Autaauga Creek in Alabama

Trip Overview

We put in behind the police department in downtown Prattville, it is well lit and has plenty of parking. The full run is right at 4 miles and running through takes 1.5-2 hours although we take our time going down and enjoy the day.

The creek has had a lot of clean-up work done on it within the last year to help make it more navigable with less portage. There were a lot of downed trees across the creek that were removed but there are a few left that you can easily clear over most days depending on water level. There are a lot of shallows in the creek where you will scrub or have to push back over to the preferred channel so it's a lot of fun to try to pick your way through.

There are lots of places to pull over and sandbars throughout the creek to stop and hang out or let the kids swing on the numerous rope swings. I would not recommend getting out or stopping unless necessary between the 2nd and 3rd bridges you come to, they are near the end of the run and that is where we have seen he most snakes. We usually see 1-2 through this area when we go but they have never bothered us and are usually just sunning.

The creek has a lot of smooth water with some class 1-2 places. There is a good bit of maneuvering around cypress trees and sandbars so it can be a little challenging but nothing requiring great skill, I have seen 7 year olds go down and just bounce off everything in their own kayaks.

Most of the creek is covered with trees so other than the put in and a few random places you are in the shade most of the day.

This area is a work in progress but because of it and the proximity to eye Coosa River we are seeing a lot of kayaks around town these days.

Accommodations:

There are restrooms at the end of the trail with a sandy beach area take out.

Where you put-in there is a paved parking lot that you can unload and push your kayak down the grassy hill to the water.

Fees:

No

Directions:

Downtown Prattville behind the City Hall and police department on Main St.