| 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.
The waters of the Cahaba are home to more than 131 species of freshwater fish (18 of which have been found in no other river
system), 40 species of mussels, and 35 species of snails. 69 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 kmē).
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.
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