Living River: A Retreat on the Cahaba
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Amenities
Facilities
  • ​There are 6 heated and air-conditioned bunk-style cabins, 5 with 8 bunks and 2 twin beds (18 capacity) and 1 (Mt. Brook) with 7 bunks and 3 twin beds (17 capacity) for a total of 107 spaces. There are 2 toilets and 2 showers in each. 
  • There are 6 motel-style staff rooms rooms with private baths, 3 have 2 twin beds and 3 have a queen bed.
  • The Shades Valley Lodge has a full kitchen, den area with television and Wi-Fi, and 8 bedrooms- 6 rooms with 2 twin beds in each room and 2 rooms with both a queen bed and twin bunk beds in them. Every two rooms share one bathroom.
  • The FPC Birmingham Dining Hall/Meeting Facility contains a commercial kitchen and meeting/eating space for up to 200.
  • The Storm Shelter is rated for EF-5 tornados will hold 150 individuals. It is located outside of the dining hall and close to the bunk cabins.
  • The McGuire Pavilion is a small-group, single-room building that will hold up to 50 individuals.​
  • The Charlie and Sandy Durham Chapel is located down from the dining hall overlooking the Cahaba and seats approximately 100.
  • The IPC (Independent Presbyterian Church) Chapel is located off of the Main Road trail and seats approximately 100.
  • Patton Picnic Pavilion is a small covered picnic area close to the Shades Valley Lodge. There is a picnic table and grill.
  • Parks’ Park Pavilion is a large pavilion (20x40) on the big field adjacent to the fire ring.​
Activities
  • Canoeing- Approximately 15 canoes with paddles and pfds are on-site. A group could paddle the 4 ½ miles of Cahaba River around the entire property which takes approximately 3 hours or canoe on the lake.
  • Ga-ga Ball- A group dodge ball game located within a wooden enclosure.
  • Alice Jordan Puliam Low Ropes Course- The low ropes course is located behind the McGuire Pavilion and close to the bunk cabins.
  • Disc Golf- A disc golf course is located along the road in the upper portion of camp.
  • Swimming- A swimming area is located at our larger lake with a floating dock.  All participants must wear a Coast Guard approved PFD and only swim when a lifeguard is present.  Swimming in the Cahaba at the Williams’ launch is also available if all participants wear PFDs, a lifeguard is present and the area is clear as verified by the Cahaba River Keeper’s swim guide.
  • Hiking- There are miles of hiking trails available on-site.
  • Archery- Equipment is available for groups who have a trained instructor.
  • Fossil Hunting- A rich fossil bed is located on fossil ridge.  We ask that fossil hunters take away only one fossil per trip, no larger than your palm.
  • Primitive tent camping is available at the lake, the large field and at LeBron canoe launch.
  • Campfire rings are located on the large field and on the ridge overlooking the large field.
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Living River 2025 Rates
Minimum Rental Rate (A nonrefundable, but transferable deposit)- $500
 Overnight Lodging
  • Shades Valley Lodge- $600 per night (*PSL rate- $400) 
  • Motel-style Rooms with lounge available (full-size refrigerator, microwave, hot plate)- $100 per room, per night, (*PSL rate- $80)
  • Bunk Cabins- $30 per person per night (*PSL rate- $25)
  • Primitive Camping- $15 per person per night (*PSL rate-$10)​

Day Use (from 9:00 am to 9:00 pm, single day activities)
  • Day-use of Grounds- $15 per person per day (*PSL rate- $10)
  • ​Day-use of Bunk Cabin- $100 per cabin
  • Day-use of Shades Valley Lodge- $300 
  • Day-use of Motel-Style Room- $75 per room



Other Rates
  • Commercial Kitchen Use- $100 one-time charge
  • Dining Hall Use- $100 one-time charge
  • Canoe Rental- ​$20 per canoe, per day
    • PFDs and paddles provided
    • Must have experienced canoer or lifeguard.
    • Vehicle with trailer hitch needed if moving canoes from behind locked gates.
  • Linens- $20 per set
    • ​A limited number of linen sets are available for rental.
    • A set consists of a top and bottom sheet, light-weight blanket, pillow, pillow case, towel and washcloth.
    • Linens unable to be used again because of damage will be charged to the group at the replacement cost.​​
Download rates pdf here: Living River Rental Rates
*PSL rate available to Presbytery of Sheppards and Lapsley churches or affiliated groups. ​
Living River: A Retreat on the Cahaba, Inc.
2000 Living River Parkway
​Montevallo, AL 35115

​Email:  [email protected]
205.208.0035 (leave a voicemail)
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  • Home
  • Donate, Volunteer, Infrastructure
    • Donate
    • Volunteer
    • Infrastructure Needs and Dreams
  • About
    • Our History and Future
    • Newsletters
    • Dedicated Landmarks
    • Staff
    • Living River Board
    • Driving Directions
  • Programs
    • Summer Camp
    • Kids and Youth Retreats
    • Fall River Fests
    • Adult Retreats
    • Summer Staff
  • Plan Your Visit or Event
    • Before you Book
    • Amenities and Rates
    • Canoeing and Hiking
    • Open Days
    • Civil Rights Immersion Trips
    • Weddings
  • Environmental Opportunities
    • Day Field Trips
    • Research Site