Cahaba River at Grants Mill Road
Birmingham, Alabama
Hike and Swim
Just east of Birmingham, the Cahaba River at Grants Mill Road is one of the metro area's favorite warm-weather swimming and tubing spots — an easy, popular slice of Alabama's longest free-flowing river. The Cahaba is famous for its clean water and rich biodiversity, and this stretch is a beloved local hangout when the temperature climbs.
Access is quick and easy: from the Grants Mill Road bridge (around 2171 Grants Mill Road), a short concrete pathway leads down to the water, where new stone steps ease you in near the old slab. There's a swimming area, gentle shoals for wading and floating, and even a rope swing over a deeper channel for the thrill-seekers — a classic spot to cool off, tube, or paddle a lazy stretch of river.
A few practical notes: parking is limited to roughly 20 cars near the bridge, and cars left illegally along Grants Mill Road are frequently towed, so arrive early on hot weekends. Facilities are minimal, so pack water, sun protection, and everything you'll need.
Wear water shoes for the rocky, uneven riverbed, keep an eye on kids and the current, and help keep this special river clean by packing out all your trash.
More Information
swimmingholes.org Alabama Swimming Holes and Hot Springs rivers creek springs falls hiking camping o
THE web site for beautiful, natural places for a cool dip or hot soak.
https://www.swimmingholes.org/al.htmlBe courteous, informed, and prepared. Read trailhead guidelines, stay on the trail, and don't feed the wildlife.
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- Plan Ahead and Prepare
- Travel & camp on durable surfaces
- Dispose of waste properly
- Leave what you find
- Minimize campfire impacts
- Respect wildlife
- Be considerate of other visitors
Directions
From Birmingham, Alabama
- Head northwest on 24th St N toward 5th Ave N (46 ft)
- Turn right at the 1st cross street onto 5th Ave N (200 ft)
- Slight right to stay on 5th Ave N (0.1 mi)
- Take the ramp to I-20 E/I-59 N (0.4 mi)
- Keep right at the fork, follow signs for I-20 E/I-59 N/Atlanta/Gadsden and merge onto I-20 E/I-59 N (3.7 mi)
- Keep right at the fork to continue on I-20 E, follow signs for Atlanta (3.4 mi)
- Take exit 133 toward US-78/Kilgore Memorial Dr (0.2 mi)
- Turn right onto Grants Mill RdDestination will be on the left(3.8 mi)
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