CR 213 or the dam to River Road

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 Hole and Baby Gap.  At 2000 cfs, Mid-river hole can be found left of Baby Gap. There's about a mile of flatwater in between Baby and Moccasin Gap.  Land on the large rock to scout or to watch others surf.  The standard line is to hug the right side of the main flow and eddy out to the right, just beside the wave.  There's a straightforward Class II line on the left side of the rock beginners may wish to take. Below The Gap there are a few Class II rapids: Pipeline, Big House and Corn Creek.  All are straightforward Class IIs, though there are some swirly, sneaky eddy lines below Corn Creek that may flip the unsuspecting. Take Out Paddlers take out at Coosa Outdoor Center or the Coosa River Adventure property, though you could take out at the Wetumpka Gold Star Park, past the bridge on river left. Outfitters, Camping and Shuttle Service There are two outfitters on the Coosa who rent sit on top kayaks and sell whitewater boats and accessories.  They'll provide shuttle for a fee.  Coosa Outdoor Center also has 20 campsites available for overnight trips. Coosa Outdoor Center: http://http://www.coosaoutdoorcenter.com/ Coosa River Adventures: http://www.coosariveradventures.com/ See Alabama Whitewater for info.