After hearing countless stories from some of my friends about their Destin or Panama City beach trips for spring break, I decided that I had finally heard enough. I wanted to create a trip that would complete my senior year spring break with a smooth and unique finish. While in Southern Trails one random day, my roommate, Bobby, found a pamphlet titled “Alabama Scenic River Trail.“ As I was sitting in my house, Bobby came in ecstatic as if he had something extremely important to tell me, and in fact he did. In this pamphlet lay the answer to my frustrating spring break dilemma; an incredible outdoor adventure lay ahead for those seven days of solace and rest.

The Alabama Scenic River Trail (ASRT) is a mapped out system of waterways that starts at the Coosa River in Northeastern Alabama, near the Georgia state line, and eventually, 631 miles later, the journey ends into the Mobile Bay. Recently developed by the Alabama Power Company and the Army Corps of Engineers back in early June, this new waterway is the largest water trail in the United States. If attempting to float the entire trail, which takes a total of around 48 days, you will travel through nine lakes, seven rivers and two creeks. Obviously, for a week long spring break this would be an impossible feat to take on this “hydrobeast.“ Fortunately, the trail consists of many access points and also many campsites that the Alabama Bureau of Tourism and Travel has created for the boating enthusiasts willing to spend a day or several nights on the river.

As far as modes of transportation that are appropriate for the trail, powerboats, canoes and kayaks are all of course welcome. Before you go, whether your boat power is gasoline or elbow grease, there are some certain areas that are better suited for your particular craft. Up in the northern Coosa region kayaks and canoes are better for the areas of the trail where the streams become narrow with overhanging trees and areas where a standard motorboat could not fit through. For the Montgomery to Mobile delta region trail, powerboats such as johnboats, pontoon boats, deck boats etc. are a good choice due to the numerous lakes and wide rivers you would come in contact with. Also having a powerboat can make the trip more enjoyable if you’re not seeking to take a more involved outdoors approach.

Aside from the wide variety of nature and wildlife that the trail offers, the ASRT also contains many historical sights along the way for all to see. The trail actually ends with an eighteenth century fortress, Fort Morgan, which is located on the Mobile-Tensaw Delta. Among other sights boaters will see are DeSoto’s trail through the Tallapoosa region, the Wright Brother’s first commercial flight school, the famous quilters town of Gee’s Bend, and much more.

What I have written here is just merely background information on this wonderful opportunity for a unique and relaxing experience. If this trip rings true for your type of vacation and you want more information, I highly suggest going to the ASRT’s more than helpful website.

http://www.alabamascenicrivertrail.com/