Living River would love to host your retreat!

Living River: A Retreat on the Cahaba, is located on 440 acres in Bibb and Shelby Counties, surrounded on three sides by 4.5 miles of the Cahaba River The property tells an amazing story of Alabama’s natural and cultural history over time. From Native American artifacts to reclaimed coal mine sites to an ancient river teeming with life, visitors can trace the cultural history of the Cahaba and experience the resiliency of nature first-hand. We at Living River strive to create a space for groups to come out and have a retreat, in a way that is as simple as possible for you!  Take a look at our facilities down below to see if we fit your needs! Contact office@livingriver.org to start planning your retreat!

Our Facilities

 The facilities on-site include climate-controlled, fully accessible lodging and meeting space with three duplex cabins that can house 108 student/chaperone guests, and seven motel-style rooms designed primarily for adult guests, including teachers and professors. The dining hall, situated high on a scenic bluff overlooking the Cahaba River, offers a great location for meetings, conferences, and various other events. The site also has two canoe launches, multiple picnic areas, and hiking trails throughout the property.

Cabins

Staff Cabins

​Living River has three, modern duplex lodging buildings. Each side of the building has a cabin with eight bunk beds and two twin beds. Bathrooms with toilets, sinks and showers are located in each cabin. All of the cabins have heat and air conditioning. ​

The staff cabin has six motel type bedrooms designed primarily for adult guests. Two rooms have queen beds, one room has a double bed and four rooms have two twin beds. These modern rooms have bathrooms with showers along with individually controlled heating and air conditioning units. ​

Dining Hall

​The dining/meeting hall is the hub of the Living River community. It serve as the dining room as well as large group meeting space. Situated high on a scenic bluff overlooking the Cahaba River, it offers a great location for meetings and other events. ​

Durham Chapel

The Charlie and Sandy Durham Chapel provides a beautiful outdoor setting overlooking the Cahaba River for worship or other gatherings. ​​

​Meeting Pavilion 

The Meeting Pavilion is a wonderful meeting space for small groups of up to 50people. With large pictures windows looking out into the surrounding forest, the Meeting Pavilion offers the opportunity to meet in comfort while enjoying the beauty of Living River. The space is both air conditioned and heated for year round use. ​​

​INFORMATION ABOUT LIVING RIVER

• Living River:  A Retreat on the Cahaba is located at 2000 Living River Parkway, Montevallo, AL  35115.  It is approximately 30 minutes outside of the city of Montevallo, off of Shelby County Highway 10. 
• Living River first opened in 2014 and was developed by the Presbyterian (PCUSA) Churches of Central Alabama (Presbytery of Sheppards and Lapsley). 
• Living River has 440 acres, surrounded by 4 ½ miles of the Cahaba River.
• Contact information:  E mail:  office@livingriver.org, Web site: www.livingriver.org, Leave a voice mail:  205-208-0035.
• Facilities
  • Bunk Cabins--There are 6 heated and air conditioned, bunk-style cabins that will sleep 17/18 each for a total of 107 spaces.  There are 2 toilets and 2 showers in each.
  • Motel-style rooms--There are 6 rooms with private baths.  Three of the rooms have 2 twin beds and three of the rooms have a queen bed.
  • Small-Group Lodge--The small-group lodge has 8 bedrooms with 2 twin beds in each room, for a total capacity of 16.  Two rooms share one bathroom.  The small-group lodge has a full kitchen, and den area with television and Wi-Fi.
  • Dining Hall/Meeting Facility--The dining hall/meeting facility contains a commercial kitchen as well as meeting/eating space for up to 200.
  • Storm Shelter--The storm shelter, rated for EF-5 tornados will hold 150 individuals and is located outside of the dining hall and close to the bunk cabins.
  • McGuire Pavilion--This small-group meeting space will hold up to 50 individuals.
  • Charlie and Sandy Durham Chapel--This chapel is located down the hill from the dining hall overlooking the Cahaba and seats approximately 100.
  • IPC (Independent Presbyterian Church) Chapel is located off of the Main Road trail and seats approximately 100.
  • Patton Picnic Pavilion--Small covered picnic area close to the Small-Group Lodge. There is a picnic table and grill.
• Activities
  • Canoeing--Approximately 15 canoes with paddles and pfds are on-site.  To paddle the 4 ½ miles of Cahaba River around the entire property takes approximately 3 hours.  Canoeing on the lake is also an option.
  • Ga-ga ball--A group dodge ball game located within a wooden enclosure.
  • 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.
  • Living River operates a Summer Camp for Pre-Kindergartners through High School Seniors using a Bible-based curriculum.