Helena

Designated Cahaba Blueway Access

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4151 Helena Rd
Helena, AL 35080
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The Helena access at Buck Creek is at Helena Amphitheater Park, located in the heart of charming Old Town Helena.  There is parking for about 15 cars and the access is down a gravel pathway and across a small island to the main channel of Buck Creek.  The stream bank is low there, and you should be able to place your boat in the water without much difficulty.  Helena Amphitheater Park is open during daylight hours and restrooms and picnic tables are available.  Please note that the park hosts many events throughout the warmer months of the year (particularly on weekends), so parking may be limited or unavailable at these times.  For a schedule of planned events, visit http://www.cityofhelena.org.   Also, please note that the County Road 52 take-out is on private property and access there is BY APPOINTMENT ONLY with Canoe the Cahaba, which you can contact at (205) 874-5623.

Area Restaurants, Lodging, and Tourism Resources:

http://www.shelbycountytourism.org/index.aspx?NID=129

http://www.cityofhelena.org

+River Segment - 5.4 miles

This popular paddling route takes you from the City of Helena on Buck Creek for about 2 miles until you enter to the Cahaba River, and then for about another 3.5 miles to Shelby County Road 52. Miminum recommended flow for Buck Creek is when water pours evenly across the top of Helena Dam and for the Cahaba River it is 200 CFS at the USGS gauge near Helena. This delightful trip takes you through a number of scenic (and easy-to paddle) shoals on Buck Creek, one of which is home to a stand of Cahaba lilies that bloom in early to mid-May. You will also float past a number of beautiful rock formations and under no less than 5 trainl trestles. Be mindful that Buck Creek is narrow and often blocked by fallen trees, so be prepared to have to get out of your boat and drag it over these obstacles. This route is paddleable mostly during the winter and spring monthswhen water levels are sufficcient to float. Buck Creek and the Cahaba River can be very dangerous in high water, so do not attempt to paddle during such times. Please note that the County Road 52 take-out is on private property and access there is BY APPOINTMENT ONLY with Canoe the Cahaba, which you can contact at (205) 874-5623.

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