The Tallapoosa River offers an invigorating whitewater run that balances technical challenge with accessible lines, stretching 1.6 miles from the Thurlow Dam to the public boat ramp below Tallapoosa Falls. This short but powerful section emerges directly from the shadow of the dam, where flat, placid water suddenly gathers momentum and cuts into a complex dance of waves, boils, and drops. It’s a run that calls for sharp skills, keen water reading, and respect for the river’s shifting moods.

At the put-in, the silhouette of the dam looms overhead as the calm water reflects an almost deceptive calm. This placid surface dares paddlers to underestimate the power waiting downstream. Shortly after launching, the flow swings into shoals and ledges that mark the start of whitewater excitement. The gradient pushes around 19 feet per mile, enough to generate technical rapids that feel immediate and intimate. Here, wave trains build and holes appear, challenging paddlers to maintain precision in their lines.

One of the early highlights is the Powerline Shoals, where the current sculpts itself into slalom-like shapes at varied flows. At minimum water, expect broken ledges and gentler spots; when released at higher flows, these transforms into a thrilling playground of waves that demand attention but reward skillful paddlers. Sticky Hole further downstream activates at higher flows, turning into a prime surf spot that tests boat control.

Rolling past this, a cluster of ledges edge close to the right bank and a rapid dubbed the Roller Coaster near the river left invites heightened focus. This section, a two-stage drop, echoes the intensity of more famous runs like the Ocoee when the river swells beyond 5,000 cfs. The hydraulics here are strong and relentless. The river’s voice grows louder, reminding paddlers that even what looks approachable must be met with readiness.

The centerpiece of the run is Tallapoosa Falls, the river’s signature waterfall drop at mile 1.3. Despite its technical rating of Class IV, this rapid demands respect beyond its classification. The falls are peppered with potholes, caves, and pinning hazards all carved from ancient rock. Many opt for the safer lines along the right of the second island or close to river right, steering clear from the unpredictable center. Approaching the falls at speed is critical—the river insists you commit early or risk catching an unhappy hole. Downstream of the falls, at very high water volumes, the Bionic Wave often forms, offering advanced paddlers a thrilling surf feature.

For those wishing to bypass the falls, the Racecourse, also known as Nantahala Bend or the sneak, offers a technical but lower-risk alternative along the far left bank. At the minimum flow, this line demands careful reading of subtle currents and precision maneuvering, making it a useful route to learn the river’s behavior.

The final rapid before the takeout ramps up again with an approachable Class II+ surf wave that varies dramatically with flow. At 5,000 cfs, it shapes into an ideal end-of-run playground, while lower flows present a series of smaller drops and ledges perfect for honing skills.

This run is one of Alabama’s rare year-round paddling gems. Controlled releases from Thurlow Dam maintain a minimum flow of 1,270 cfs, ensuring consistent runnable conditions for technical boaters, while occasional higher water events, influenced by upstream Yates Dam, can push the river into an adrenaline-pumping playground with flows hitting 10,000 cfs and beyond. Before heading out, confirming the latest release schedules is essential to parse the river’s changing temperament.

Planning for the Tallapoosa Whitewater run means gearing up for technical challenges with sturdy boats, reliable rolls, and strong ferrying skills. The environment is wide open, edges defined by rocky islands and shaped by years of water etching. Sound travels across broad channels, carrying the pulse of the river’s flow. Every bend teases and dares, inviting paddlers to engage deeply with the water and its pacing.

Access is straightforward with public put-in and take-out points. The takeout lies at a well-maintained public boat ramp at the base of the falls, providing convenient exit and shuttle options. Alabama Power’s regulation of flow patterns necessitates close monitoring of gauges at Milstead and release timings from both Thurlow and upstream Yates Dam.

For paddlers seeking an accessible yet robust whitewater adventure in the Southeast, Tallapoosa offers a punchy, precise ride that rewards preparation and respect. It’s a river that challenges the mind as much as it excites the senses.