Cahaba River National Wildlife Refuge

Cahaba River National Wildlife Refuge is a protected area that stretches along the Cahaba River in central Alabama, featuring forests, wetlands, and river environments. The landscape supports diverse wildlife and plant species adapted to these moist and wooded conditions.

The refuge was established in 2002 by the United States Fish and Wildlife Service to protect the Cahaba River ecosystem and its surroundings. This creation reflected efforts to preserve the region's natural resources for the future.

Local communities regularly participate in environmental education programs within the refuge, learning about conservation and native wildlife management techniques.

Visitors can access the refuge through multiple entry points to pursue hiking, wildlife watching, photography, and fishing in designated areas. Wearing comfortable walking shoes and dressing for wet conditions is helpful, since the terrain includes swampy sections.

The refuge holds the largest known population of Cahaba lilies, rare aquatic plants that grow only in the rocky sections of the river. These distinctive flowers bloom during spring and are a signature feature of the waterway.

Location: Alabama

Inception: 2002

Elevation above the sea: 149 m

Website: https://fws.gov/cahabariver

GPS coordinates: 33.04220,-87.07640

Latest update: December 10, 2025 20:07