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OUTDOORS

which once thrived across the southeast. Floating down the Cahaba s gentle waters

provides a pleasant respite and a close-up look at some of the interesting species. If you re looking to make a bigger splash, head to the river s northernmost portions for some Level I-III whitewater rapids.

The Cahaba River Society hosts canoe trips down the river, including day trips, moonlight trips and overnight canoeing. Among the most popular outings are the Lily Trips, which run when the rare and endangered Cahaba Lily is in bloom, from mid-May to mid-June.

All trips are free if you bring your own canoe, and reservations are required. FOR MORE INFORMATION: Cahaba River Society, 205-322-5326 or cahabariversociety.org. For boat rentals: Alabama Small Boats, 205-424-3634.

LOCUST FORK Just a short drive from Birmingham, Locust Fork is on the Black Warrior River. This is an excellent whitewater run with some very diffi cult rapids known as Double Trouble and House Rock. Beginners will do best to avoid these rapids. Beautiful limestone bluff s accent the rapids. The National Park Service places Locust Fork in the top two percent of rivers in the country for its recreational value, among other assets. GETTING THERE: Take I-59 North to Tallapoosa Street Exit (Tarrant). Take Alabama Hwy. 79 North through Cleveland (about 40 minutes). Follow signs to Blountsville and cross the bridge over the Locust Fork River. Just past the bridge on the right is King s Bend. Turn into King s Bend and follow the gravel road through the gate. FOR MORE INFORMATION: fl fr.org (Friends of Locust Fork River)

Zyp BikeShare Zyp BikeShare is a new program in the Birmingham sharing economy. Zyp launched the popular transport program with lime green bikes zipping around town in what is the country s most modern and effi cient electric bike sharing campaign. A hundred of the 400 Zyp bikes have an electric pedal assist feature that provide you a little extra zip when you need it most. Stop by one of 30 easy-to-use kiosks and pedal off. zypbikeshare.com

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