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Taking time to plan your
trip can significantly
enhance your experience. Be
aware of the
Rules for Use
and take pride in what this
region has to offer. Leave
no-trace of your presence so
the experiences for those
whom follow are as nice as
yours. Review the
information provided for the
trail you plan on using;
obtain water level
information to optimize your
enjoyment and safety. While
most trips are without
mishap, be aware and
prepared for potential
hazards. For information
about local outfitters,
motels and restaurant’s
contact the area Chambers of
Commerce.
www.northbaldwinchamber.com
,
www.cbchamber.org ,
www.mobilechamber.com .
Leave no-trace
Show respect by minimizing
your presence and impact in
all ways. Take pride in the
ability to pass through the
area without leaving any
sign of your presence. Never
discard garbage or food
scraps in the swamp no
matter how small or
insignificant they may seem.
Such items pollute the
environment and attract
unwanted animals. Avoid
disturbing wildlife (and
other visitors) by keeping
quiet and not approaching
them too closely. Avoid
disturbing plants and other
natural features by leaving
them in place and building
fires only at designated
sites. Deposit all human
waste in a toilet. Campers
on overnight canoe trips are
required to use portable
toilets between facilities.
For information about how to
enjoy the outdoors while
“leaving no trace” visit
www.LNT.org .
Significant Factors
Relating to the Delta Water
Levels
Public use of all water
routes within the Delta are
greatly influenced by water
levels of the area’s rivers.
Trail routes within the
northern portion of the
Delta are especially
influenced by water levels
on the Alabama River. The
first upstream impoundment
on the Alabama River from
the Delta is Claiborne
Reservoir. Operation of
Claiborne Dam by the U.S.
Army Corps of Engineers is
the single most influential
structure affecting the
water levels on the upper
Delta. Review the
information provided with
the respective trail
descriptions for optimal
water levels. This
information is helpful in
trip planning and trail
selection. For water level
information at Claiborne
Dam, call 1-888-771-4601 and
work through the Menu
options to select Claiborne
Dam tailwater, or check the
Army Corps of Engineers’
websites at:
http://water.sam.usace.army.mil/
Additional information can
also be found at
http://al.water.usgs.gov/
Hazards
While most canoeists and
kayakers paddle the Delta
without mishap, visitors
need to be aware of
and prepared for potential
hazards. Carry first-aid and
survival kits. Keep them
secure and
accessible, and be familiar
with their use.
Alligators: American
Alligators are common to the
Delta, and offer visitor’s a
unique
opportunity for wildlife
watching. Beware of your
surroundings, the time of
the year and
alligator behaviors. Never
feed alligators or approach
a nest. On occasion visitors
may find an
alligator uncomfortably
close to or completely
blocking the path. This is
most likely to happen
when an alligator hauls out
to sun on the bank of a
narrow section of trail.
Avoid simply trying
to pass quietly by an
alligator in this situation.
If the alligator suddenly
feels threatened, it will
likely dash to the safety of
deep water by the most
direct route. If the
alligator does not feel
threatened until visitors
have paddled alongside, it
may “escape” directly toward
visitors. Never
get caught in the path of an
alligator’s escape route to
water.
Becoming lost: Once
off-trail, there are a few
helpful landmarks from which
to regain bearings
in the Delta. Moving from
North to South, all trails
cross several man-made
features, including
power line ROW, Gas line
ROW, I-65 and the L and N RR
trestle. Utilizing these
landmarks
and maps the user can
navigate back on course or
to one of the several
landings in the area.
Aside from extremely remote
bayous and creeks, most
waters are frequented by
small motorized
craft on a regular basis.
Another good idea is to have
a float-plan buddy (someone
not on the
trip) with whom visitors can
leave a trip itinerary and
whom visitors can inform of
a safe return.
Heat exhaustion and Heat
stroke: Heat exhaustion and
heat stoke are real
possibilities. Be
aware of their symptoms and
the course of action one
should take if a partner
exhibits symptoms
of heat related problems.
Drink plenty of water and
avoid strenuous activity
during the hottest
part of the day.
Hypothermia: Be aware of the
symptoms. A dry change of
clothes, dry sleeping bag,
and dry
tent are essential, when
treating someone with
hypothermia. Keeping these
items in dry gear
bags is a good idea when
traveling in the Delta.
Insects that bite (and their
relatives): Mosquitoes and
deer flies (locally known as
yellow
flies) are the most
bothersome of the swamp’s
biting insects. Mosquitoes
can be active at any
time of the year during
suitably warm weather, but
are most numerous from April
through
October. Deer flies are at
their worst from May through
September.
Poisonous snakes: Five
different poisonous snakes
occur in the Delta: Florida
Cottonmouth (Water
Moccasin), Eastern
Diamondback Rattlesnake,
Canebrake (Timber)
Rattlesnake, Dusky Pygmy
Rattlesnake and Eastern
Coral Snake.
Thunderstorms and lightning:
Thunderstorms are common
afternoon and evening
occurrences
from May through September. |
