Alabama | Mobile-Tensaw Delta / Baldwin County Forever Wild lands

Bartram Canoe TrailSpoonbill Sandbar overnight route: French's Lake Coastal Access Kiosk (water-entry edge) to Hubbard Landing public access (water-entry edge)

A documented French's Lake to Hubbard Landing overnight route with a stop at the Spoonbill Sandbar campsite.

Route location

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Plan this route

DistanceAbout 16 river miles
DifficultyModerate
Typical timePlan 2 days / 1 night with experienced navigation and shuttle margin
ShuttleCar shuttle
The Tensaw River flows through Alabama’s Mobile-Tensaw Delta.
River contextTensaw River in the Mobile-Tensaw Delta; same-delta context, not an endpoint or current-conditions photograph river-level context — not necessarily this exact reach.Photo by JodyB via Wikimedia Commons

Need to know

Why this call
This route is documented for planning, but does not receive a Paddle Today score.
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Trip details

Access rules, camping, seasonal conditions and trip length.

Distance, difficulty, rules and camping
DifficultymoderateThe Bartram trail combines creeks, lakes, sloughs, old river channels and open delta water. Navigation can be confusing, fallen trees may require portage, and wind or current can make a short map distance demanding.
PermitsCheck posted rulesConfirm Alabama State Lands, Forever Wild, Upper Delta WMA and any fee-associated private landing rules before launch. Overnight platform camps require reservation; land-based sites follow current posted rules.
CampingOptions nearbySpoonbill Sandbar land-based campsite is identified by the brochure; confirm current availability and posted rules before departure.
SeasonJan-DecThe delta can be paddled year-round, but storms, wind, high water, heat, seasonal wildlife and changing channels alter conditions. Check the Claiborne tailrace, weather, tide influence and trail notices immediately before departure.

Tomorrow and the weekend

Forecasts can change. Check current conditions again before leaving.

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Plan your trip

Launch points, shuttle details, distance, and access notes.

Access and shuttle

A documented French's Lake to Hubbard Landing overnight route with a stop at the Spoonbill Sandbar campsite.

Access map

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Pulling access map tiles. Usually under 5 seconds.

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Start

Put-in

French's Lake Coastal Access Kiosk (water-entry edge)

French's Lake is a Forever Wild access; Hubbard Landing is a fee-associated private landing. Confirm current public-use terms, campsite condition and shuttle before launch.

Finish

Take-out

Hubbard 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

  • French's Lake is a Forever Wild access; Hubbard Landing is a fee-associated private landing. Confirm current public-use terms, campsite condition and shuttle before launch.
  • 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

Choose your trip times

No account needed. Check the selected access points above, then choose both dates and times. For an overnight paddle, set take-out to the following date.

Trip schedule

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Water levels, gauge history, and hourly forecast

Check the forecast and local water levels before launching.

Water-level history and forecastDetailed view

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Short-route forecast

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Data and sources

Read the access and hazard notes and check the linked guides. We do not issue a daily score for this trip.

What 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 distanceSpoonbill Sandbar overnight route; 16 miles

    The Alabama State Lands brochure identifies this named Bartram Canoe Trail itinerary, its access points and route distance.

    Source

  • Flow scoring cues10–19 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.

    Source

  • Direct gaugeUSGS 02428400 Claiborne L&D

    Direct Alabama River tailrace stage telemetry used by the brochure for these delta routes.

    Source

  • Camping and accesson_route_campsite

    Spoonbill Sandbar land-based campsite is identified by the brochure; confirm current availability and posted rules before departure.

    Source

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Bartram Canoe Trail paddling FAQ

What water level is best for the Spoonbill Sandbar overnight route: French's Lake Coastal Access Kiosk (water-entry edge) to Hubbard Landing public access (water-entry edge) route on the Bartram Canoe Trail?

This planning route has no live Paddle Today score. Review the linked water-level sources, current access notices and route-specific hazards before travel.

Where does the Spoonbill Sandbar overnight route: French's Lake Coastal Access Kiosk (water-entry edge) to Hubbard Landing public access (water-entry edge) route on the Bartram Canoe Trail start and end?

This route starts at French's Lake Coastal Access Kiosk (water-entry edge) and ends at Hubbard Landing public access (water-entry edge), about 16 river miles on the water.

Is the Spoonbill Sandbar overnight route: French's Lake Coastal Access Kiosk (water-entry edge) to Hubbard Landing public access (water-entry edge) route on the Bartram Canoe Trail suitable for beginners?

This is listed as a moderate route. Review the difficulty notes, hazards and current access conditions against your group's skills. No live score assesses this trip.

See something outdated?

Access, hazards, wood, and shuttle details change. Send a quick correction if something looks off.