Located within 50 miles of downtown Birmingham, the Cahaba River National Wildlife Refuge seemingly is a world away. Visitors consistently use one word to describe the scene: peaceful. The setting in central Alabama is simple, almost stark. That’s part of the appeal.

The most popular time to visit the Refuge is from mid-May to mid-June, when the Cahaba Lilies are in bloom. The Cahaba Lily Festival is staged on the last Saturday of May.
W. Drew Senter, Longleaf Photography/Moment
The Cahaba River offers fishing, canoeing and swimming opportunities, accessible via River Trace Road. Picknicking is popular on small, sandy beaches. The Cahaba is the longest free-flowing river in Alabama, stretching nearly 200 miles.
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While it is usually associated with the lily bloom in the spring, the Refuge is a year-round destination. The fall is an underrated time to visit, with the changing leaves creating some striking scenes.
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The Piper Trail Loop is one of four hikes of about two miles, starting from the area around River Trace Round. The loop offers two overlooks with good vantage points of the Cahaba River.
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Birds are a big part of the attraction of the Cahaba River National Wildlife Refuge. Depending on the migratory patterns of the year, bald eagles, herons, kingfishers and osprey are among the larger species that can be viewed. Some are more well hidden than others.
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The Piper Interpretive Trail offers another fairly easy hike within the Refuge’s 3,500 acres. The Refuge was established in 2002. Lilies are far from the only wildflowers that thrive in the preserved area.
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The Cahaba River National Wildlife Refuge is six miles east of the small town of West Brocton on County Road 24. Prepare yourself for a remote outpost, in contrast to most tourist sites. There is no visitors center, although guides are available at a kiosk along River Trace Road. The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service website provides more information about the Refuge.

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Cahaba River National Wildlife Refuge, West Blocton, AL, USA