There’s a new park to explore this summer in Shelby County.

Cahaba River Park, located off River Road and County Road 13 in Helena, is a joint venture between Shelby County and the Alabama Forever Wild Land Trust. The 1,527-acre park includes the points where the Cahaba River and Shades Creek meet, just near the Shelby County and Bibb County line.

The park features 17 miles of trials for running, hiking, and biking, according to the county’s tourism board. While the north and south sectors of the park are separated by the river and there is no vehicle access between the two, the 1,339-acre north sector has three parking areas and two pavilions with restrooms and an outdoor shower.

The south sector of the park is located at the end of County Road 251, west of Montevallo.

Visitors can also canoe, swim, or fish in the Cahaba River when water levels are appropriate, according to the tourism board.

A caretaker house is currently on the property, but future plans include adding another caretaker home. Other planned improvements are canoe and kayak launch sites, more trails, and a camping area.

See a map of the trails here and get directions to the park by clicking here.