The Cahaba River is the longest free-flowing river in Alabama and is among the most scenic and biologically diverse rivers in the United States. State nickname: Camellia State, The Heart of Dixie¹, Yellowhammer State Other U.S. States Capital Montgomery Largest city Birmingham Governor Bob Riley (R) Senators Richard Shelby (R) Jeff Sessions (R) Official languages English Area 52,423 mi²/135,775 km² (30th) - Land 50,750 mi²/131,442 km² - Water 1...
The waters of the Cahaba are home to more than 131 species of freshwater fishes (18 of which have been found in no other river system), 40 species of mussels, and 35 species of snails. Sixty-nine of these animal species are endangered. Among the countless plant species that thrive in and around the Cahaba is the beautiful Cahaba lily.
The Cahaba River is a major tributary of the Alabama River and part of the larger Mobile River Basin. It is 191 miles (307 km) long and drains an area of 1,870 square miles (4846 km²). The Alabama River, in the U.S. state of Alabama, is formed by the Tallapoosa and Coosa rivers, which unite about six miles above Montgomery. ... The Mobile River is a river, approximately 45 mi (72 km) in southern Alabama in the United States. ...
The Cahaba flows through heavily populated areas in the Birmingham metropolitan area. It serves as the source of drinking water for over 1 million people and is also a popular canoeing destination. Pressure to develop the land around the Cahaba presents a growing threat to the health of the river. Birmingham is the largest city in the U.S. state of Alabama and the county seat of Jefferson County. ... Canoeing is the recreational or sporting activity of paddling a canoe or kayak. ...