Our 2014 trip was reduced due to time constraints........ and the fact we didn't have time to goof off like we wanted too last year. 2013, we did roughly 77 miles in three days starting above Lake Wedowee and ending at Horseshoe Bend. This year, we cut roughly 27 or so miles off the previous trip by starting below the R.L. Harris Dam and ending again at Horseshoe Bend Military Park's boat ramp. This years 50 mile trek in 3 days was A LOT more enjoyable. We had time to stretch our legs, look around, and weather permitting.....relax. We had decent weather with drizzly rain the first day, a great second day filled with sunshine, and the last day was pure rain/cloudy/cold. So, we had a chance to experience a full spectrum of weather conditions on the river. This continues to be an enjoyable annual trip and Springtime seems to be the best time to go, water level wise anyway. As a tip to anyone who might try and make a float trip down the Tallapoosa....please remember to bring your life jacket, watch the scheduled water release times from Harris Dam (the river doesn't play), and make sure to register your car with the Horseshoe Bend Military Park at the visitors center before you leave your car there overnight. The pass they give you lasts for an entire year and only requires your cars tag number.
Things you can expect on the river:
We saw lots of animals and a wide variety of bird life. There were times when you could see multiple bald eagles at the same time. Otters are a constant presents on the river but they are shy and one must keep a constant vigil to see one. Beavers will slap the river at night, angry of your intrusion to their world. Coyotes and deer can be seen on the rocky hillsides as you pass. Geese, blue wing teal, wood ducks, mergansers, and grebes can be seen around the shoals looking for dinner. The month of April see's the highest water levels and those fluctuations are inline with fish migrations up the river. You will most likely encounter other boaters at the main sections of shoals fishing for white bass, crappie, or spotted bass.
Side Note:
Please remember that camping alongside the river IS considered trespassing. While Alabama Power has a leeway of a certain number of feet off the river on both sides, it's still considered trespassing the second you set foot outside your vessel. The best way to insure a smooth river experience is to plan ahead. A lot of the people you will encounter up/down the river are extremely nice and the vast majority don't mind the occasional camper BUT.......don't ruin it for everyone and leave trash or start cutting down tree's. There are spots where campers are welcome but should you encounter a land owner on the river, please remember you are on HIS land and he has the right to ask you to leave if he so chooses.
We flipped the canoe on the second day and found this little guy inside the canoe (haha).
The infamous "Canoe in the Tree." We are always amazed at how powerful the river is.
There is stuff in the tree's, way up in the top of the tree's, from when the water was high all over the river.
M.G. standing next to the river while we take a break.
The river can be wide, and shallow in certain spots. Your required to stay
in the river channel unless you like dragging a heavy canoe.
The river and ol' trusty the aluminum canoe. It's a miracle it still floats.
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