Sports
Coosa River offers many rec opportunities
By Austin Nelson
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The Coosa River offers many exciting recreational opportunities, even for those without a liking for watersports.
For paddlers, the Coosa is an exciting river for beginners and seasoned veterans alike.
Riders begin just below Jordan Dam. The river is classified as a class II river, but the class III rapid, Moccasin Gap, playboaters will not leave un-satisfied.
"This is a very forgiving river for a novice paddler," said Chris Carter, owner of Coosa River Adventures.
Although the river is fairly popular, Carter says the seven-mile run still offers plenty of breathing room.
"It never feels crowded, no matter how many boats are on the river," said Carter.
Perhaps one of the river's biggest selling points is the fact that it is dam controlled and is the only hydroelectric plant to maintain a year-round minimum flow.
Other streams are dependent on rainfall to maintain a consistent flow and are often un-navigable in summer. When these streams run dry, the mighty Coosa dumps its water according to schedule.
Whitewater kayakers are not the only boaters that paddle the river. Canoes, sit-on-top kayaks and larger touring kayaks frequent the river.
The Coosa is also a part of the recently dedicated Alabama Scenic River Trail, a 631-mile stretch of water extending from the Georgia state line to Mobile Bay.
Alabama Power has constructed portages at each of their dams to allow boats to travel the entire length.
Power boats are welcome as well.
Rex Smith of Jackson, Tennessee, plans to take his 80 horse flat bottom boat from Wetumpka all the way to Mobile.
Smith will put in below the rapids so his motorboat won't run into trouble.
"The last shoals are found right here by the Wetumpka bridge," said Smith. "From there to the Coast, it is all flatwater."
Just because the water is there, however, doesn't mean you have to get in.
For land lovers, activities such as birdwatching or hiking can provide fun, while avoiding a direct confrontation with the water.
The Swayback Bridge Trail, located near Jordan Dam, offers mountain biking and hiking loops. The Coosa is home to many bird species,including the threatened bald eagle, Canada geese and osprey.
