Reviews: Columbus Oxbow

Review for Columbus Oxbow

Reviewed by: Capt. Mac Rubel, Contributing Editor on Oct 20, 2021
LOA: 48'
Draft: 5.0'

The Columbus Cutoff is an oxbow off the main channel with entrances at the north and south end. The entrance at the north has shoaled in and is not usable so, in order to get into this interesting anchorage you must go south to mile marker 329.2 and exit the channel towards LDB and go back up the cutoff channel with a minimum of 11 feet of water all the way up to the upper bridges to the island, a distance of about two miles. On the way up you will pass several active barge facilities on the island side and what looks like forest on the shore side. Continue on past the last of the barge operations and go under a railroad bridge and the two bridges at the top of the island using the shore side arch on the first bridge and the middle arch of the road bridge for anchoring between 15 and 25 feet of water. You might consider stopping between the last barge operations area and the railroad bridge for 10 feet of water and good holding but a further distance to the town landing. Good water continues up the channel almost all the way to the north entrance. The problem with the anchorage is that there is too much depth in most places for necessary swing room with normal scope. There are only a few places where the mid-channel depth is under 15 feet so seek them out. Wind, wave, and wake protection is excellent. Holding is good in mud but swing room is restricted and what little current there may be is not enough to hold you straight in the channel with contrary winds. Consider short scope with a heavy anchor or a stern anchor to keep you oriented in the channel. Cellular service adequate with 2 bars for ATT and Verizon and one bar 5G for T-Mobile.

You are now anchored in Downtown Columbus, Mississippi. Go to shore at the public dock just south of the anchorage on the shore side and go one block up the River Walk trail into downtown Columbus. There are a half dozen restaurants within four blocks of the park. There does not seem to be any grocery stores within easy walking distance.

View location on the Waterway Guide Explorer