The scenery isnt bad either, with clear turquoise water that cuts through sandstone cliffs. A Sipsey River paddle starts at the picnic area on County Road 60 and ends where you park a shuttle vehicle at the Highway 33 Bridge. Dumping at the 100-yard dash while carrying firearms must not be all that uncommon!). The magazine release was not working, and we wanted to make sure it was safe. Josh and Krystal had recently returned to the area and had been wanting to bring the kids to the river, but their schedules and the water levels never seemed to line up. Another massive plus for paddling the Sipsey is that its federally protected, so camping is allowed alongside the river, a rarity in Alabama. Although the dumped murder weapon theory makes a better story, more likely it was just lost by a paddler who got caught off guard and rolled in the rapid. Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment. A self-guided trip can be done by renting a canoe from the Outdoor Rec Department at UAB in downtown Birmingham.

We recommend getting up some speed and just powering over it. I agreed to go with the stipulation that if it looked too low in person, wed switch gears and hike one of the Bankhead National Forest trails instead. The Sipsey Recreation area on County Road 60 is the put-in location. What do you see when you look at a map of Alabamas 132,000 miles of rivers and streams? Found on Lookout Mountain in northeast Alabama, Little River Canyon is the heart and soul of whitewater kayaking in the state. The family boating arrangements worked out pretty good. All Rights Reserved. Boats need to be returned around 5pm. Id figured wed be on the water at least 5-6 hours, so I knew Id be wanting lunch, but even that estimate turned out to be a little optimistic. Some solid obstacles, combined with slightly more advanced eddies and waves, will make the Locust a good test of your kayaking skills. Statistics & Safety Guide. To complicate things even more, I wanted to figure out a biking or hiking shuttle, so we could go downstream on our own.

The water is a chilly 45 degrees in January. (The numbers on the Alabama Whitewater flow page have been really helpful.) You can take out at the Highway 33 bridge after traversing roughly 9 miles of untamed Alabama Wilderness. For one, put-in and take-out locations for the most popular run. The younger members of the group had paddled, but not on moving water. Kayak Names For Your Boat with Funny Ideas! To say that there were ruts at the head of the mile road was a bit of an understatement. The first comment he made was that hed been there years before and found a shotgun in the rapid. Josh had whitewater experience and had paddled the Sipsey maybe a handful of times many years back. Since it was just the two of us, we planned to unload our gear at the upstream launch and leave Susan there to watch things. The 100-yard dash is located at about the halfway point of this trip and gets its name from the approximately 100 yards of class II rapids. I was shocked that there was someone else foolhardy enough to even consider the trip. If you're even slightly familiar with the Sipsey, then you know how infrequently sufficient the water level is to allow safe navigation of this river. If the water level had been any higher than 5.4' that day, we may not have been able to pass under the tree.The second obstacle was another tree down but there were several feet of the tree that were mostly submerged. This area was affected by the tornadoes of 2011, so keep in mind that there will be areas of downed trees and debris along the way. A hapless box turtle was bobbing its way across the river. Maybe you've heard of the Sipsey River; maybe you haven't.

Krystals response was, Were way past charging. Josh pulled them through. Putting in at Thompson Creek would effectively double your trip (from 9 to 18 miles). I was wrong, and the four of us carried the tandem up the road without an issue of course the last stretch was another steep climb. to Kevin who cleared a small path to the far right. It turned out to be a family of four: the parents, Josh and Krystal, were in their mid to late 30s and were accompanied by their 13-year-old daughter Ella and 11-year-old son Isaac. I would drive the truck to the takeout and ride my bike back up to the launch. STANDARD REQUEST: As always, please pack out what you pack in and more. Magnificent trees leaned over the river. Spring and fall are the ideal times to visit and youll want a flow of 250 cfs for the optimal paddling conditions.

There were giant boulders lining part of our way, and rock walls that towered above us. There were several long stretches, however, where we walked our boats, pulling them along behind us like unhappy mules. Just a little past the Hwy 33 bridge, the take-out has a concrete or rock slide-like structure that leads up to a small gravel parking area.

Josh had mentioned his whitewater experience, but I didnt know about the rest of the family. Along the way youll paddle under nine railroad track tunnels. Ultranighter Dry Storage/Flotation Bags - $124.95 - Buy Now, A post shared by The 64 Project (@the64project). document.getElementById( "ak_js_1" ).setAttribute( "value", ( new Date() ).getTime() ); Do Sharks Attack Kayaks? The path from the water to the parking area is long, steep, and difficult to get a car down. Call Us - (256) 287-9582 We tried in vain to reach the log to move it but could not find a safe way. There is an increasingly scaled late fee for returning after 6 pm due to declining visibility and an increase in danger caused by nightly cold water-dense fog. The Sipsey River is considered to be one of the last wild swamp streams in Alabama, flowing for 92 miles through one of the most diverse ecosystems in the state. Around here, we dont call just anybody who sells boats an outfitter. The start of this trail is actually just over the border in Georgia. Josh had a worn, hand-printed note card with guidelines on the river based on a wooden gauge mounted to the ancient bridge. Im pretty sure I could have arranged a shuttle via FloridaKayak.org, even that far north, but our schedule was a bit fluid. If youre a kayaker, you see plenty of potential for adventure, and many reasons to get excited. Tell us about it. 205-612-2292.

Live bait, hot food, and cold drinks. We were ready to get on the river! And by "retrieve" I really mean chase your boat until the river calms and they can coral it to shore. They figured theyd just give it a shot on this sunny Tuesday.

If not for a fortunate twist of fate, however, Susan and I would never have paddled the Sipsey River, and we would have missed out on the stunning views and experience it offered. I think the low level made him a bit nervous, too, and he said he wouldnt mind backup. If you have some whitewater kayaking experience and youre seeking a challenge thats less daunting than Little River Canyon, head to the Locust Fork section of the Black Warrior. The Sipsey is a fairly easy float with one single exception--the 100 yard dash (spoken as "hundred-yard dash").

Alabama is filled with natural beauty and peaceful waterways, with lots of opportunities to get out in your kayak no matter what your skill level. We were really happy for the shuttle ride, but were worried that we might be interrupting family time, so we tried to not be too close.

Written by Hap Pruitt for RootsRated in partnership with BCBS of AL and legally licensed through the Matcha publisher network. We hadnt had enough of a workout, so we did the nice quarter-mile hike with the boats and gear, except for one thing: Krystals tandem kayak must have weighed a ton, and there was no comfortable way for two people to carry that thing. We made it to the Cranal Road launch, and we both agreed that the Sipsey River is undeniably beautiful. Isaac excitedly rescued it by carrying it to the shore that we thought it was headed for. If the water level had been any lower, it would have been necessary to portage.Lastly, there was a log partially blocking the entrance to the 100-yard dash about face-level. As we looked down at the scenic river on that sunny June day, it was obvious that the water level was too low for us to paddle. I chased it down and grabbed hold of it. While the main tributary, the East Fork, consists mostly of Class II rapids with a few challenging drops and rocks, the Railroad Fork is one of the most unique river experiences youll encounter. Our new river friends turned out to be a very nice family back from several years in Peru doing missionary work. Theres not much more we could ask for from a river, except for, well, water. His book is at least 10 years out of date and it's description of the take-out is outdatednot that it's hard to find mind you. The Sipsey River is Alabama's only "Scenic and Wild" river designated by Congress in 1988 and maintained by the U.S. Forest Service. The gauge was reading 3.20 feet and not much water was headed downstream. All of those long-past trips had been at much higher water levels.

But there are so many great spots that it can be difficult to pick out the best ones. There are many launch points and take-out points along the river, which can make it ideal both for longer overnight trips and for shorter trips. We recommend planning for at least 7-9 hours of paddling. Steep cliffs on either bank contribute to the sense of solitude and provide striking scenery and hundreds of places to beach your canoe and explore on foot. Trip date: June 13, 2017 I was right when Id guessed there wouldnt be any other people on the river on a hot Tuesday with a river that was much too low. (Shortly after we returned home to Florida, I met a paddling acquaintance on a local creek and mentioned paddling the Sipsey River. 5 Easy Hikes Near Birmingham to Help Shake Out the Winter Funk, 4 Top Reasons to Get Your Kids Outside this Winterand What to Do When Youre There, The Best Places to Go Hammock Camping in Alabama, How to Safely Train for Your Next Alabama Race in the Heat. Olympic athletes have used this section to train.The portions of the river above the falls, around DeSoto State Park, and from Canyon Mouth Park on the other side of the canyon, can be more suitable for all levels of paddlers, with a range of Class I and II whitewater. All other logistics (boat transportation, vehicle shuttle, navigation, etc.) I did suggest that we rig their boats with painter lines to help walk them through shallows, and I think they really appreciated that as the day progressed. You can drive from the parking lot to the put-in via a bridge or you can just walk your kayak across the bridge. Very short, very rewarding paddle to nearby Yellow Creek Falls. It has everything an experienced paddler could want, making it one of the most well-known destinations for whitewater in Alabama, with numerous Class III and IV rapid sections. The Sipsey River in Bankhead National Forest was about 75 minutes from our campground, but we could tell it was our kind of river. While this branch of the Flint River starts out as Class II and III, theres serious Class IV water farther downstream. The 265 mile long Tallapoosa River forms part of the Alabama Scenic River Trail and can be a great place to paddle whether youre a beginner or a more experienced kayaker. The Sipsey River has flowed for many years, cutting through the layers of sandstone that make up the Brindley Mountain plateau. Gauge height: 3.25 feet, #SipseyRiver #canoe #kayak #BankheadNationalForest #canoeing #kayaking #Alabama. The boulders and rock outcroppings lining the river are raw and beautiful. Daily rental packages (boat, PFDs, paddles, straps) are available for $25-$40 and you can call ahead (205-996-4913) to reserve a boat. We launched at 10:30, and I was already ready for lunch. The lush, green foliage and trees hide you away from civilization and will invite you to return year after year. Having said that, it's a fairly harmless obstacle but don't feel bad if you tip (unless you haven't tied down your gear). I asked a couple of questions to try to get an idea of how experienced they were at rivers. Susan and I were spending five nights at Monte Sano State Park in Huntsville, Alabama; and, as we usually do when we are away from home, we looked for nearby places to paddle. How long is the paddle? As we drove in on Highway 33, however, I started having second (and third) thoughts. No matter your experience level, youll find great places to paddle on creek and rivers throughout Alabama. Yellow Creek Fish Camp owner Jane Hindman rents the boats at her shop for $5 per hour, or bring your own boat. If there were two pullovers in the first 500 feet, what would it be like further downstream? If you want to be extra safe, pack two sets of everything just in case you have mishap unrelated to the 100-yard dash. Josh and family had a tandem sit-in kayak, a solo sit-in kayak, and a whitewater kayak. Also, the shoulder of the highway was almost non-existent and big trucks sped by, one after another. The water is a breathtaking shade of green (and cold) and there are numerous waterfalls cascading from high rock bluffs. 1/2 Day Guided Trip 1 Person (Drift Boat), 1/2 Day Guided Trip 2 Person (Drift Boat), Full Day Guide Trip 1 Person (Drift Boat), Full Day Guide Trip 2 Person (Drift Boat). To be honest, I would have appreciated them a lot more if wed seen them several hours earlier. Im a wimpy off-road driver to start with, but there was no way I was taking my truck down that excuse for a road. The 11-mile section that we planned to paddle was fairly narrow, fully bordered by national forest, exceptionally scenic, and offered lots of solitude. With clear water and a flow that carves its way through the narrow sandstone canyons of northwest Alabama, the Sipsey River is the perfect place to enjoy the wild beauty of the state. How long is the paddle? While beginners can get their feet wet with all-day trips through mellow Class I water, experienced boaters can take quick jaunts through Class III rapids or even negotiate Class IV runs.

The whole trip took about 6 hours including a couple generous breaks to explore. Dont expect an outfitter's level of expert guidance from big-box stores. Youll also discover canyons and caves alongside the river, as well as places where you can camp. Fortunately, the two downfalls blocking the river near the launch site were the worst that we saw all day. You will need a change of clothes in a dry bag (secured inside your kayak). If youve never tried whitewater kayaking, but youre interested, the most important thing to know is that its more involved and potentially dangerous than cruising Alabamas flat water, and if youre new to the sport, pushing off onto the river can be intimidating. This time I wasn't so worried and forgot to bring some essentials. Kayaking With Alligators How to Avoid OR Paddle With Them and STAY SAFE. For perspective, 12,598 miles of U.S. rivers have received this designation of which Alabama's Sipsey accounts for 64 of those milesonly half of one percent. The most spectacular rock bluffs of the day were right around the bend from the takeout. Once across, the put-in is around to the left. Actually, it's probably good you're still reading because we've got boat loads of tips about the Sipsey. When the river is so low that my empty canoe drags bottom, that really says something. I was a little surprised by the answer. The Sipsey River is a great place for beginners to discover the fun of paddling, and would be wise to bring along an experienced paddler to show them the ropes. Lake Guntersville State Park can be a good spot for camping, parking and launching your kayak. Use our map to find the Sipsey Recreation Area on County Road 60 (Cranal Rd). We introduced ourselves with the hope that they knew something about the river that we didnt. And no, John Foshee's book doesn't really help here. Moving water or not, the kids were pretty good paddlers, in my book. Several sources, including Alabama Whitewater, suggested that the minimum water level for the Sipsey River online gauge should be about 4.0 feet.

If youre looking for a little more whitewater on your Alabama paddling trip you might want to head to Locust Fork River. They should be experts in the paddling opportunities in their areas and warn of dangers where they exist. If you tip your kayak at the 100-yard dash you'll have to paddle about 90 minutes to the end in what is usually the colder part of the trip. We only thought the tough part of the trip was over. I generally never shy away from a river trip, but I was thinking we should bail on the river and find a nice bike trail instead, but Susan wanted to go to the Sipsey. That was OK, though, because the water wasnt moving much that day. The boat was great in whitewater, but there was none of that on the Sipsey this day. And dont forget to share this to help your buddies find new paddling places. Enjoy a day of paddling the cold waters below Smith Lake Dam with 2 options. This is my favorite kayak paddle. There is a lot of wildlife to spot along the way and it can be a peaceful, relaxing trip year round. This section of Bear Creek is a perfect paddle for newbies seeking just a couple of light Class II rapid spots. Alabama can offer a wide variety of paddling experiences, with stunning scenery and plenty of wildlife. Email Us - riverside@riversideflyshop.com. Ashville, Alabama 35953. That was not a problem this day. Josh paddled his whitewater kayak all day. There is little current without generation. The river canyon is narrow, steep, and stunning, with small tributary streams cascading from above and no signs of civilization for most of the run. Also, you could do an extended trip through Alabama wilderness here and float for 26 miles. Joshs gang had lunch in the upstream vehicle, so the kids were looking forward to it. Part of the Upper Tallapoosa forms the Lloyd Owens Canoe Trail, which can be great for beginners as its mostly flatwater and there are several take-outs. In one particular trip down the Sipsey, someone in our party "exited" their kayak which then turned over and filled with water.



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