Is there now a boat ramp on the river below Tallassee? I found an online map that showed two ramps on the river, one not far below the shoals that are a couple of miles down river from Thurlow dam, and one at a bridge a few miles further down river. Are these public ramps in usable condition?

Years ago I wanted to try to fish the river but there was no place to put in. Thanks for any help.

I would be curious to know the answer to this question as well.

Never been here before, but isn't it dangerous with a ton of current and rocks?

There is a ramp just off 229. “Public boat launch” sign. Just south of the football stadium I believe. I’ve ridden down to it before, looked fine

Edit: that’s above the dam it appears

I'm sure it's dangerous with enough current, but I would think that it would be fishable from an aluminum boat in the fall of the year. I have fished from the bank at the shoals, and seen people ride up to them in a jonboat. They were putting in just down the river at a rough landing that belonged to the Experiment Station at the time. You had to know someone to get access; I asked and got turned down. The map I found said this is a public landing now, but I am skeptical. The satellite map shows you driving by a parking lot for AES, and there doesn't appear to be any parking. It looks like this would be the best place if it is really public.

The map also says there is a landing where 229 crossed the river downstream a little ways. It looks like this might be a place to slide in a canoe or something, but I can't see a boat ramp in the satellite picture. It looks like these are the only possibilities.

where did you see access marked on 229. I know you can put in at aes for a fact though

Thanks! Is it a concrete ramp suitable for a 16' boat? It was just a cut in the bank of the river back when I asked to use it, but that was a long time ago.

This is the map I found:

https://www.alabamascenicrivertrail.com/district-6-paddling/

It calls it the Highway 229 Ramp, but it is hidden directly under the bridge if it is a ramp.

Your talking about the Taylor's boat ramp I believe, and you have to know folks to use it. Other option is put in at fort Toulouse and run up.

There is a public boat ramp below Thurlow and below the shoals. It is located off of 229 as you are leaving Tallassee. Once you pass Neptune on your right you will be approaching AES Industries on your left. Turn into the drive at AES...it is either a shared drive or two drives side by side...if there is a second drive use the second one. This drive takes you around to a dirt parking area and a boat ramp that leads down to the river. This ramp is very long, narrow, and steep so be careful.

Its a steep one. I highly.encourage everyone who puts in there to put eyes on it without a boat in tow before using it.

I believe that life jackets must be worn (not just in the boat) by all persons in any boat below.the dam after recent fatalities.

It's a beautiful stretch of the river

Thanks, that is exactly the info I was looking for. I can see everything you described on the satellite map.

Glad to help. As stated above, check it out before just backing down. At the base of the ramp, the ramp splits. There is a rock seam that crosses the river at the ramp. If you back straight in, You are below the rocks and can access all of the river downstream of the ramp. Are you can launch upstream of the rocks and have access going back upstream toward Thurlow. All of what you can access is always dependent on water flow and depth. Be safe and enjoy...

Been on the aes ramp a bunch with a kayak. Guys with small aluminum bass boats go up stream and fish/camp on the island at the big falls. If going downstream, there are two private ramps before you hit the hairpin, but I've been told that you aren't going to get permission to use them. We take out at the 229 bridge, and just pull the yaks up the rip rap. Not sure where the next ramp is below the bridge. Heck, it may be at Toulouse?

if there is one I dont know of it

Many thanks again. That rock seam is no issue for my new boat.

https://youtu.be/6IIxPmu8BiQ

If the water is too low to launch there, I might just put in at Yates and then jump Thurlow dam.

I was on Yates on day and spun a hub up river. The trolling motor about ran out when I got to the boat launch. Totally forgot about the open spillway until I got there. Freaked me out a little bit.