I'm pretty sure the Corps of Engineers have cleared out any
logs and debris that were in the
canal 5 years ago. They do a pretty good job of keep the debris out. A report at either lock or the Welcome center results in a
small boat response to the location and the logs, etc. are tie to the banks until the barge can come through and remove them. The most important issue is
water depths and this is dependent on the
water level in Lake Monroe. In year of drought, the levels in the
canal are low. In rainy years, as it has been for a while now, the water levels are deep enough for most boats. Not to mention, the Harbor of Hospitality, Elizabeth City, at the south end. For us, the DS Canal
route is a don't miss. We much prefer it to the Virginia Cut. But you can't be in a hurry. Chuck