Coosa
CR 213 or the dam to River Road
| Difficulty | II |
| Length | 7.6 mi |
| Avg Gradient | n/a |
| Gauge | Coosa River at Wetumpka Al |
| Flow Rate as of 36 minutes | 12.92 ftrunnable |
| Reach Info Last Updated | December 7, 2014 |
General Info & Whitewater Festival
The Coosa River is one of the largest volume whitewater runs in the Southeast. The majority of the run is flat and the Spanish Moss up in the trees and occasional alligators should alert paddlers that they are in the deep south. You might notice the massive rocks at the base of Jordan Dam, all that remains of 'The Devil's Staircase.' Rumor has it the sound of water flowing over these rocks was heard miles away. The town was aptly named 'Wetumpka' which means rumbling waters. The major attraction of the Coosa is the annual rodeo at Moccasin Gap rapid. Moccasin Gap is reputed to be the southern most Class III rapid in Alabama. While an easy Class III drop it presents some exciting play spots and the rodeo is always a great event. Of all of the rivers in the Southeast the Coosa is one of the few whitewater runs where powerboats can interrupt a rodeo. The play spots and rapids outside of Moccasin Gap are all Class II in nature but the local rocks are extremely sharp and can rip up boats or boaters. There are alternative put-ins below the dam that require crossing private land. These are often open during the rodeo.
Info on the whitewater festival: https://www.facebook.com/pages/Coosa-River-Whitewater-Festival/198766436805176
River Levels
2000 cfs = extremely low
4000 cfs = low, good for beginners and novice paddlers
6000 cfs = better
8000 cfs = ideal flow
10000 cfs = some things may begin to wash out
Run Description
Put in at the base of Jordan Dam. The first 1.5 mile stretch is flatwater until you get to 'river falls' shoals. You'll know you're there when you see a large island in the middle of the river. Most paddlers stay right of the island, as the left channel is shallow and accumulates wood. Stay right to find Maytag
...
The play spot, largest rapid, and site of the annual Coosa Rodeo. Standard line is run right of the large rock. Line on the left can be run as a Class II alternative.
On river left, just above the bridge.
May 12, 2020
Coosa Outdoor Center is closing. 🙁
By appointment only you can purchase items left in inventory.
We took out at Corn Creek park last weekend, 8000 cfs, Baby Gap wave was in and very nice.
Here is the official link to the releases: https://apcshorelines.com/our-lakes/jordan/
Sep 21, 2014
Looking at the bottom wave from the rock in the middle of the river.
Jul 21, 2009
http://www.coosariveradventures.com/ runs a shuttle for $10. They were kind enough to run an extra shuttle for me after their last normal one. According to them the river runs @ 2000 CFS weekdays with recreational releases much larger on the weekends. I ran it on a weekday...its a decent beginner run, nothing too scary but introduces them to most of the different things they'll face on other whitewater (wavetrains/holes etc). With a huge flatwater paddle on either side. I probably won't run it again on weekday flows in a WW kayak though...too much flatwater. It'd be a great run in an open canoe though.
