Choccolocco Creek Water Levels Stabilize for Paddlers

De Armanville, AL · April 12, 2026

Happy Sunday — the mist is lifting off the creek just in time for a quiet morning on the porch or a trip into town for service. If you're heading toward the park this afternoon, keep an eye out for the new trail markers being installed near the trailhead.

The Lead

After a busy week of volunteer efforts, the banks of Choccolocco Creek are looking significantly clearer as we head into the peak of spring. Local conservation groups reported a record turnout for the annual "Sweep the Creek" event, removing several tons of debris from the waterway that defines our landscape. This is particularly good news for the paddlers and anglers who frequent the launch points near the old schoolhouse.

With water levels holding steady after the recent rains, conditions are nearly perfect for a Sunday afternoon float. The focus now shifts to long-term bank stabilization projects near the bridge, which aim to prevent erosion during the summer storm season. It’s a reminder of how much we rely on this water—and how much it relies on us to keep it moving. Whether you're putting in a kayak or just watching the current from the bank, the creek is looking its best today.

Local Pulse

  • Oxford Lake Boardwalk Repairs Underway The northern section of the boardwalk at Oxford Lake is partially restricted today as crews finalize plank replacements. Most of the walking track remains open, but expect a small detour near the fishing pier.

  • Choccolocco Park Tournament Traffic Expect heavier traffic on Leon Smith Parkway this afternoon. The regional youth softball invitational is wrapping up its final bracket games, bringing a healthy crowd to the local eateries for post-game celebrations.

  • Volunteer Fire Dept. Training Morning You might see some extra activity near the station this morning. Our local volunteers are conducting routine equipment checks and pump testing to ensure everything is ready for the drier weeks ahead.

Today's Outlook

  • High 78°F · Low 52°F A picture-perfect Sunday with clear skies and a light breeze. It’s the kind of day that begs for a window-down drive or a long walk before the work week resets.

What's On Around Town

  • Choccolocco: Trail Ride Meetup Choccolocco Mountain ORV Park, 13120 AL-9 9:00 AM For those who prefer their Sundays with a bit of mud, the gates are open early for group trail rides across the ridge.

  • Community Potluck De Armanville Methodist Church, 7290 AL-21 12:00 PM A long-standing tradition where the fried chicken is legendary and the company is even better; all neighbors are welcome to pull up a chair.

  • Anniston: Museum Sunday Berman Museum, 800 Museum Dr 1:00 PM – 5:00 PM A short drive to explore world-class history; Sunday afternoons are typically the quietest time to visit the galleries and the surrounding gardens.

  • Oxford: Sunday Afternoon Concert Oxford Lake Amphitheater, 401 McCullars Ln 2:00 PM Grab a lawn chair for a free performance by a local brass ensemble—a great way to soak up the sun and enjoy the lake breeze.

Spotlight & Story

  • The Old De Armanville Post Office While we now rely on the Oxford zip code, the memory of the original De Armanville Post Office remains a point of pride for long-time residents. Established in the late 19th century, it served as the heartbeat of the community when this was a bustling stop on the Southern Railway. Did you know the town was named for the De Arman family, who were instrumental in bringing the railroad through this stretch of the valley? That history of connection still defines our neighborhood today.

De Armanville Daily Digest — compiled from local sources as of 6 AM. For breaking updates, follow your local newsrooms.

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