The Mobile-Tensaw Delta is our nation's second largest river delta. It encompasses a vast wetland characterized by estuarine marsh, cypress-tupelo swamp and bottomland hardwood ecosystem. The Delta has over 50 rare and endangered plant and animal species known to inhabit its wetlands and waterways. The region encompasses over 250,000 acres, of which over 100,000 are publicly owned and managed. In January 2003 the Alabama State Lands Division of the Alabama Department of Conservation and Natural Resources implemented the Alabama State Lands Bartram Canoe Trail system which provides opportunities for recreational boaters, specifically canoeists and kayakers, to enjoy the rivers, streams, lakes, sloughs and bayous of the Delta.
Currently the Alabama State Lands Division maintains 6 day use trails and six overnight trails. There are two land based campsites and four floating platform campsites available for the overnight routes. The land-based camping areas are open to anyone on a first-come first-served basis. The floating platform campsites are limited to groups no larger than eight and are available by reservation only. Reservations are limited to canoeists and kayakers. Motorized vessels are prohibited at campsites. For more information about reservations, trip planning, rules of use, or fees, go to www.bartramcanoetrail.com.
