Facilities

The Cahaba River Park is a joint venture between the Alabama Forever Wild Land Trust and Shelby County with the County taking the lead on development of outdoor amenities at the park. This scenic park is located at the confluence of the Cahaba River and Shades Creek with 1,838 acres including a combined 1,339 acres in the developed North Sector (1,212 acres Forever Wild Property and 127 acres Shelby County Property) on River Road (County Road 251) off County Road 13 west of Helena. The undeveloped South Sector (311 acres Forever Wild Property and 188 acres Shelby County Property) is located at the end of County Road 251 off County Road 10 west of Montevallo.

County Road 251 does not cross the Cahaba River, and there is no motorized vehicle access between the two sectors. There are several river miles of canoeing to be enjoyed or a great place to enjoy swimming or fishing when the water levels safely permit. The park operates from sunrise to sunset.

The North Sector has around 30 miles of multi-use trails for hiking, mountain biking, and trail running featuring 21 miles of professionally designed and constructed single track trails. Trails range from ridgetop trails through the pines to trails meandering along either the Cahaba River or Shades Creek to a trail past an old car that may have fallen out of the sky to a loop around a large pond with an abundance of wildlife. Picnicking and relaxing may take place at three pavilions - two of which have connected restrooms. Trail signage is found throughout the park to orient park users. A caretaker resides onsite to provide security and maintenance. Three river access points with parking are found within this sector. River Road was paved in 2021.

A trail system, a caretaker’s house, pavilions, and river access points are planned in the future.