Although the Autauga Creek does not offer the flow volume or rapid levels comparable to that of the Coosa River, it does possess its own unique qualities that bring my friend Matt and his Liquid Logic Biscuit 55 and me Taylor and my Jackson Mon Star back at least every other week. The creek offers a steady flow of water that can offer you a float or a paddle trip depending on your style. As you first set off at the City Hall canoe access you get to engage with a mile of scenic old Prattville, but this scenic route does not last long as it abruptly turns into a very exciting and technical river that almost seems jungle or safari like and it offers something for everyone from canoes to play boaters. The hairpin turns and small rapid sections that are spread out very generously throughout the last 3 miles offers families good quality bonding time by utilizing teamwork and giving everyone the chance to put down all the electronics and enjoy each other as well as nature. The Autauga creek even offers something for those a little more serious about kayaking as my friend and I figured out, the small flow can still catch you off guard and even roll you over if you neglect to tend to your boat. Throughout the river there are still spots that you can stop and take a dip in the water or practice up on some tricks, most of these are accompanied by sandbars and are great places to stop and eat lunch my personal favorite is the last sand bar on the future Autauga Creek Park (Doster Road Beach on the map above). Regardless of whether you want to take a family, company, personal, or maybe even a competitive trip, this river will more than satisfy your need. The people are great and the water is clean all you need is a boat and the need for adventure.

Between miles 4 and 5 are the most technical parts of the whole creek run there are 13 individual bends in this mile not to mention splits in the river that can pop up right after a bend a good rule of thumb while navigating these splits is to stay left this side tends to be your deeper and will prevent you from dragging your kayak or canoe, another thing to remember while tackling this section is stay away from brush piles, because they tend to have snakes in them. Good thing is snakes will not bother you unless you irritate them first. Remember these things and paddle hard are the keys to safety.

Between miles 3 and 4 not a whole lot goes on there are a few splits and some smaller rapid piles that tend to be exciting to younger kids. If you chose not to stop and eat snack or lunch at one of the previous sand bars this is a perfect place to do so with an almost rainforest like scenery and spots of flat-water being abundant  the whole family can enjoy it very much without having to do too much paddling. Safety tips for this section, watch for overhanging trees they can do some damage.

The final mile is much like miles 4-5, it also has around 13 bends, but these are not like the ones in the other section. These are a lot more difficult to navigate because a lot of these require last minute turns the most notable of all these is around the 5th and 6th bend this mini-rapid starts by taking you under a fallen tree, then putting you through a short rapid that comes out about 5 feet from a towering wall of limestone and the requires a hard right. These types of turns are abundant through this section and make the last leg really enjoyable. The take out features a sand bar that can be swam to or walked to from the take out side. The take out also offers a shaded picnic table for that after paddle meal, not to mention the scenery is remarkable.

(The Autauga Creek Improvement Committee would like to thank Taylor Baxter for this detailed review!)

Click here to Visit their Facebook page for the current water level!
Look for photos of the Pratville Paddlesports water level measure stick which is located at the PPS launch area.  
Recommended paddling level: between 2.5 - 4 feet.  (As measured at that location)