8 Ways to Get on the Water around BHAM, All Within an Hour’s Drive
Floating, boating, swimming, soaking …however you enjoy the water, check out these ideas to beat the heat this summer around BHAM. Image: Facebook / Turkey Creek Nature Preserve
Summer is here, and that means it’s time to enjoy your favorite water activities! Whether you’re craving a little slice of lake life, a day on the river, or a poolside retreat, we’ve got something for everyone to beat the heat. Here are eight ways to hit the water and keep cool, all within an hour’s drive of Birmingham.
Float the Cahaba Blueway
Location: Varies
Commute from Birmingham: Varies
More Info: cahabablueway.org
The Cahaba Blueway is a water trail that cuts straight through the greater Birmingham area along the stunning Cahaba River. Not only is the Cahaba the longest free-flowing river in Alabama, but it’s also convenient for Birmingham residents to reach and offers a unique connection to nature.
With drop-in points throughout the Birmingham area, chances are you’re just a short drive away from a Blueway float. Some of the most popular put-ins closest to the city are Grants Mill, Old Overton, Mountain Brook Cahaba Riverwalk, and Highway 280. Check out the Blueway’s interactive map for access points and river segment descriptions to plan your float, and always check the water levels before you go.
Slide into Turkey Creek
Location: Pinson
Commute from Birmingham: 30 minutes
More Info: turkeycreeknp.com
Each summer, Turkey Creek Nature Preserve transforms into a natural water park. Just grab an inner tube and slip and slide down the cascading waterfall into the creek pool below. The rocky outcrop also offers plenty of space for soaking up the sun and dipping your toes in the water, if that’s more your speed. Be sure to pack a lunch for a day on the water and bring water shoes with a good grip for the slippery rocks.
Tube at Talladega Creekside Resort
Location: Talladega
Commute from Birmingham: 1 hour
More Info: talladegacreekside.my.canva.site
Cool off with a float down Cheaha Creek at Talladega Creekside Resort. This outfitter takes care of everything you need to enjoy the relaxing two-and-a-half-mile trip, including kayak and tube rentals, along with a shuttle service if you have your own boat (no personal inner tubes allowed, though).
Just an hour’s drive from Birmingham, the Talladega Creekside Resort is great for a fun day trip or a little weekend getaway with its selection of cabins along the creek.
Play or Stay at Logan Martin Lake
Location: Cropwell
Commute from Birmingham: 50 minutes
More Info: riversedgemarina.net
Craving a slice of life? Head out to Logan Martin Lake, just 50 minutes from downtown. River’s Edge Marina offers luxury pontoon and tri-toon boat rentals — along with watermats and tubes — to get you out on the water. The marina’s Burgers and Breakfast restaurant and Tiki Hut are mainstays on the lake, keeping the fun going from sunup to sundown.
If you want to extend your lake day into an overnight stay, River’s Edge also offers tiny home rentals, located on the marina property. You’ll enjoy water views from your porch, and the restaurant, tiki bar, and boat rentals are all just a short stroll away.
Sneak In A Day on Lake Purdy
Location: North Shelby County
Commute from Birmingham: 25 minutes
More Info: lakepurdyfishing.com
Longing for the lake, but short on time? If you’re looking to spend a quick afternoon on the water, look no further than Lake Purdy. Just 25 minutes from downtown, Lake Purdy Fish and Boat offers pontoon and fishing boat rentals along with kayaks and stand-up paddleboards. Whether you want to fish, paddle, or cruise, it’s a quick and easy option for a lake escape.
Spa + Pool Day at Ross Bridge Resort
Location: Hoover
Commute from Birmingham: 25 minutes
More Info: rtjspatrail.com
If relaxing poolside is more your style, treat yourself to a spa and pool day at the Ross Bridge Resort. Spa appointments of 50 minutes or more, Monday through Thursday, get you access to the gorgeous resort pools for one hour before and after your scheduled service. Relax in an in-pool lounge chair, cool off in the wade-in pools, or soak up the sun from your pool deck lounger. It’s self-care made simple!
Rent a Pool with Swimply
Location: Varies
Commute from Birmingham: Varies
More Info: swimply.com
If you prefer a private pool but don’t have one in your own backyard, not to worry! You can rent someone else’s! Swimply is a service that lets you choose from several residential pools, perfect for enjoying a secluded solo day or hosting a pool party. There are several options just a short drive from Birmingham, and you can check out a few of our favorites here. Rates average from around $30 to $50 per hour.
Do it All at Oak Mountain State Park
Location: Pelham
Commute from Birmingham: 20 minutes
More Info: alapark.com
Just a quick, 20-minute drive down I-65 from downtown promises something for everyone at Oak Mountain State Park. With two beaches, boat rentals, waterfall swimming holes, and even a watersports park — it’s dealer’s choice at Alabama’s largest state park.
Sprawl out on the sandy beaches at Beaver and Double Oak Lakes, take a dip in the designated swimming areas, or explore the water via canoe, kayak, stand-up paddleboard, or paddle boat rental. A hike to Peavine Falls rewards you with a cool, spring-fed stream to dip your toes in before following the water’s path to more waterfalls and secluded swimming holes.
If you’re looking for more excitement, the park’s FlipSide watersports and aquapark is just the thing. You’ll have a blast navigating the inflatable floating obstacle course, or testing your skills on the cable wakeboard course — one of the longest in the country!
See you out on the water, Birmingham!
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Katie Leigh Matthews
A Birmingham native, Katie is a lifelong waterfall chaser and is passionate about the outdoors. She also loves connecting with remarkable women in the Birmingham community and bringing their stories to life. Katie has been writing professionally for over six years; you can find more of her work at Moms.com and Islands.com.