For the canoeist and kayaker, there are easy stretches with numerous well-maintained campsites. The Alabama Power Company has designed portages around all six of their dams and the US Army Corps of Engineers has developed portages for those who do not want to experience the easy descent in the mammoth locks at their three dams.

In the six lakes of Alabama Power Company, portages are marked by a buoy in the water at the beginning of each. These buoys may be identified as being 24 inches high, white, with a square on the side containing the image of a kayak. 

Millers Ferry Lock & Dam—two shifts per day, first shift 6:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. and second shift 6:00 p.m. to 2:00 a.m. (arrive no later than 1:30 to lock through) 334 682 4877 (see detailed portage map below).

At the three US Army Corps of Engineers damsites, the portages are marked with several such buoys upstream of each optional portage (these three dams have locks that the boater is welcome to use as an alternative to the portage at each dam).

Coosa River contact information

Weiss 256-526-8467

Neely Henry 256-892-3172

Logan Martin 205-672-2332

Lay 205-755-4520

Mitchell 205-755-4262 **

Jordan 334-567-5101 **

** For paddled craft, a shuttle is available at Mitchell Dam, where the portage is difficult, details are in the Guidebook for that lake and dam.  Also, a shuttle has developed at Jordan Dam, where the portage is very long -  look on our Contact page for Glenn Dean.

Alabama River contact information

Use these numbers to request usage of the locks:

Robert F. Henry Lock & Dam—one shift 7:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. (arrive no later than 4:30 to lock through)—334 872 9525


Claiborne Lock & Dam—open 24 hours— 251 282 4575

Campsites

Riverside Campground & Motel

Driftwood Campground

Pine Cove Marina

Nickie's Landing

Harts Ferry

Love Island