Alabama | Madison County / Huntsville

Flint RiverRyland Pike access to Talado Landing / US 72

A short upper Flint float from the gravel Ryland Pike access to the paved Talado Landing at US 72.

Route location

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Plan this route

DistanceAbout 5 river miles
DifficultyEasy
Typical timeAllow 3–5 hours with tree scouting and shuttle time
ShuttleCar shuttle
The Flint River passes below a bridge at Hays Nature Preserve in Alabama.
River contextFlint River at Hays Nature Preserve; same-river context, not an endpoint or current-conditions photograph river-level context — not necessarily this exact reach.Photo by Wikimedia Commons contributor

Need to know

Why this call
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Trip details

Access rules, camping, seasonal conditions and trip length.

Distance, difficulty, rules and camping
DifficultyeasyOutdoor Alabama describes the lower Flint as an easy float with no difficult rapids; the main hazards are blown-down trees, changing shoals, cold water, fast rises and limited roadside access.
PermitsCheck posted rulesConfirm county-road right-of-way, outfitter, landing and local parking rules before unloading.
CampingDay tripNo overnight camping is included; use established sites only and do not camp on private banks.
SeasonMar-NovThe Flint is most dependable in the spring through fall paddling season. Check the Brownsboro stage, trend, rain, weather, wood and current access conditions before launch.

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 short upper Flint float from the gravel Ryland Pike access to the paved Talado Landing at US 72.

Access map

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Start

Put-in

Ryland Pike access, Flint River

Use the public access named in the Outdoor Alabama and North Alabama sources.

Finish

Take-out

Talado Landing / US 72 access

Recheck 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

Choose your trip times

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Trip schedule

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Water levels, gauge history, and hourly forecast

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Water-level history and forecastDetailed view

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Why this score

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Data status
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Data 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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Water levels, published guidance and update times

These readings and published water-level limits help explain today’s score.

Gauge siteFlint River at Brownsboro, AL
Gauge heightChecking
DischargeChecking
24h trendChecking
24h changeChecking
Current bandChecking
Rain last 24hChecking
Rain last 72hChecking
Air tempChecking
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GustsChecking
Rain timingChecking
Preferred rangeNeeds paddler reports
Known low-water floor6.50 ft
High thresholdWater-level guidance unavailable
Evidence strength behind the rangeLocal route guidance
Gauge observedChecking
Paddle Today updatedChecking
Main source behind this scoreHuntsville Flint River paddle sections and gauge guidance
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Weather sourceChecking
Rainfall sourceChecking
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 reach and accessRyland Pike access to Talado Landing / US 72

    Outdoor Alabama documents the Flint float corridor and the North Alabama map publishes the selected access coordinates.

    Source

  • 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.

    Source

  • Direct gaugeUSGS 03575100 at Brownsboro

    Direct Flint River stage telemetry for the selected Huntsville-area corridor.

    Source

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Flint River paddling FAQ

What water level is best for the Ryland Pike access to Talado Landing / US 72 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 Ryland Pike access to Talado Landing / US 72 route on the Flint River start and end?

This route starts at Ryland Pike access, Flint River and ends at Talado Landing / US 72 access, about 5 river miles on the water.

Is the Ryland Pike access to Talado Landing / US 72 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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Access, hazards, wood, and shuttle details change. Send a quick correction if something looks off.