Drought Causes Outdoor Activities to Dwindle

"This is typically a place where you can launch canoes and kayaks, however if you did that today, you wouldn't get very far," says Withrow Springs State Park interpreter, Natalie Casey.

Withrow Springs State Park in Huntsville, much like everything else, is falling victim to the damaging drought.

"We still got people coming out to the park, but it's kind of affecting what they're doing," says Daniel Godwin, assistant superintendent at the park.

Six canoes and six kayaks are available to rent for a four-and-a-half mile float, but with the low water levels, those pursuing the paddles will have to settle for shoeless strolls through the creekside puddles.

"Our canoeing and kayaking is pretty much non-existent this year," Godwin says.

Casey adds, "For long stretches of the creek, you just have dry gravel bars."

Another area affected: campsites. Park officals say long-term campers still show up, but those who come for short stays aren't setting up their tent because of the heat.

"The local, like more spontaneous traffic, that is defintely down," Casey says.

And it's not just happening at Withrow Springs.

"I've talked to different outfitters along the buffalo river, the king's river, and the mulberry river, they're having some of the worst year's they've ever had," Godwin says.

Casey says Withrow Springs plans special tours for visitors. However she says they're not exactly attracting crowds.

"Those events have had very little participation, if any."

But she looks at the bright side. The bright side that shines, even if the sun doesn't show up quite as much.

"That's the good thing is we have seasons, this will pass, the weather will cool off again and things will get back to normal."