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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.
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Need to know
Why this call
Safety
Route safety
CautionThis route has hazards or access considerations that require extra verification.
Safety details
Wear a properly fitted PFD and carry a whistle, spare paddle, throw line, communication, first aid, sun protection and offline navigation.
- Follow Bartram trail markers and carry the brochure map; channels, sloughs and small creeks can be difficult to follow, and fallen trees may require portage.
- Check direct Claiborne stage, rainfall, wind, weather, storm warnings and any lower-delta tide influence. High water, fast rises and open-water wind can overwhelm a small craft.
- Wildlife including alligators is present. Keep distance, secure food and never feed animals. Respect private banks and all posted Forever Wild or WMA rules.
- Use only the named launch and landing sites. Private Boatyard, Holley Creek and Upper Bryant access is public-use by fee or posted permission; confirm current terms before staging.
Keep Bartram Canoe Trail handy
Save this route in PaddleToday and check its conditions before your next paddle.
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 documented French's Lake to Hubbard Landing overnight route with a stop at the Spoonbill Sandbar campsite.
Access map
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.
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
Plan this paddle
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.
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Conditions
Water levels, gauge history, and hourly forecast
Check the forecast and local water levels before launching.
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 note
No published water-level range for this trip · Alabama River at Claiborne L&D near Monroeville, AL
Does this gauge apply to my trip?
Alabama River at Claiborne L&D near Monroeville, AL does not establish suitable water levels for this trip. Check the access and hazard notes and ask locally about current conditions.
New to reading stage or flow? Read the paddler's gauge guide.
Gauge
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Gauge source
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Hourly forecast
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Route gallery
Photos
Check each caption: some photos show the surrounding area rather than this exact trip.

Sources
Data and sources
Read the access and hazard notes and check the linked guides. We do not issue a daily score for this trip.
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 distanceSpoonbill Sandbar overnight route; 16 miles
The Alabama State Lands brochure identifies this named Bartram Canoe Trail itinerary, its access points and route distance.
- 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.
- Direct gaugeUSGS 02428400 Claiborne L&D
Direct Alabama River tailrace stage telemetry used by the brochure for these delta routes.
- Camping and accesson_route_campsite
Spoonbill Sandbar land-based campsite is identified by the brochure; confirm current availability and posted rules before departure.
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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Quick answers
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.
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