Cahaba River National Wildlife Refuge, Alabama, United States

5Jenny W 5:00 PM May 15, 2016

Cahaba lilies are lovely
The Cahaba River National Wildlife Refuge was established in 2002 and is located near West Blocton. We visited at this time to catch the lovely shoals (Cahaba) lily in bloom (mid-May to mid-June). A Cahaba Lily Festival is held in West Blocton every May. We visited on a Monday and the area was not crowded. We stopped at the information kiosk to pick up a guide to the area and took the gravel road that followed the river. There are a number of spots to pull over so that you can get out of your car and have a closer look. But on a really crowded weekend, you might have a problem on this narrow road. We stopped at three locations along the road to wade in the river and get a closer look. Do no disturb the lilies, but you can walk across the shallow shoals for a good look and great photos. We prepared by bringing shoes to wear in the water and a towel to dry off after wading. You will find some small sandy beaches; we noticed people picnicking in these areas. You will not find restrooms or food vendors available here. No charge to visit.

5rexunculus 5:00 PM May 18, 2017

Cahaba lilies and river fun
I came for the Cahaba lilies, which are spectacular and begin blooming in mid or late April and last through June. Besides the famous lilies, there are other beautiful wildflowers along the banks and roads, and aquatic creatures in the river. There is also a rock feature that looks like a grotto on the far bank of the river that impressed my friend from Europe. He said it reminded him of Lourdes. Since my last visit over ten years ago, the road has been improved, with fresh gravel, though the road was still rough and muddy in spots. There is a lot of poison ivy along the road and banks of the river. Also, if you enter the river, there were snails on the rocks, making it somewhat painful or difficult to walk barefoot. I went on a Saturday mid-morning and found photographers, people kayaking, people fishing, and families with children picnicking and playing in the water. There is a beach area with sand and easy access to the water. There were not any accommodations nearby that I noticed, such as restrooms, shelters, or places to get food and drinks. Come prepared to spend a few hours away from civilization.