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Hargrove Shoals: A Haven for Cahaba Lilies

52 Weekends on the Water
On the Alabama Scenic River Trail, there’s something new to experience every weekend of the year.
Hargrove Shoals: A Haven for Cahaba Lilies
Region

Central

Bodies of Water to Explore

Cahaba River

Best Season

Spring

Skill Level

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

Distances

6 Mile Paddle

Trip Duration

1 Day

Recommended Put In & Take Out
Outfitters Nearby

Consider renting equipment from

Trip Summary

Hargrove Shoals, on the Cahaba River near West Blocton, is the best place to see the famed Cahaba Lily. The Cahaba Lily, a species of spider lily, was once found on many rivers across South Carolina, Georgia and Alabama. The lily requires a habitat that includes rocky shoals and flowing water. As rivers across the region were dammed, much of that habitat was lost. The Cahaba, the longest free-flowing river in Alabama, still has a healthy population of Cahaba Lilies, and Hargrove Shoals boasts the largest stand remaining in the United States. Access is from the Cahaba River National Wildlife Refuge. There is a boat launch where the gravel road (River Trace) meets the river, but you can put in at many spots along River Trace as it parallels the river for about a mile to Caffee Creek.

 

  • The Cahaba Lily generally blooms between Mother’s Day and Father’s Day.  You’ll see many places where lilies are growing along this stretch of river, but you’ll need to get in a boat to see Hargrove Shoals, where the lilies extend from bank to bank for nearly a mile.
  • For a through-paddle to the take out at Pratt’s Ferry Cahaba River Preserve at River Bend Road (County Road 26), you’ll need water levels between 800-900 CFS on the Centerville gauge. The lilies will be underwater at around 1,000 CFS.
  • If the water is low, down to about 600 CFS, you can put in along River Trace and paddle to the top of Hargrove Shoals and then paddle back upstream to where you started. Paddling back upstream can be difficult and will probably require a bit of wading!
  • The Cahaba Lily is rare and threatened, so please enjoy this fabulous flower respectfully. Take only pictures.

 

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

Trail Highlights

6 Mile Day Paddle

  • Stop 1: Launch along River Trace in the Cahaba River National Wildlife Refuge.
  • Stop 2: Caffee Creek comes in on the right as you approach the end of River Trace.
  • Stop 3: Hargrove Shoals is about a mile below Caffee Creek. If the water is low, stop at the beginning of the shoal. If paddling through, avoid the middle of the river and stay close to either bank. The right bank is usually the best choice.
  • Stop 4: Lunch at the bottom of Hargrove Shoals. There is a nice beach on the right to enjoy the abundant scenery, wildlife and plants.
  • Stop 5: The confluence with the Little Cahaba River.
  • Stop 6: Take out at Pratt’s Ferry on River Bend Road.

Bonus Sightings

You’ll likely see a variety of birds, including eagles, hawks, vultures, heron and osprey. You can learn more about the various bird, fish, plant, insect, and reptile species that you can see on the Cahaba River National Wildlife Refuge species page.

Side Ventures & Optional Activities to Add to Your Trip

  • Cahaba River Society Guided Paddles:
    • The Cahaba River Society offers guided lily trips throughout the period when the lilies are blooming. Check out the opportunities here.

Non-Paddler Recommendations

  • Helen Keller Birthplace:
    • Visit the historic house museum built in 1820 that was the birthplace and childhood home of Helen Keller, known for overcoming deaf-blind conditions to become an author and public figure. Find hours and location details at the Helen Keller Birthplace Site. 
  • Cahaba National Wildlife Refuge:
    •  The Cahaba National Wildlife Refuge also offers opportunities for other activities such as hiking, birdwatching and nature photography. Check out the opportunities here.
  • West Blocton Cahaba Lily Festival:
    • The town of West Blocton holds a Cahaba Lily Festival each year, usually on the third Saturday in late May. Learn more about this year’s date and festival schedule on their official Facebook page.

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