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Alabama | Madison County / Huntsville
Flint RiverLittle Cove Road access to Hays Nature Preserve / Cherokee Landing
A scenic lower Flint day section from Little Cove Road to the documented Hays Nature Preserve / Cherokee Landing take-out.
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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
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Plan
Plan your trip
Launch points, shuttle details, distance, and access notes.
Route logistics
Access and shuttle
A scenic lower Flint day section from Little Cove Road to the documented Hays Nature Preserve / Cherokee Landing take-out.
Access map
Put-in
Little Cove Road accessUse the public access named in the Outdoor Alabama and North Alabama sources.
Take-out
Hays Nature Preserve / Cherokee LandingRecheck stage, trend, rain, wood, weather and any temporary road or landing closure.
Road shuttle
Access notes and hazards
Access caveats
- Use the public access named in the Outdoor Alabama and North Alabama sources.
- Recheck stage, trend, rain, wood, weather and any temporary road or landing closure.
- Do not use private banks as bailout, parking or camping areas.
Watch for
- USGS 03575100 stage and rain-driven rises
- Blown-down trees and shoals
- Private banks and roadside access
Plan this paddle
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Conditions
Water levels, gauge history, and hourly forecast
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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
Flint River at Brownsboro, 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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Route gallery
Photos
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Score & sources
Why this score
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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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- Checking evidence cautions.
Data behind the scoreWater levels, published guidance and update times
These readings and published water-level limits help explain today’s score.
| Gauge site | Flint River at Brownsboro, 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 |
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| Wind | Checking |
| Gusts | Checking |
| Rain timing | Checking |
| Preferred range | Needs paddler reports |
| Known low-water floor | 6.50 ft |
| High threshold | Water-level guidance unavailable |
| Evidence strength behind the range | Local route guidance |
| Gauge observed | Checking |
| Paddle Today updated | Checking |
| Main source behind this score | Huntsville Flint River paddle sections and gauge guidance |
| 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 reach and accessLittle Cove Road access to Hays Nature Preserve / Cherokee Landing
Outdoor Alabama documents the Flint float corridor and the North Alabama map publishes the selected access coordinates.
- Scoring band6.5 ft minimum planning cue; 7–8 ft preferred reference
The Huntsville guide quotes Alabama Scenic River Trail guidance to look for 7–8 ft at Brownsboro. Verify live stage and trend; this is not a safety guarantee.
- Direct gaugeUSGS 03575100 at Brownsboro
Direct Flint River stage telemetry for the selected Huntsville-area corridor.
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
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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.
Quick answers
Flint River paddling FAQ
What water level is best for the Little Cove Road access to Hays Nature Preserve / Cherokee Landing route on the Flint River?
Paddle Today watches Flint River at Brownsboro, AL and uses 6.50 ft as the conservative low-water floor for this route. The ideal range still needs more paddler reports.
Where does the Little Cove Road access to Hays Nature Preserve / Cherokee Landing route on the Flint River start and end?
This route starts at Little Cove Road access and ends at Hays Nature Preserve / Cherokee Landing, about 6 river miles on the water.
Is the Little Cove Road access to Hays Nature Preserve / Cherokee Landing route on the Flint River suitable for beginners?
This is listed as an easy route, but conditions still matter. Check today's score, water level, weather, and access notes before you go.
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