Kaylee Simons
Elmore Autauga News
A major blockage along the lower section of the Autauga Creek Canoe Trail is raising safety concerns for local floaters and paddlers ahead of Memorial Day weekend.
Local creek advocate Skip Lobmiller shared a public warning this week after discovering a dangerous blockage located roughly a quarter mile below Mile Marker 3, before reaching the Autauga Creek RV Campground area.
According to information shared publicly by Lobmiller, multiple large trees recently fell into the creek following erosion caused by recent flash flooding and high-water events. As water levels dropped, debris, including logs, bamboo, litter, inflatable floats, and a tire, became trapped in the area, creating a complete obstruction across the creek channel. Photos from the scene show a large accumulation of debris stretching across the waterway, leaving little room for safe passage.
The blockage may still allow for limited portage access around the left side, but swift water, unstable debris, and wildlife activity within the area could create additional hazards for anyone attempting to pass through.
Lobmiller advised the public to avoid floating the lower section of the creek beyond the Doster Well area until conditions improve. Volunteers are expected to begin clearing a small service trail through the woods this week to help crews access the downstream side of the blockage and evaluate potential removal efforts.
The warning comes as warmer weather and Memorial Day weekend bring increased traffic to the creek each year. The Autauga Creek Canoe Trail has become a popular destination for kayaking, canoeing, and tubing throughout the River Region during the summer months.
Additional volunteer cleanup efforts may be organized in the coming days as crews work to make the creek safe and navigable again.
