Old Slab to Become a Park

Nov. 27, 2005 -- A recent article in the Birmingham News indicated that progress is being made towards developing several hundred acres, surrounding the Old Slab, into a Shelby County Park.  Initial plans call for pedestrian and canoe access to the river as well as walking trails on both sides of the river.

Progress is being made, and it is my understanding that Shelby County has already completed the purchase of at least a portion of the property. Because the property has changed hands, the area surrounding the Old Slab is no longer within the boundaries of the Cahaba River Wildlife Management Area; therefore, no hunting is allowed in the area around the Old Slab.

If anyone has any additional information about this project, please let me know.

The Unique Sport of Slab Crossing

The old slab is still a pretty popular place on the weekends.  If you are in the area on a weekend, it is usually a worthwhile stop.  Watching slab crossings can be very interesting (read entertaining).  The old slab can still be crossed by a vehicle with some good ground clearance.  I've seen two wheel drive pickup trucks make the crossing, but four wheel drive is definitely the vehicle of choice. There is, however, a trick to the slab crossing sport; and it involves "the hole".  In the photograph below and to the right, you can see "the hole" along the left edge of the slab near the middle.  Slab crossers must stay away from "the hole".  You gotta "cheat" to the upriver side, and avoid "the hole" at all costs!  I have seen some wild rides across the old slab as well as some that didn't make it. Usually not making it is immediately preceded by hitting "the hole" and bouncing into the deep water on the downriver side.  At that point, it's call a wrecker or find some friends with ropes, chains, and winches.

(Click on the above photos for a larger image)

DIRECTIONS:  From Helena at the intersection of Hwy 52 and Hwy 17, turn South on Hwy 17.  Turn Right on Co. Rd. 22 towards Dogwood.  When 22 intersects Co. Rd. 10, turn Right on 10.  This will take you down past the Checking Station.  Turn Right onto Co. Rd. 251.  The Old Slab is at the end of this road.  The road has been recently maintained and any vehicle can now make it back to the slab.

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