Cahaba River National Wildlife Refuge is a beautiful and well-kept area perfect for outdoor activities like fishing, hiking, swimming, and kayaking. Visitors often mention how stunning the scenery is, especially during the blooming of the Cahaba lilies in May. The refuge offers a peaceful environment with a few families present, making it a great place to relax and enjoy Alabama's wilderness without feeling crowded. The water is clear and the shoreline features a small, beautiful beach, though visitors should be cautious of rocks along the river. Access can be challenging due to narrow roads and rough terrain, so low cars may have difficulty. The refuge is free to visit and provides a fun, inexpensive outing for families and friends. Over the years, many have enjoyed returning here for its natural beauty, fishing, and scenic views, but visitors are encouraged to respect the environment by cleaning up after themselves.
It is a primitive park, but the Cahaba lilies are spectacular. Best time to go for the lilies is between Mother's Day and Father's Day. Also, do not go after big rains because the river may be flooded. Bring your wading shoes and bathing suit.
June 2026
It was a beautiful day on the river! Water was about 1200 cfs, which meant that we weren't having to walk our canoes and we got a few class I & II rapids. A lot of the lilies were under water, but we still saw several too. Beautiful day on the river!
June 2026
This is our favorite spot to go see the Cahaba lilies each spring.
