See all 13 routes on Bartram Canoe Trail
Alabama | Mobile-Tensaw Delta / Baldwin County Forever Wild lands
Bartram Canoe TrailRichardson Island Trail: Rice Creek Landing public access (water-entry edge) to Rice Creek Landing public access (water-entry edge)
A short Rice Creek Landing loop around Richardson Island through creek, lake and backwater habitat.
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Route location
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Need to know
Why this call
Route overview
Trip details
Access rules, camping, seasonal conditions and trip length.
Distance, difficulty, rules and camping
Plan ahead
Tomorrow and the weekend
Forecasts can change. Check current conditions again before leaving.
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Plan
Plan your trip
Launch points, shuttle details, distance, and access notes.
Route logistics
Access and shuttle
A short Rice Creek Landing loop around Richardson Island through creek, lake and backwater habitat.
Access map
Put-in
Rice Creek Landing public access (water-entry edge)The brochure identifies Rice Creek Landing on Forever Wild Delta Tract as the public access. Confirm the carry, channel markers and parking before launching.
Take-out
Rice Creek Landing public access (water-entry edge)The delta has complex channels and limited emergency exits; use only marked public or authorized access.
Road shuttle
Access notes and hazards
Access caveats
- The brochure identifies Rice Creek Landing on Forever Wild Delta Tract as the public access. Confirm the carry, channel markers and parking before launching.
- The delta has complex channels and limited emergency exits; use only marked public or authorized access.
- Recheck current trail markers, road, parking, water level, weather, wind and closure conditions before staging.
Watch for
- USGS 02428400 Claiborne tailrace stage and storm rise
- Fallen trees, confusing channels, wind and open-water crossings
- Alligators, private banks, WMA rules and campsite reservations
Plan this paddle
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Conditions
Water levels, gauge history, and hourly forecast
Check how the river is changing and what weather to expect.
USGS measurements
More about this gauge
These measurements come from the gauge station. Water depth and current can differ along your trip.
River camera · USGS
View at the gauge
Alabama River at Claiborne L&D near Monroeville, AL. This view may be outside your paddling reach. Images are periodic and do not establish safe conditions.
Gauge detail
Water-level history and forecastDetailed view
Gauge
Recent trend
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Gauge source
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Hourly forecast
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Short-route forecast
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Route gallery
Photos
Check each caption: some photos show the surrounding area rather than this exact trip.
Score & sources
Why this score
See the gauge, weather, and source notes behind today’s call.
Why this scoreData reliability: checking
This rating reflects whether the gauge measures this part of the river, whether published water-level guidance is available, and how recently the data was updated.
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Data behind the scoreWater levels, published guidance and update times
These readings and published water-level limits help explain today’s score.
| Gauge site | Alabama River at Claiborne L&D near Monroeville, AL |
| Gauge height | Checking |
| Discharge | Checking |
| 24h trend | Checking |
| 24h change | Checking |
| Current band | Checking |
| Rain last 24h | Checking |
| Rain last 72h | Checking |
| Air temp | Checking |
| Water temp | Checking |
| Wind | Checking |
| Gusts | Checking |
| Rain timing | Checking |
| Preferred range | 6.00 ft to 18.00 ft |
| Low threshold | 6.00 ft |
| High threshold | 19.00 ft |
| Evidence strength behind the range | Official data source |
| Gauge observed | Checking |
| Paddle Today updated | Checking |
| Main source behind this score | Alabama State Lands Bartram Canoe Trail brochure |
| Gauge source | Checking |
| Weather source | Checking |
| Rainfall source | Checking |
NotesWhat to know before you go
These notes cover the access details, route quirks, and source caveats most likely to matter once you get there.
- Named trail and distanceRichardson Island Trail; 4 miles
The Alabama State Lands brochure identifies this named Bartram Canoe Trail itinerary, its access points and route distance.
- Flow scoring cues6–19 ft Claiborne tailrace stage; 15–18 ft is the best Globe/Bear Creek window
The brochure publishes the Claiborne tailrace stage range and identifies levels above the upper value as hazardous. Verify live stage and local conditions before launch.
- Direct gaugeUSGS 02428400 Claiborne L&D
Direct Alabama River tailrace stage telemetry used by the brochure for these delta routes.
- Camping and accessnearby_basecamp
Day-use loop; use an established campground or lodging away from the landing.
Verify it yourselfCheck the source links
Use these links to double-check the gauge, route details, and access notes before you head out.
Paddler reports
Recent notes from paddlers
A few quick notes from people who were on this route recently.
Reports
Paddler reports
See recent photos and notes from people on the route.
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Keep exploring
More routes to check next
Compare another stretch on this river, or explore different rivers within 75 straight-line miles.
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Quick answers
Bartram Canoe Trail paddling FAQ
What water level is best for the Richardson Island Trail: Rice Creek Landing public access (water-entry edge) to Rice Creek Landing public access (water-entry edge) route on the Bartram Canoe Trail?
Paddle Today watches Alabama River at Claiborne L&D near Monroeville, AL and treats 6.00 ft to 18.00 ft as the target band for this route, with weather and recent trend included in the final score.
Where does the Richardson Island Trail: Rice Creek Landing public access (water-entry edge) to Rice Creek Landing public access (water-entry edge) route on the Bartram Canoe Trail start and end?
This route starts at Rice Creek Landing public access (water-entry edge) and ends at Rice Creek Landing public access (water-entry edge), about 4 river miles on the water.
Is the Richardson Island Trail: Rice Creek Landing public access (water-entry edge) to Rice Creek Landing public access (water-entry edge) route on the Bartram Canoe Trail suitable for beginners?
This is listed as a moderate route. Expect more planning than an easy float, and use the live score, route notes, and source links before committing.
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