[4] The river crosses the richest agricultural and timber districts of the state.

The Alabama River's main tributary, the Coosa River, crosses the mineral region of Alabama and is navigable for light-draft boats from Rome, Georgia, to about 117 miles (188 km) above Wetumpka (about 102 miles (164 km) below Rome and 26 miles (42 km) below Greensport), and from Wetumpka to its junction with the Tallapoosa.

The navigation of the Tallapoosa River – which has its source in Paulding County, Georgia, and is about 265 miles (426 km) long[3] – is prevented by shoals and a 60-foot (18 m) fall at Tallassee, a few miles north of its junction with the Coosa.

The river played an important role in the growth of the economy in the region during the 19th century as a source of transportation of goods, which included slaves.

The river is still used for transportation of farming produce; however, it is not as important as it once was due to the construction of roads and railways.