha Creek
Located in Ashville, Yak tha Creek specializes in renting kayaks on Canoe Creek and providing drop-ins and transportation for people with their own gear. Canoe Creek is rapidly becoming one of the most popular destinations for kayakers, with miles of beautiful nature to be seen all around.
You can find Yak tha Creek on the side of the U.S. Highway 231 at the bridges near the downtown square in Ashville. The business works on a reservation basis, and access to the water is dependent on the time of the year, weather conditions and water levels. Aside from the rental fees, there are nominal fees for transporting your own boat and getting it in the water.
The best way to keep up with water conditions and availability is on their Facebook page. They can be contacted by phone at 205-612-2292.
Like most of the paddle and float rental and transportation companies, there is a waiver requirement.
Voted as one of the best kayak companies in St. Clair County by Discover St. Clair Magazine’s readers, Yak tha Creek continues to be a big tourism draw for the region.
Big Canoe Creek Outfitters
Another business that offers kayaking, plus camping and concerts, Big Canoe Creek Outfitters is located at 6545 Alabama Highway 23 in Springville.
They offer single and double kayak rentals and can shuttle your boat to the water for you.
Big Canoe Creek Outfitters is getting ready for the 2022 season, expecting to open in early May – weather permitting. You can keep up with hours and events and water conditions on their Facebook page or call 205-427-3989.
In addition to their kayak business, they have campsites on the property and play host to some great outdoor music events.
Big Canoe Creek is becoming one of the more popular destination points, so checking on availability, especially holidays and weekends, is a must.
Big Wills Outfitters
Big Wills is a full-service kayak and canoe outfitter that also offers rentals on Big Wills Creek, which feeds into Neely Henry.
Located at 2881 Wesson Gap Road, Attalla, they offer single and two-seat kayak and canoe rentals and can shuttle your own boat to the water as well.
Off season, October through March, is by appointment – on their website, bigwillsoutfitters.com, and on their Facebook page with information about rental availability and water conditions as well as information on some of the kayaks and other gear they sell. They can be reached by phone at 256-538-3226.
When the weather is right, and the water is perfect, demand for rental kayaks can be high, so they recommend calling ahead for availability and reservations.
And when it comes time to buy your own boat, for fishing or just fun, they are more than happy to make sure you get exactly the right kayak or canoe to meet your needs.
Floating Fun
Floating Fun gives you access to Choccolocco Creek, another beautiful stretch of water that feeds into the Coosa River and Logan Martin Lake.
Located in Oxford, Floating Fun specializes in tube floats down the creek, with multiple exits available.
They say you can “expect rocky shoals, some quick currents, remote beauty, and an enjoyable tubing experience.”
They have a minimum two-person, two-tube rental requirement. You start the float at their business, located at 1741 Priebes Mill Road in Oxford. They pick you up at one of the take-outs and return you to the business. While walk-ons are accepted based on tube availability, they strongly recommend making reservations – two days ahead for weekends and holidays, and they have a minimum age requirement of 5 years old.
For all the rules and any questions about availability, reservations, refunds and rainchecks, Floating Fun has a comprehensive website, floatingfun.net. They are a seasonal operation, opening the first Thursday in May and generally running through the middle of October.
They provide special cooler tubes that can carry 50 pounds of food and gear.
Choccolocco Kayak
For those looking to paddle on Choccolocco Creek, Choccolocco Kayak offers a great one-and-a-half to two-hour trip.
Also located in Oxford, Choccolocco Kayak takes you to their put-in near Cider Ridge Golf Club. The takeout is at the kayak rental facility, located across from Choccolocco Park entrance at Leon Smith Parkway and Boiling Springs Road intersection.
You can rent single and tandem kayaks (along with all the necessary gear like paddles and life jackets) or bring your own kayak. You must be at least 18 years old to rent kayaks and be at least 8 to paddle your own kayak. Children younger than 8 have to be in a tandem kayak with an adult.
Like most similar businesses, they are open seasonally and operation hours can be affected by the weather, water levels and demand. They recommend calling or texting to 256-835-7821 for additional information. They also have a Facebook page with updates on special hours, last launch times and other information.
Talladega Creek Resort
Talladega Creek is a long, lazy river that flows through much of Talladega County and offers some beautiful natural scenery. Talladega Creek Resort has campgrounds and cabins at their headquarters at 760 Lake Whitland Drive, Talladega, in addition to kayaking and tubing.
Again, the business is seasonal and dependent on water levels and weather. They require at least 24-hour notice for kayak reservations. You can rent kayaks, tubes and cooler tubes, and they have all the other gear you might need for a day on the creek. And, of course, you can bring your own gear and pay the launch fee.
They ask that you drop off all your passengers and coolers and other equipment at their launch site, 100 Cedar Springs Road, Munford, to wait while you come to the main campground office to pay and park. They will then shuttle you to from the campground to meet up with your group. Takeout is at the campgrounds.
The resort has a variety of beautiful rental cabins on the property and RV and camping spaces for people who want to make a weekend – or longer – of it. There is a two-night minimum on cabin rentals from April until November and on holidays. Single-night reservations are available during the off season. They are also a pet-friendly business.
You can find out more about their rules, hours and rates on their website, talladegacreekside.com. Their phone number is 256-362-9053 and prefer to be contacted by text. You can also follow them on Facebook for the latest updates on hours and water conditions.
GadRock
Looking for some open-water paddling on the Coosa? GadRock, located in Gadsden, is a large indoor climbing facility that also offers stand-up paddleboarding, complete with special tours Memorial Day through Labor Day.
Paddleboarding is growing in popularity and is more suitable for the calm of the lakes because, unlike canoes and kayaks, you stand on what is essentially a large surfboard and paddle your way across the water. In addition to being a great way to see the shoreline areas of the lake, its also a great way to exercise.
GadRock, 1403 Rainbow Drive, can be found online at climbgadrock.com and on their Facebook page. You can reach them by phone 256-312-8185.
