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Choose your own Adventure: Sunny Day at Southside Landing

52 Weekends on the Water
On the Alabama Scenic River Trail, there’s something new to experience every weekend of the year.
Choose your own Adventure: Sunny Day at Southside Landing
Region

Central

Bodies of Water to Explore

Coosa River

Best Season

Spring, Summer, & Fall

Skill Level

Paddles: 1 – no skill, desire to learn; 2 – moderate, knowledge needed; 3 – advanced, know what’s up

Distances

However far you wish to journey!

Trip Duration

1 Day

Recommended Put In & Take Out
Outfitters Nearby

Consider renting equipment from:

Trip Summary

Located along the beautiful Coosa River just a few miles from Gadsden, Southside Landing has everything you need for a relaxing day. This scenic destination is perfect for those who love the outdoors, whether you’re in the mood to be active or simply unwind by the water.

Grab a coffee at Volt Coffee and head to Southside Landing, your one-stop shop for the day. Volt Coffee, a local favorite, is known for its cozy atmosphere and delicious specialty drinks. It’s a great spot to start your morning before heading out for a day of riverside adventure.

The bustling landing offers a self-service kiosk, Rent Fun, for quick and easy equipment access to get you on the water. Located at 721 Pier 77 Lane Southside, AL 35907, the Rent Fun kiosk provides kayaks, paddles, and life vests. Rentals start at $25 for the first two hours, with $15 for each additional hour. The process is fully automated via your smartphone, making it incredibly convenient. They are open every day from Sun-up to Sun-down.

Enjoy the cool Coosa River fishing, paddling, or relaxing. Whether you’re casting a line, gliding along the water in a kayak, or lounging onshore with a good book, the natural beauty of the Coosa River offers a serene setting for any activity.

When your time of exploration comes to a close, end your day with a riverside pizza and cold beverage at Blackstone Bait Shak. This unique riverside hangout is the perfect spot to reflect on your day’s adventures.

This is a choose-your-adventure kind of day, and that’s what makes it the best! If you’re up for a solo paddle, a picnic with family, or an evening drink with friends, Southside Landing has the flexibility and charm to make any visit memorable.

USGS Water-Levels for this trip can be found here. 

Trail Highlights

Choose your own adventure and distance!

Bonus Sightings

Expect to see largemouth bass, spotted bass, bluegill and other sunfish, crappie, catfish, striped bass, hybrid and white bass, and a variety of water-loving birds.

Side Ventures & Optional Activities to Add to Your Trip

  • Little Bridge Marina:
    • Just across the water from Southside Landing, Little Bridge Marina offers riverfront dining with 2 restaurants, a full service bar, catering company, boat ramp, and 24/7 pay at the pump non ethanol gas. Check out the restaurant and stop information here.

Non-Paddler Recommendations

  • James D. Martin Wildlife Park:
    • This beautiful bird sanctuary is part of The Alabama Birding Trail and is located off Hwy 411, behind the Gadsden Mall. The elevated boardwalks and paved trails welcome hikers, bikers, and nature photographers. Check out the opportunities here.
  • Children’s Museum- Imagination Place:
    • Imagination Place is an interactive exhibit for children ages 2 through 10, where they can explore the medical clinic, grocery store, farm, construction pit, train station, visit Grandma’s House, board the Imagination Express, and sail on a sunken pirate ship. Check out the opportunity here.

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