Alabama Scenic River Trail & Paddling FAQs
Our team is dedicated to making paddling more accessible for all! Browse frequently asked questions below, and if you don’t see yours, feel free to contact a member of our team.
The Alabama Scenic River Trail refers to the longest National Water Recreation Trail, a nationally recognized 631-mile trail that is now commonly utilized as a 650-mile continuous stretch of waterways leading from the Alabama-Georgia state line down to the tip of Mobile Bay at Ft. Morgan. The ASRT Trail was our organization’s original purpose and is now our namesake.
The Alabama Scenic River Trail (ASRT) is now a thriving water-tourism nonprofit in Alabama that not only maintains the original National Water Trail’s 631 miles but also has more than 6,300+ paddling trails across the state. ASRT is the state’s official paddling resource, and we take our role as a waterway resource very seriously, working with partners across the state across industries to promote Alabama’s freshwater adventures. Our goal is to ensure that the experiences you and your family have on Alabama’s waterways are safe, fun, and welcoming for all!
Just about any watersport you can think of is available anywhere in Alabama! There are opportunities for canoeing, kayaking, paddle boarding, tubing, powerboating, whitewater rafting, parasailing, and so much more. ASRT works with more than 70+ outfitters and guides across the state who are ready to help equip you for whatever water adventure is next on your agenda.
Our 52 Weekends on the Water program features our favorite paddling trips and itineraries perfect for all skill levels. Advanced paddlers can also use our Paddle Planner Map to create a trip from scratch!
No, and most people won’t. There are plenty of access points for day trips along the Alabama Scenic River Trail (National Water Recreation Trail) and numerous places to spend the night on overnight trips. We at ASRT do hold a professional paddle race annually called The Great Alabama 650, in which 20 professional racers attempt the full 650-mile trail across a nonstop 10-day period. Still, we never expect that from our average recreators!
Some river areas have more access than others, so plan ahead carefully using our Paddle Planner Map, or choose a recommended trip itinerary from our 52 Weekends on the Water program!
Our #1 Recommendation before you get a boat is picking up or renting a Personal Floatation Device (PFD). What boat you want depends on what kind of water you’re going to explore, and Alabama has every kind of water to pick from! From powerboaters to canoeists to kayakers to stand-up paddle boarders and tube floaters there are plenty of vessel options to start your next adventure!
If you need help deciding which type of boat to use on a particular waterway, we recommend finding a local ASRT Outfitter or Guide to assist you.
Just starting out? Check out our Safety-First Guide to get resources and information on helpful things to know before your first or 500th paddling adventure!
Alabama has 4 Major River Basins:
- Mobile-Tensaw River Basin
- Tennessee River Basin
- Chattahoochee River Basin
- Gulf Basins- Containing: Conecuh, Pea, & Choctawhatchee Rivers
Alabama has numerous Rivers, Creeks, & Streams that feed into those four major river basins. To see a large listing of the Rivers and Basins in Alabama check out Discovering Alabama’s River Maps and the Auburn Water Resource Center’s River Description Articles.
Kayaking can be easy with the right planning, training, and preparation! We’ve set up a Paddler Safety Guide to help beginners and experts start kayaking on Alabama’s waters. We also have an extensive list of approved Outfitters & Guides, where you can find kayak lessons, rental equipment, and guided tours in across the state.
Kayaking Alabama’s beautiful waterways is one of the most rewarding ways to spend a weekend—We have preplanned trips and itineraries for kayaking that you can use to get started- Check out our 52 Weekends on the Water today!
Don’t forget to follow us on Facebook or Instagram for even more ideas and tips!
A complete list of everything you might need on a trip depends on you, your experience, and the water system you’re traveling. We highly recommend mapping your journey and knowing where the nearest access points are. That said, here is our list of 10 basic items to bring on any paddling trip!
Yes! The Chattahoochee River is the most famous of our state’s whitewater areas, but there are also other off-the-path whitewater streams throughout the state. Visit our Outfitters & Guides page to find a whitewater guide or visit Alabama Whitewater for more information!
Looking for how to learn whitewater paddling? Alabama has a state-of-the-art Whitewater Center in Montgomery that we highly recommend to everyone whether you’re just starting out or looking to expand your whitewater skills!