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L A K ECanalIs land
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R E D H I L L S C R E E K
MimmsLake
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A K ECOONNECKBEND
DEADLAKE
ISLAND
T E N S A W L A KE
DEVIL’SBEND
AIKINISLAND
FISHERISLAND
ALLIGATORLAKE
UPPERFISHER
LAKE
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R I V E R
BR
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B A Y OU
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Boatyard Rd.
Union Town Rd.
St.. LukeChurch Rd.
Rice Creek Landing Rd.
333 TO MOBILE
TO MONTGOMERY 444
21
21
9696
94
8080
To I-65
To I-
65
Tensaw
Holley Creek
Landing
Latham
HubbardLanding
UpperBryant
Landing
Vaughn
Rice CreekLanding
Stockton
French’s Lake Landing
Boatyard Landing
SpoonbillSandbarCampsite
Canal IslandPlatform
Dead LakePlatforms
Two Rivers Point Campsite Jug Lake
Platform
LARRYISLAND
Indian MoundsIndian Mound
TrialheadN31º00.531
W087º56.034
Bartram Canoe Trail
MS
AL
FL
G u l f o f M e x i c o
98
65
10
Bay Minette
Prichard
Moss PointPensacola
MobileBALDWINCOUNTY
MOBILECOUNTY
90
2931
4345
98
TRAIL LOCATION
TrailDescriptions
Trip PlanningTaking time to plan your trip can significantly enhance your experience. Be aware of the Rules for Use and take pride in what this region has to offer. Leave no trace of your presence so the experiences for those who follow are as pleasant as yours. Review the information provided for the trail you plan on using; obtain water level information to optimize your enjoyment and safety. While most trips are without mishap, be aware and prepared for potential hazards. For information about local outfitters, motels and restaurants contact the area Chambers of Commerce:www.northbaldwinchamber.com, www.cbchamber.org and www.mobilechamber.com
Significant Factors Relating to the Delta Water Levels Public use of all water routes within the Delta is greatly influenced by water levels of the area’s rivers. Trail routes within the northern portion of the Delta are especially influenced by water levels on the Alabama River. The first upstream impoundment on the Alabama River from the Delta is Claiborne Reservoir. Operation of Claiborne Dam by the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers is the single most influential factor affecting the water levels on the upper Delta. Review the information provided with the respective trail descriptions for optimal water levels. This information is helpful in trip planning and trail selection. For water level information at Claiborne Dam, call 1-888-771-4601 and work through the Menu options to select Claiborne Dam tailwater, or check the Army Corps of Engineers’ website at: http://water.sam.usace.army.mil. Additional information can also be found at http://al.water.usgs.gov.
Leave no traceShow respect by minimizing your presence and impact in all ways. Take pride in the ability to pass through the area without leaving any sign of your presence. Never discard garbage or food scraps in the swamp, no matter how small or insignificant they may seem. Such items pollute the environment and attract unwanted animals. Avoid disturbing wildlife (and other visitors) by keeping quiet and not approaching them too closely. Avoid disturbing plants and other natural features by leaving them in place and building fires only at designated sites. Deposit all human waste in a toilet. Campers on overnight canoe trips are required to use portable toilets between facilities. For information about how to enjoy the outdoors while “leaving no trace” visit: www.lnt.org.
Floating Camping Platforms – Rules for UseThe floating camping platforms are limited to canoe and kayaking groups of eight or less. In the Dead Lake Island slough there are two separate platforms to accommodate larger groups. Below are Rules for Use specific to the Floating Camping Platforms.
1. When camping on the floating platforms group size is limited to eight.
2. Pets are not allowed on floating camping platforms.3. Open fires are not allowed on floating platforms.4. Camp stoves are required for cooking on floating platforms.5. Each party is required to have a compass,
map, flashlight, and portable toilet with disposable bags.
6. The floating platforms can be reserved for only one night. A group can reserve the platforms at different locations when taking multiple night trips. A platform reservation is from 12 noon to 12 noon.
7. Feeding or harassing wildlife is prohibited. Do not discard garbage or food scraps on or near the floating platform.
8. The floating platforms will be inspected after each use. Damage to platforms
will be assessed and be the responsibility of the user.
9. Visitors may be held financially responsible for unnecessary rescues.
Globe Creek TrailStarting in the upper reaches of the Mobile-Tensaw Forever Wild Property, this trail begins in a small waterway that meanders through mature bottomland hardwood forests. This trail offers numerous opportunities to view the diverse wildlife and plants of this unique ecological region.
Red Hills/Proctor Creek TrailCrossing the open water of Tensaw Lake to these small feeder creeks offers an opportunity to explore the remote backwaters. Many limbs and sunken trees prohibit access to most motorboats, providing the perfect opportunity for the smaller canoes and kayaks to enjoy the solitude.
Douglas Lake TrailTraveling down Tensaw Lake and into Douglas Lake, this trail is characterized by its lake-like setting. This flat water paddle into Douglas Lake provides an opportunity to witness the large cypress trees reminiscent of the old Mobile-Tensaw Delta.
Richardson Island TrailDeparting from Rice Creek landing, this simple trail follows Rice Creek, Briar Lake and Tensaw Lake around Richardson Island. Paddle this simple route and its several back sloughs that offer opportunities for fishing, bird-watching or just quiet solitude. Fisher Island TrailAfter crossing Briar Lake and the Tensaw River, the trail follows Bayou Jessamine into what is locally known as Jug Lake. Paddling up this bayou allows for a unique experience of observing the wildlife and plants of an interior delta island.
Indian Mound Island TrailAfter crossing Briar Lake and Tensaw River, the trail follows the entire length of Bayou Jessamine into Bottle Creek. A short paddle downstream, a pull-out on the west bank sandbar and brief 10 minute hike allows one to gaze into the past at a collection of large mounds constructed by Indians of the Mississippian Era.
Two Rivers PointDeparting from Rice Creek Landing, the trail runs the east side of Richardson Island and follows the entire length of the picturesque Bayou Tallapoosa into the Tensaw River. After an overnight stay at the land-based Two Rivers Point Campsite, the trail returns to Rice Creek Landing via Bayou Jessamine. The opportunity to visit Bottle Creek Indian Mounds should not be missed along the return leg of this journey. Spoonbill SandbarLaunching from French’s Lake Coastal Access Kiosk, this overnight trip provides an interesting chance to witness the vast bottomland hardwood forest of the upper Mobile-Tensaw Delta. The land-based Spoonbill Sandbar Campsite on the Alabama River allows for an overnight experience in the style of William Bartram himself.
Spoonbill Sandbar/Two Rivers PointThis route is a combination of overnights routes #1 and #2, resulting in a three-day two-night experience. Launching is either at French’s Lake, Holley Creek or Boatyard Landings.
Jug LakeDeparting from Rice Creek Landing, this overnight trail follows Rice Creek, Briar Lake and Tensaw River around Richardson Island, with a stopover at the Jug Lake Camping Platform. This trail offers a mixture of more secluded smaller water and open bigger water.
Canal Island Starting in the upper reaches of the Mobile-Tensaw Forever Wild Property, this trail begins in a small waterway that meanders through mature bottomland hardwood forests. After spending the night on the Canal Island Camping Platform you can enjoy Tensaw Lake and its backwater sloughs.
Dead Lake IslandTraveling down Tensaw Lake this trail provides the opportunity to explore the backwater sloughs and tributaries of Tensaw Lake. This camping platform area has two platforms and can accommodate a larger group.
Canal/Dead Lake IslandThis two-night, three day-trail consists of a mixture of the small water of Globe Creek and Bayou Tallapoosa as well as the more open water of Stiggins Lake and the Tensaw River.
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PUT-IN/TAKE-OUT GPS COORDINATES
Boatyard Landing N31°10.608
W087°50.441
French’s Lake N31°08.141
W087°50.711
Holley Creek N31°10.944
W087°51.250
Hubbard Landing N31°03.822
W087°52.217
Rice Creek N31°00.947
W087°52.816
Upper Bryant Landing N31°02.662
W087°52.581
Complete Trail System Waterways
Riverside Campsite
Floating Camping Platform
Put-in/Take-out
CAMPING SITES & PLATFORMS GPS COORDINATES
Canal Island Platform N31°05.390
W087°53.474
Dead Lake Platform N31°02.634
W087°54.930
Jug Lake Platform N31°00.714
W087°54.488
Spoonbill Sandbar Campsite N31°10.078
W087°53.609
Two Rivers Point Campsite N31°01.181
W087°56.757
Visit www.bartramcanoetrail.com for more detailed information and additional GPS coordinates for each trail.
Waterways
County Road
State Highway
Secondary Road
Town or City
Hiking Trail
TrailKey
DEVIL’SBEND
AIKINISLAND
FISHERISLAND
JA
S S A M I N
E
LARRYISLAND
RIC
HA
RD
SON
ISLA
ND
+2.0 miles
+1.7 miles
Rice Creek
Landing
Rice CreekLanding Rd. toCounty Rd. 21
The Alabama Department of Conservation and Natural Resources, State Lands Division and its affiliates assume no responsibility for inaccuracies in road alignments, configuration of intersections and other related information depicted on maps. This map is designed to aid in planning and not for navigation of the Bartram Canoe Trail.
Bartram Canoe TrailAlabama State Lands
The Delta has over 50 rare and endangered plant and animal species
known to inhabit its wetlands and waterways. The region encompasses
250,000 acres, of which 100,000 are publicly owned and managed. In
January 2003 Alabama State Lands implemented the Bartram Canoe
Trail system which provides opportunities for recreational boaters,
specifically canoeists and kayakers, to enjoy the rivers, streams,
lakes, sloughs and bayous of the Delta. Currently the State Lands
Division maintains six day-use trails and six overnight trails.
There are two land-based campsites and four floating platform
campsites available for the overnight routes. The land based
camping areas are open to anyone on a first-come first-
served basis. The floating platform campsites are limited to
groups no larger than eight and are available by reservation
only. Reservations are limited to canoeists and kayakers.
Motorized vessels are prohibited. For more
information about reservations or fees, go to
www.bartramcanoetrail.com.
It encompasses a vast wetland characterized by estuarine marsh, cypress-tupelo swamp and bottomland hardwood ecosystems.
The
RIVER DELTA.
MOBILE-TENSAW DELTAIS OUR NATION’S SECOND LARGEST
ALABAMASTATE LANDS
DIVISION
Alabama Departmentof Conservation andNatural Resources
For detailed maps and information for each individual trail see reverse.
Recommended Water Trail
MS
AL
FL
G u l f o f M e x i c o
98
65
10
Bay Minette
Prichard
Moss PointPensacola
MobileBALDWINCOUNTY
MOBILECOUNTY
90
2931
4345
98
PR
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B I G
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S T I GG
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L A K ECanalIs land
R E D H I L L S C R E E K
NappLake
L I T
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B A Y OU
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LA
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A K ECOONNECKBEND
DEADLAKE
ISLAND
T E N S A W L A KE
DEVIL’SBEND
F A R R I S C R E E K
H A L L S CR
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St. LukeChurch Rd.
To T
ensa
w4
3To
I-65
via
Sto
ckto
n
To CountyRoad 21
96
Latham
Hubbard Landing
Upper Bryant Landing
Vaughn
French’s LakeLanding
Canal IslandPlatform
Dead LakePlatforms
7.9 miles
9.9 miles
3.5 miles
PR
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G L O B E CR
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BEAVER
B I G
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CanalIs land
MA J O
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S
R E D H I L L S C R E E K
NappLake
DO
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LA
S L
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F A R R I S C R E E K
St. LukeChurch Rd.
96
+0.7 miles
+1.7 miles
Latham
Hubbard Landing
French’s Lake
Landing
To T
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w4
3To
I-65
via
Sto
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Canal IslandPlatform
8.0 miles
5.3 miles
Distance: 6.8 miles (additional miles possible via adjacent sloughs and creeks)Start: French’s Lake Coastal Access Kiosk
End: Hubbard LandingType of trail: creek, lake, and sloughHabitats: bottomland hardwood swamp, flowing creeks, side channel sloughs and backwaters.Reliability: excellentOptimimal water levels: Claiborne Dam river stages ranging from 10 to 18 feet on tailrace reading provide optimum water levels for this route. Levels from 15 to 18 are the absolute best for the Globe and Bear Creek systems. River stages above these values should be considered hazardous. For water level information at Claiborne Dam, call 1-888-771-4601.
The Globe Creek Trail begins at the French’s Lake Coastal Access Kiosk, located on the Forever Wild Land Trust’s Clearwater Tract. Get to French’s Lake Coastal Access Kiosk by traveling north of Stockton, AL, on Highway 225/59. Follow signs to the Upper Delta Wildlife Management Area and then follow signs to French’s Lake Coastal Access Kiosk. The map shows French’s Lake as a small slough-like area on Major’s Creek, prior to the creek splitting into several channels. Globe Creek is one of these channels. The multiple channels can be confusing, so it is important for users to closely follow the marked route. Globe Creek route follows a generally southern direction into Big Beaver Creek, then into Tensaw Lake and ends at Hubbard Landing.
PR
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BEAVER
B I G
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MA J O
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R E D H I L L S C R E E K
DO
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LA
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T E N S A W L A KE
F A R R I S C R E E K
H A L L S CR
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A L A B A M AR I V E R
96
+2.8 miles
+1.3 miles
+2.3 miles
+1.9 miles
Latham
HubbardLanding
French’s Lake
Landing
St. LukeChurch Rd.
To T
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w4
3To
I-65
via
Sto
ckto
n
1
BEAVER
B I G
CR
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CanalIs land
DO
UG
LA
S L
AK
E
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NS
AW
RI V
E
R
PR
OC
TOR
CR
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R ED H
ILLS
CREEK
To StateHwy. 59
HubbardLanding 96
Entire distance 6.5 miles
2
PR
OC
TO
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CR
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+1.7 miles
+1.9 miles
BEAVER
B I G
CR
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CanalIs land
DO
UG
LA
S L
A K ECOONNECKBEND
T E N S A W L A K E
F A R R I S C R E E K
H A L L S CR
EE
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21
96
Latham
HubbardLanding
Vaughn
To CountyRoad 21
Upper BryantLanding
To StateHwy. 59
3
DEVILSBEND
AIKINISLAND
FISHERISLAND
LARRYISLAND
BR
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R L A K
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JE
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B A Y OU
T E N S AW
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TE
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AW
RI
VE
RR
ICH
AR
DSO
NISL
AN
D
+2.3 miles
+4.4 miles
21
21
To I-65
To I-
65
To S
tock
ton
Vaughn
Rice Creek
Landing
Stockton
Rice Creek Landing Rd. toCounty Rd. 21
Jug LakePlatform
5+2.3 miles
+1.4 miles
+2.2 miles
BR
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RL
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BO
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CR
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B A Y OU
T
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LA
PO
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COONNECKBEND
DEADLAKE
ISLAND
T E N S A W L A KE
DEVIL’SBEND
AIKINISLAND
FISHERISLAND
JE
S S A M I N
E
B A Y OU
H A L L S CR
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Indian MoundsIndian Mound
TrialheadN31º00.531
W087º56.034
Rice Creek Landing Rd.
21
21
To T
ensa
w4
3To
Sto
ckto
n
Vaughn
Rice Creek
LandingJug LakePlatform
LARRYISLAND
RIC
HA
RD
SON
ISLA
ND
6
B A Y OU
T
AL
LA
PO
O S A
COONNECKBEND
DEADLAKE
ISLAND
T E N S A W L A KE
DEVIL’SBEND
AIKINISLAND
FISHERISLAND
JE
S S A M I N
E
B A Y OU
H A L L S CR
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TE
NS
AW
R
I V E R
MO
BIL
E
R I V E R
Indian MoundsIndian Mound
TrialheadN31º00.531
W087º56.034
Rice Creek Landing Rd. to County Rd. 21 21
21+1.7 miles
+0.3 miles
+0.9 miles
+2.2 miles
Vaughn
Rice Creek
Landing
UpperBryant Landing
Jug LakePlatform
Two Rivers Point Campsite
LARRYISLAND
RIC
HA
RD
SON
ISLA
ND
TE
NS
AW
R I V E R
BR
IA
RL
AK
E
7
PR
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TO
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CR
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AL
A
B A M A R I V
ER
LI
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BE
AR
CR
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K
G
LO
BE
CR
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K
BE
AR
C
RE
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BEAVER
B I G
CR
EE
K
CanalIs land
BoatyardLake
MA J O
R
S
R E D H I L L S C R E E K
MimmsLake
NappLake
DO
UG
LA
S L
A K E
F A R R I S C R E E K
St. LukeChurch Rd.
96
+1.8 miles
+0.7 miles
+2.6 miles
+2.4 miles
+2.6 miles
1.7 miles
9.0 miles
2.4 miles2.9
miles
Holley Creek Landing
Latham
HubbardLanding
BoatyardLanding
French’s Lake
Landing
To T
ensa
w4
3To
I-65
via
Sto
ckto
n
SpoonbillSandbarCampsite
8
PR
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TO
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CR
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AL
A
B A M A R I V
ER
LI
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BE
AR
CR
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K
G
LO
BE
CR
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K
BE
AR
C
RE
EK
BEAVER
B I G
CR
EE
K
S T I GG
I NS
L A K ECanalIs land
MO
BI L
E
RI V
ER
T O M B I G B E E
R
IV
ER
BoatyardLake
TE
NS
A
W R I V E
R
MA J O
R
S
R E D H I L L S C R E E K
MimmsLake
NappLake
L I T
TL
E L A
KE
B A Y OU
T
AL
LA
PO
O S A
DO
UG
LA
S L
A K ECOONNECKBEND
DEADLAKE
ISLAND
T E N S A W L A K E
DEVIL’SBEND
AIKINISLAND
FISHERISLAND
ALLIGATORLAKE
UPPERFISHER
LAKE
JE
S S A M I N
E
B A Y OU
MI
DD
LE
R
IV
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F A R R I S C R E E K
H A L L S CR
EE
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BO
TT
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C
RE
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RICHARD
SON
ISLAND
BR
IA
R L A K
E
TE
NS
AW
R I V E R
St. LukeChurch Rd.
Rice Creek Landing Rd.
21
21
96
94
To I-65
To I-
65
To T
ensa
w4
+1.8 miles
+0.7 miles
+2.6 miles
+2.4 miles
+2.6 miles
+1.7 miles
13miles
+2.2miles
+0.9miles
Holley Creek
Landing
Latham
HubbardLanding
UpperBryant
Landing
Vaughn
Rice CreekLanding
Stockton
French’sLake
Landing
Boatyard Landing
SpoonbillSandbarCampsite
Canal IslandPlatform
Jug LakePlatform
Dead LakePlatforms
Two Rivers Point Campsite
Indian MoundsIndian Mound
TrialheadN31º00.531
W087º56.034
3To
I-65
via
Sto
ckto
n
Rice Creek Landing Rd.
21
21
To I-65
To I-
65
To T
ensa
w4
AIKINISLAND
FISHERISLAND
UPPERFISHER
LAKE
B R
I AR
L A K E
JE
S S A M I N
E
RICHARD
SON
ISLAND
Vaughn
Rice CreekLanding
Stockton
Jug LakePlatform
7.0 miles
5.9 miles
10 11
B A Y OU
T
AL
LA
PO
O S A
COONNECKBEND
DEADLAKE
ISLAND
T E N S A W L A KE
DEVIL’SBEND
Upper Bryant
Landing
Dead LakePlatforms
To CountyRoad 21
3.4 miles
+1.1 miles
one way
3.5 miles
12
13
Distance: 9.1 miles (additional miles possible via adjacent sloughs and creeks)Start: Rice Creek LandingEnd: Rice Creek LandingType of trail: creek, lake, and sloughHabitats: bottomland hardwood swamp, flowing creeks, side channel sloughs and backwatersReliability: excellentOptimimal water levels: Claiborne Dam river stages ranging from 6 to 19 feet on tailrace reading provide optimum water levels for this route. River stages above these values should be considered hazardous. For water level information at Claiborne Dam, call 1-888-771-4601.
The Indian Mound day trail begins at Rice Creek Landing, located on the Forever Wild Land Trust’s Delta Tract, 2.9 miles north of the Highway 225/59 split in Stockton, AL, on Baldwin County Rd. 21. The map shows the trail proceeding out of Rice Creek, around the south end of Richardson Island across Tensaw River, through Bayou Jessamine and into Bottle Creek to a sandbar landing where a foot trail leads to the Indian Mounds. The return leg follows the same route. Paddlers have several options for selecting the length and duration of this day-trip, especially when incorporating side trips.
1 Globe Creek Trail (Day Use)
2 Red Hill/Proctor Creek Trail (Day Use)
Distance: 6.5 milesStart: Hubbard LandingEnd: Hubbard LandingType of trail: creek, lake, and sloughHabitats: bottomland hardwood swamp, flowing creeks, side channel sloughs and backwaters.Reliability: excellentOptimimal water levels: Claiborne Dam river stages ranging from 6 to 19 feet on tailrace reading provide optimum water levels for this route. For water level information at Claiborne Dam, call 1-888-771-4601.
The Red Hill/Proctor Creek day trail begins at Hubbard Landing, located south of the Forever Wild Land Trust’s Clearwater Tract. Hubbard’s Landing is located north of Stockton, AL, at the end of Baldwin County road 96. The route leaves the landing and proceeds upstream on Tensaw Lake to Proctor Creek, then continues upstream to Dead Lake slough and Red Hills Creek. The map shows that paddlers have several options for selecting the length and duration of this day-trip.
3 Douglas Lake Trail (Day Use)
Distance: 10.2 miles (additional miles possible via adjacent sloughs and creeks)Start: Upper Bryant Landing (private; public use fee associated)End: Upper Bryant Landing (private; public use fee associated)Type of trail: creek, lake, and sloughHabitats: bottomland hardwood swamp, flowing creeks, side channel sloughs and backwatersReliability: excellentOptimimal water levels: Claiborne Dam river stages ranging from 6 to 19 feet on tailrace reading provide optimum water levels for this route. For water level information at Claiborne Dam, call 1-888-771-4601.
The Douglas Lake day trail begins at Upper Bryant Landing, located north of Stockton, AL, on Baldwin County road 21. The map shows the trail leaving Upper Bryant Landing proceeding upstream on Tensaw Lake, into Douglas Lake to the end of the channel. The return leg follows the same route. Paddlers have several options for selecting the length and duration of this day-trip.
DEVIL’SBEND
AIKINISLAND
FISHERISLAND
JA
S S A M I N
E
LARRYISLAND
RIC
HA
RD
SON
ISLA
ND
+2.0 miles
+1.7 miles
Rice Creek
Landing
Rice CreekLanding Rd. toCounty Rd. 21
4
4 Richardson Island Trail (Day Use)
Distance: 4.0 miles (additional miles possible via adjacent sloughs and creeks)Start: Rice Creek LandingEnd: Rice Creek LandingType of trail: creek, lake, and sloughHabitats: bottomland hardwood, flowing creeks and backwatersReliability: excellentOptimimal water levels: Claiborne Dam river stages ranging from 6 to 19 feet on tailrace reading provide optimum water levels for this route. River stages above these values should be considered hazardous. For water level information at Claiborne Dam, call 1-888-771-4601.
The Richardson Island day trail begins at Rice Creek Landing, located on the Forever Wild Land Trust’s Delta Tract, 2.9 miles north of the Highway 225/59 split in Stockton, AL, on Baldwin County Rd. 21. The map shows the trail leaving out of Rice Creek, around Richardson Island, and back to Rice Creek Landing. Paddlers have several options for selecting the length and duration of this day-trip.
5 Fisher Island Trail (Day Use)
Distance: 8.9 miles (additional miles possible via adjacent sloughs and creeks)Start: Rice Creek LandingEnd: Rice Creek LandingType of trail: creek, lake, and sloughHabitats: bottomland hardwood swamp, flowing creeks, side channel sloughs and backwatersReliability: excellentOptimimal water levels: Claiborne Dam river stages ranging from 6 to 19 feet on tailrace reading provide optimum water levels for this route. River stages above these values should be considered hazardous. For water level information at Claiborne Dam, call 1-888-771-4601.
The Fisher Island day trail begins at Rice Creek Landing, located on the Forever Wild Land Trust’s Delta Tract, 2.9 miles north of the Highway 225/59 split in Stockton, AL, on Baldwin County Rd. 21. The map shows the trail proceeding out of Rice Creek, around the south end of Richardson Island and past Larry Island, across Tensaw River and into Bayou Jessamine. The Trail then splits from Bayou Jessamine, proceeding north into a body of water known locally as “Jug Lake,” which bends around Fisher Island. The return leg follows the same route. Paddlers have several options for selecting the length and duration of this day-trip, especially when incorporating side trips.
6 Indian Mound Trail (Day Use)
Distance: 14.1 miles
Start: Rice Creek Landing
End: Rice Creek Landing
Campsites: Two Rivers Point
Type of trail: old river channel, creek, lake, and slough
Habitats: bottomland hardwood swamp, flowing creeks, side channel sloughs and backwaters
Reliability: excellent
Recommended water levels: Claiborne Dam river stages ranging from 10 to 19 feet on tailrace readings provide optimum water levels for this route. Levels from 15-18 are the absolute best for the Globe and Bear Creek systems. River stages above
these values should be considered hazardous. For water level information at Claiborne Dam, call 1-888-771-4601 or visit http://al.water.usgs.gov/ or http://water.sam.usace.army.mil/.
The Overnight Route # 1 begins at Rice Creek Landing, located on the Forever Wild Land Trust’s Delta Tract, 2.9 miles north of the Highway 225/59 split in Stockton, AL, on Baldwin County Rd. 21. The map shows the trail proceeding out of Rice Creek, up Briar Lake and Tensaw Lake to Bayou Tallapoosa, through Bayou Tallapoosa to Tensaw River, down the Tensaw River to Two Rivers Point land based campsite. On day two the trail proceeds down the Tensaw River to Bottle Creek, down Bottle Creek to Bayou Jessamine, and then through this bayou to Tensaw River and back to Rice Creek Landing.
7 Two Rivers Point (2 Days/1 Night)
Distance: 16 miles
Start: French’s Lake Coastal Access Kiosk
End: Hubbard Landing (private; public use fee associated)
Campsites: Spoonbill Sandbar
Type of trail: creek, lake, and slough
Habitats: bottomland hardwood swamp, flowing creeks, side channel sloughs and backwaters
Reliability: excellent
Recommended water levels: Claiborne Dam river stages ranging from 10 to 19 feet on tailrace readings provide optimum water levels for this route. Levels from 15 to18 are the absolute best for the Globe and Bear Creek systems. River stages above these values should be considered hazardous. For water level information at Claiborne Dam, call 1-888-771-4601 or visit http://al.water.usgs.gov/ or http://water.sam.usace.army.mil/.
Overnight Route # 2 begins at the French’s Lake Coastal Access Kiosk and ends at Hubbard Landing with a stop at Spoonbill Sandbar land based campsite. French’s Lake Coastal Access Kiosk is located on the Forever Wild Land Trust’s Clearwater Tract. To locate French’s Lake Coastal Access Kiosk, traveling north of Stockton, AL, on Highway 225/59, follow signs to the Upper Delta Wildlife Management Area and then follow signs to French’s Lake Coastal Access Kiosk. The map shows French’s Lake is a small slough-like area on Major’s Creek, prior to the creek splitting into several channels. The multiple channels can be confusing, so it is important for users to closely follow the marked route. Once the paddler reaches the old Alabama River channel, the route continues downstream (paddler’s left) to the Spoonbill Sandbar campsite. After spending the night, the trail proceeds down the Alabama River to Little Bear Creek, Bear Creek, and Big Beaver Creek and then into the upper portion of Tensaw Lake before reaching the end at Hubbard Landing.
8 Spoonbill Sandbar (2 Days/1 Night)
9 Spoonbill Sandbar/Two Rivers Point (3 Days/2 Nights)
Distance: 30 milesStart: French’s Lake Coastal Access Kiosk End: Rice Creek LandingCampsites: Spoonbill Sandbar, Two Rivers PointType of trail: river, creek, lake, and sloughHabitats: old river channel, bottomland hardwood swamp, flowing creeks, side channel sloughs and backwatersReliability: Good Recommended water levels: Claiborne Dam river stages ranging from 10 to 19 feet on tailrace reading provide optimum water levels for this route. Levels from 15 to 18 are the absolute best for the Globe and Bear Creek systems. River stages above these values should be considered hazardous. For water level information at Claiborne Dam, call 1-888-771-4601 or visit http://al.water.usgs.gov/ or http://water.sam.usace.army.mil/.
Overnight Route # 3 is a combination of routes #1 and #2, which begins at French’s Lake Coastal Access Kiosk, Holley Creek or Boatyard Lake Landings. Both of the latter locations are privately owned, but allow for public use in the form of fee-associated boat launching and overnight vehicle parking. The map shows the trail begins in Major’s Creek working its way to the old Alabama River channel. Day one ends at the Spoonbill Sandbar campsite. Day two proceeds down the Alabama River to Little Bear Creek, Bear Creek, Stiggins Lake and the Tensaw River. Day two ends at the Two Rivers Point campsite. On day three the paddlers proceed down the Tensaw River and then into Bottle Creek, connecting to Bayou Jessamine, and then out to Rice Creek Landing after crossing the Tensaw River and Briar Lake.
Distance: 13 +/- miles
Start: Rice Creek Landing
End: Rice Creek Landing
Campsites: Jug Lake
Type of trail: river, creek, lake, and slough
Habitats: old river channel, bottomland hardwood swamp, flowing creeks, side channel sloughs and backwaters
Reliability: Good
Recommended water levels: Claiborne Dam river stages ranging from 6 to 19 feet on tailrace reading provide optimum water levels for this route. River stages above these values should be considered hazardous. For water level information at Claiborne Dam, call 1-888-771-4601 or visit http://al.water.usgs.gov/ or http://water.sam.usace.army.mil/.
The map shows the Jug Lake trail paddling thru Rice Creek and up Briar Lake down Tensaw Lake on the east side of Larry Island. The trail proceeds to the west side of Larry Island into Tensaw Lake/Tensaw River and down into Bayou Jessamine ending at the platform campsite located in Jug Lake. Day two returns to the Tensaw River via Bayou Jessamine and back up Briar Lake to Rice Creek.
10 Jug Lake (2 Days/1 Night)
9
11 Canal Island (2 Days/1 Night)
12 Dead Lake (2 Days/1 Night)
13 Canal Island/Dead Lake (3 Days/2 Nights)
Distance: 11 +/- miles
Start: French’s Lake Coastal Access Kiosk
End: Hubbard Landing
Campsites: Canal Island Floating Platform
Type of trail: creek, lake, and slough
Habitats: bottomland hardwood swamp, flowing creeks, side channel sloughs and backwaters
Reliability: excellent
Recommended water levels: Claiborne Dam river stages ranging from 10 to 19 feet on tailrace readings provide optimum water levels for this route. Levels from 15 to 18 are the absolute best for the Globe and Bear Creek systems. River stages above these values should be considered hazardous. For water level information at Claiborne Dam, call 1-888-771-4601 or visit http://water.sam.usace.army.mil/ or http://al.water.usgs.gov/.
The Canal Island overnight trail begins at the French’s Lake Coastal Access Kiosk, located on the Forever Wild Land Trust’s Clearwater Tract. Get to French’s Lake Coastal Access Kiosk, by traveling north of Stockton, AL, on Highway 225/59, follow signs to the Upper Delta Wildlife Management Area and then follow signs to French’s Lake Coastal Access Kiosk. The map shows French’s Lake is a small slough-like area on Major’s Creek, prior to the creek splitting into several channels. The multiple channels can be confusing, so it is important for users to closely follow the marked route. The first day begins with a paddle down Globe Creek which follows a generally southerly direction into Big Beaver Creek, then in a generally westerly direction upstream in Big Beaver Creek to Little Lake and ending at the floating campsite in the east side of Canal Island. Day two ends at Hubbard Landing after paddling back down Big Beaver Creek and into Tensaw Lake.
Distance: 7 +/- miles
Start: Upper Bryant Landing (private; public use fee associated)
End: Upper Bryant Landing (private; public use fee associated)
Campsites: Dead Lake Island
Type of trail: lake and slough
Habitats: bottomland hardwood swamp, side channel sloughs and backwaters
Reliability: excellent
Recommended water levels: Claiborne Dam river stages ranging from 6 to 19 feet on tailrace reading provide optimum water levels
for this route. For water level information at Claiborne Dam, call 1-888-771-4601 or visit http://al.water.usgs.gov/ or http://water.sam.usace.army.mil/.
The Dead Lake Island campsite has two floating platforms to accommodate larger groups. If your group is larger than eight, the reservation of both platform campsites is required. The map shows the Dead Lake Island trail leaving Upper Bryant Landing paddling west on Tensaw Lake. Day one ends at the floating platform located in the slough west of Dead Lake Island. The return route is the same. The paddlers have the option of exploring the side creeks and sloughs as well as Tallapoosa Bayou.
Distance: 11 +/- miles
Start: French’s Lake Coastal Access Kiosk
End: Upper Bryant Landing (private; public use fee associated)
Campsites: Spoonbill Sandbar, Two Rivers Point
Type of trail: river, creek, lake, and slough
Habitats: old river channel, bottomland hardwood swamp, flowing creeks, side channel sloughs and backwaters
Reliability: good
Recommended water levels: Claiborne Dam river stages ranging from 10 to 19 feet on tailrace reading provide optimum water levels for this route. Levels from 15 to 18 are the absolute best for the Globe and Bear Creek systems. River stages above
these values should be considered hazardous. For water level information at Claiborne Dam, call 1-888-771-4601 or visit http://al.water.usgs.gov/ or http://water.sam.usace.army.mil/.
This multiple night trail would require the reservation of Canal Island and Dead Lake Island floating platform campsites. The map shows this route leaving French’s Lake Coastal Access Kiosk. The trail begins in Major’s Creek, working its way down Globe Creek, upstream into Big Beaver Creek and Little Lake. Day one ends on the floating campsite located on the east side of Canal Island. On day two the paddlers explore Stiggins Lake, the Tensaw River and Bayou Tallapoosa. Day two ends on the floating campsite in the slough located on the west side of Dead Lake Island. On day three the paddlers travel up Tensaw Lake to Upper Bryant Landing.
The Alabama Department of Conservation and Natural Resources, State Lands Division and its affiliates assume no responsibility for inaccura-cies in road alignments, configuration of intersections and other related information depicted on maps. This map is designed to aid in planning and not for navigation of the Bartram Canoe Trail.
PUT-IN/TAKE-OUT GPS COORDINATES
Boatyard Landing N31°10.608
W087°50.441
French’s Lake N31°08.141
W087°50.711
Holley Creek N31°10.944
W087°51.250
Hubbard Landing N31°03.822
W087°52.217
Rice Creek N31°00.947
W087°52.816
Upper Bryant Landing N31°02.662
W087°52.581
Complete Trail System Waterways
Riverside Campsite
Floating Camping Platform
Put-in/Take-out
CAMPING SITES & PLATFORMS GPS COORDINATES
Canal Island Platform N31°05.390
W087°53.474
Dead Lake Platform N31°02.634
W087°54.930
Jug Lake Platform N31°00.714
W087°54.488
Spoonbill Sandbar Campsite N31°10.078
W087°53.609
Two Rivers Point Campsite N31°01.181
W087°56.757
Visit www.bartramcanoetrail.com for more detailed information and additional GPS coordinates for each trail.
Day 1 Main Trail
Day 1 Optional Route
Day 2 Main Trail
Day 2 Optional Route
Day 3 Main Trail
Day 3 Optional Route
Hiking Trail
Navigation The Mobile-Tensaw Delta is a vast system with many creeks, rivers, sloughs and backwater features that can be difficult to follow on a map. We encourage the user to be observant for trail markers and utilize this brochure as well as maps from the Bartram Canoe Trail website (www.bartramcanoetrail.com) to aid in trail navigation. Additionally, the user should be prepared when paddling some the smaller creeks and rivers to encounter fallen trees blocking the trail and requiring some portages.
TrailKey
Bartram Canoe TrailAlabama State Lands
The MOBILE-TENSAW DELTA is our nation’s second largest river delta. It encompasses a vast wetland characterized by estuarine marsh, cypress-tupelo swamp and bottomland hardwood ecosystems. The Delta has over 50 rare and endangered plant and animal species known to inhabit its wetlands and waterways. The region encompasses 250,000 acres of which 100,000 are publicly owned and managed for conservation.
ALABAMASTATE LANDS
DIVISION
Alabama Departmentof Conservation andNatural Resources
Not For Resale
REVISED AUGUST 2007
