Alabama Scenic River Trail. We were ready to get on the river!

The two kids proved themselves to be real troopers who I never heard complain during the whole trip. No Boats are allowed above the Pumping Station (2 miles upstream of Hwy 69 Bridge). It didn't take me long to realize there was very little I could do with one free hand while holding on to a few hundred pounds of dead weight with the other. And bring a change of dry clothes. You need an extra set of EVERYTHING.

I have several of these Seal Line dry bags, and they have held up well. Without a kayak skirt you will get wet. There were several long stretches, however, where we walked our boats, pulling them along behind us like unhappy mules.

If youre looking for a little more whitewater on your Alabama paddling trip you might want to head to Locust Fork River. Not long after that, we started downstream anyway. I did appreciate them, just not as much as I would have when I wasnt quite as tired. Josh had mentioned his whitewater experience, but I didnt know about the rest of the family. The Sipsey is nature at its best. Tell us about it. I've marked one particular ideal camp site on the map for a future trip. Im pretty sure I could have arranged a shuttle via FloridaKayak.org, even that far north, but our schedule was a bit fluid. We rent NuCanoe Kayaks (sit on top) for floating and fishing on the Sipsey Fork. Before we pushed off, Id also asked if they had lunch. Youll also find kayak rentals near the put-in point.Beyond this, youll find a combination of Class II and III rapids, which you might find more suitable if you have a little more whitewater experience under your belt. The hills still didnt worry me, but the road was a whole lot busier than I expected. Luckily I didn't need any of them but several in our party did. 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. That was not a problem this day. 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. Even though camping isnt allowed on the bank, there are campgrounds close to the river. At some point in your life you're bound to tip and lose all your trash downstream so why not preemptively redeem yourself now :). Theres not much more we could ask for from a river, except for, well, water. The Sipsey River is Alabama's only "Scenic and Wild" river designated by Congress in 1988 and maintained by the U.S. Forest Service. We have had clients make the trip much faster (2.5 hours), but we have had some who take a little bit longer (12 hours). And no, John Foshee's book doesn't really help here. Summers can be brutally hot and buggy, and the river is even unnavigable for much of this season when there isn't the minimum flow of 75 cfs. The Sipsey is a fairly easy float with one single exception--the 100 yard dash (spoken as "hundred-yard dash"). Davy and I took turns corralling it to shore while our unfortunate friend floated down to catch up with us. Whichever the case, stop what you're doing and make the trip todayor at least soon. The whole trip took about 6 hours including a couple generous breaks to explore. It was frozen up pretty solid.

Its rich wildlife habitats have earned it its place as one of the Ten Natural Wonders in Alabama.The river generally consists of slow moving flatwater, although there is a section called the 100 yard dash, which has faster flowing water of Class II rapids.There are several put-ins and take-outs within Bankhead National Forest and there is a kayak and canoe launch at the Sipsey River Picnic Area where youll also find parking and restrooms.Along the paddling trail youll see waterfalls, bluffs and lots of wildlife. Josh carried the gun back in his boat, but my finger prints are on it, too.

Why are you still reading? This is a class II rapid tossed into the middle of what is definitely a class I river. The Sipsey is definitely a destination river, meaning it was worth the trip to north Alabama just for this river. Go! But even if youre not hunting for bass, this 75 mile long lake on the Tennessee River can be a great place to explore, with lots of coves, creeks and plenty of wildlife. A hapless box turtle was bobbing its way across the river. or you can login using your favorite social profile! Boats need to be returned around 5pm.

Getting stuck would mean that it would be even longer until I got to eat. Also, you could do an extended trip through Alabama wilderness here and float for 26 miles. Remember to have your PFD with you at all times, and wear it for your own safety.If youre paddling on any Alabama rivers, you might want to check them out beforehand, especially after bad weather.Do you have a favorite kayaking location in Alabama?

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. 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. Once everything was loaded up, Susan and I drove away, agreeing that we were glad we had lucked into meeting this exceptional family and shared such a memorable excursion on the Sipsey. Roadside Highway 231at the bridges just before you get to the square in Ashville, 69 S ~ Bremen, Alabama 35033, Please select one or more requested events below All Rights Reserved. How long is the paddle? That was OK, though, because the water wasnt moving much that day. Maybe you've heard of the Sipsey River; maybe you haven't. We hauled the boats 200-feet up a fairly steep bank to a small clearing. This section is more mild and can be good entry level whitewater, with mostly Class I rapids. 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 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.

The Most Expensive Bass Boats MONEY CAN BUY! Despite the low water, we were able to paddle most, but certainly not all, of the 12-mile trip. To be honest, I would have appreciated them a lot more if wed seen them several hours earlier. A large paved parking lot with picnic tables, restrooms and a sloping ramp are there for visitors use, and is considered one of the states most convenient river launching sites. Lake Guntersville State Park can be a good spot for camping, parking and launching your kayak. I was shocked that there was someone else foolhardy enough to even consider the trip. This section of Bear Creek is a perfect paddle for newbies seeking just a couple of light Class II rapid spots. Also, the shoulder of the highway was almost non-existent and big trucks sped by, one after another. Current info on Yak tha Creek FB. Dont expect an outfitter's level of expert guidance from big-box stores.

The Sipsey Recreation area on County Road 60 is the put-in location. 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. Also, instructors and experienced boaters can help you become familiar with various types of whitewater boats, so you can determine what you really like before you invest a bunch of money in a boat. The 11-mile section that we planned to paddle was fairly narrow, fully bordered by national forest, exceptionally scenic, and offered lots of solitude. I think the low level made him a bit nervous, too, and he said he wouldnt mind backup. Its important to learn from qualified instructors and experienced boaters, and you can get information on classes by consulting local outfitters like North Alabama Canoe and Kayak, or a paddle club like the Huntsville Canoe Club and the Birmingham Canoe Club. 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). 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. For your initial outings, you can rent most items from Alabama outfitters and borrow things from other boaters. From the start youll be within the Bankhead National Forest for the entire 9.5-mile trip and will quickly understand why this is the only river in Alabama to have the federal Wild and Scenic designation. For one, put-in and take-out locations for the most popular run. Use our map to find the Sipsey Recreation Area on County Road 60 (Cranal Rd). I predicted that hiking was in our future, and I was right -- sort of. Live bait, hot food, and cold drinks. Krystal sat in the back of the big tandem with one of the kids up front. Ella made it to deeper water and fell dramatically into it and just sat there. While this branch of the Flint River starts out as Class II and III, theres serious Class IV water farther downstream. The first comment he made was that hed been there years before and found a shotgun in the rapid.

There is a launch point at Canyon Mouth Park and you can paddle along the river to Weiss Lake. Coursing through the Sipsey Wilderness, known as the "Land of 1000 waterfalls," this is Alabamas only river designated as Wild and Scenic by the Wild and Scenic Rivers Act of 1958.

The currents from Smith Lake Dam while generating move at around 3-5 mph. Magnificent trees leaned over the river. Putting in at Thompson Creek would effectively double your trip (from 9 to 18 miles). Alabama can offer a wide variety of paddling experiences, with stunning scenery and plenty of wildlife. My best guess was that we would be spending a lot of time dragging boats and getting stuck in shoals.

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. There are lots of places to stay in the area, whether youre looking for a hotel or youd prefer to camp.

Launch behind the shop and paddle 11 miles downstream to the Sipsey Boat Launch. Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment. Spring and fall are the ideal times to visit and youll want a flow of 250 cfs for the optimal paddling conditions. Ive done more than my fair share of pullovers, but when you factor in the biker death ride, leaving the boats on the truck was sounding really appealing. Statistics & Safety Guide. I like carrying a spare. We recommend getting up some speed and just powering over it. All of those long-past trips had been at much higher water levels. A self-guided trip can be done by renting a canoe from the Outdoor Rec Department at UAB in downtown Birmingham. The moments that make it worthwhile arent handed out, and it takes effort and dedication to make it happen. This would be a really fun rapid with more water. 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.

I figured we could go a little lower than that because the minimum for whitewater paddlers is probably a bit higher than the minimum for Florida small creek paddlers. Kayaking With Alligators How to Avoid OR Paddle With Them and STAY SAFE. But there are so many great spots that it can be difficult to pick out the best ones. Isaac excitedly rescued it by carrying it to the shore that we thought it was headed for. The path from the water to the parking area is long, steep, and difficult to get a car down. The Sipsey River in Bankhead National Forest was about 75 minutes from our campground, but we could tell it was our kind of river. Along the way youll paddle under nine railroad track tunnels. It was almost 6:00 pm by the time we got to the takeout after about 7.5 hours of paddling / hiking. When the river is so low that my empty canoe drags bottom, that really says something. You will need a change of clothes in a dry bag (secured inside your kayak). Any purchasethrough our links supports the website. Paddle this area shortly after a major rainfall and you quickly understand the nickname, Land of 1000 Waterfalls. In addition to the cascades and solitude, the river itself is a stunning example of a pristine natural environment. (I do obsess a bit about painter lines, but they really do come in handy a lot.). 69 N ~ Jasper, Alabama 35504, Physical/ GPS Address : 17027 Hwy. Kayak Names For Your Boat with Funny Ideas! I asked a couple of questions to try to get an idea of how experienced they were at rivers.

The gauge was reading 3.20 feet and not much water was headed downstream. They should be experts in the paddling opportunities in their areas and warn of dangers where they exist. As youre introduced to the sport, youll not only learn crucial paddling skills and safety procedures, but youll also learn the different classification of rapids and how water flow makes river navigation possible or more difficult. Whether youre new to the whitewater kayaking, or youre simply not familiar with Alabamas rivers and creeks, this quick and dirty guide will get you up to speed on some of the Yellowhammer States best whitewater options. How long is the paddle? It was a long day, and I was pretty tired. We never found the wooden gauge, which we figured had been washed off in the years since hed been here. Thus, the duration of the float is dependent upon how quickly you are able to paddle 11 miles without the aid of current. Ultranighter Dry Storage/Flotation Bags - $124.95 - Buy Now, A post shared by The 64 Project (@the64project).

There were no vehicles in the canoe launch parking area that was across an ancient-looking bridge from the hiking trail parking. While we've yet to experience an overnight on the Sipsey, there are tons of options for camp sites. Looking just downstream from the launch, there were two separate downed trees that would require pulling over. And dont forget to share this to help your buddies find new paddling places. Little River is runnable across a wide range of navigable water flow levels as well. To give you a little idea of what to expect weve put together a list of some of our personal favorites. Ashville, Alabama 35953. These boats werent going to be as easy to hop in and out of as our canoes, and I figured they might draw a little bit more water.

The younger members of the group had paddled, but not on moving water.

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. To complicate things even more, I wanted to figure out a biking or hiking shuttle, so we could go downstream on our own. 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. No matter your experience level, youll find great places to paddle on creek and rivers throughout Alabama.

Little River Canyon National Preserve can be a fantastic place to kayak if youre looking for wild and scenic landscapes and a wide range of wildlife, including federally endangered plants.Kayaking through the Little River Canyon (below the falls) is only for highly skilled and experienced whitewater kayakers, as this section of the river has up to Class VI rapids. Use tab to navigate through the menu items. Gauge height: 3.25 feet, #SipseyRiver #canoe #kayak #BankheadNationalForest #canoeing #kayaking #Alabama. In the end, we went to the right of it. The farthest put-in upriver is Little River Falls, at a Class V known as the "Suicide Section." According to multiple sources including park rangers within Bankhead, the USGS gage height should be within 4-7 feet for safe navigation.

It looked like a handgun, because thats what it was a Smith and Wesson 22 semi-automatic. Once across, the put-in is around to the left. 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. Water flow is controlled by TVA, which usually plans releases to coincide with summer crowds.

Wild and Scenic is simply a designation made to preserve "certain selected rivers which possess outstandingly remarkable scenic, recreational, geologic, fish and wildlife, historic, and cultural values" --Wild & Scenic Rivers Act, 1968. Boats must be returned in the Condition rented, I have read and agree to the terms & conditions. Josh had a worn, hand-printed note card with guidelines on the river based on a wooden gauge mounted to the ancient bridge. Safety precautions must never be ignored or neglected, and will ensure an unforgettable, injury-free trip. In one particular trip down the Sipsey, someone in our party "exited" their kayak which then turned over and filled with water. Just as I had pretty much talked myself out of paddling the Sipsey this day, a truck pulled in towing a trailer with three boats on it. All other logistics (boat transportation, vehicle shuttle, navigation, etc.) 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. All can assist you in getting into the water at any level from beginner to expert. I waited up on Josh and company as they walked their boats through yet another shallow section. The Sipsey River: Paddling at Ultra-Low Water is still a Great Hike, Chopping our way down the upper Sopchoppy River. Josh paddled his whitewater kayak all day. Another massive plus for paddling the Sipsey is that its federally protected, so camping is allowed alongside the river, a rarity in Alabama. There's plenty of room. When your trip is complete, give us a call and we will shuttle you back to the shop. 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. Dont Forget to Fill out your Wavier Click Here, Mailing Address : 17027 Hwy. The Sipsey River has flowed for many years, cutting through the layers of sandstone that make up the Brindley Mountain plateau. All rights reserved. What do you see when you look at a map of Alabamas 132,000 miles of rivers and streams? 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. 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. Email Us - riverside@riversideflyshop.com. Actually, it's probably good you're still reading because we've got boat loads of tips about the Sipsey. 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. We provide the boat, paddle and lifejacket. Please direct all licensing questions to legal@getmatcha.com. 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. The most spectacular rock bluffs of the day were right around the bend from the takeout. I was able to rack the slide back, and it stuck open. Josh had whitewater experience and had paddled the Sipsey maybe a handful of times many years back.

A post shared by The 64 Project (@the64project) on Oct 16, 2017 at 11:49am PDT. Riverside Fly Shop 2021. Just north of Birmingham, the run is around 5.5 miles, consisting of high Class II and Class III rapids, depending on water flow. 205-612-2292. In addition, youll become familiar with crucial safety equipment, such as personal flotation devices (PFDs), and expand your knowledge of other gear, such as whitewater paddles, kayak skirts, dry tops and other types of apparel. There is no whitewater. It was definitely not much of a swimmer. If you want to be extra safe, pack two sets of everything just in case you have mishap unrelated to the 100-yard dash. Click the picture to see details at Amazon. Yak tha Creek, Ashville (Big Canoe Creek). The water itself was the color of weak tea, but clear enough to easily see the river bottom.

This could be a good spot for kayak camping, as there are plenty of miles to cover if youre looking to extend your trip. The magazine release was not working, and we wanted to make sure it was safe. Experienced adventurers will enjoy the laid-back nature of the river and will get a rush from the rough patches. Susan said she was still energetic, but Im not sure I believed her.

These also let you squeeze air out. Josh looked at me and said, We have a bit of a motivational problem. I wanted to flop down in the water, too, but no one had made me come. Josh rigged kayak paddles to make carry bars, but I was sure his paddles would break. I actually scraped my way down the rapid, or what Id call a crawl on this day without getting stuck. 34.285625, As we drove in on Highway 33, however, I started having second (and third) thoughts. One of the things we were looking forward to was the 100-yard dash.

Gear Corner - Whitewater paddling accessories from Salamander Paddle Gear. You can take out at the Highway 33 bridge after traversing roughly 9 miles of untamed Alabama Wilderness. Ella and Isaac took turns in the solo kayak and with their mom. The Sipsey River isnt so rough that beginners cant enjoy the waters. Youll also find kayak rentals (including fishing kayaks) at Town Creek Fishing Center.On the other side of the lake, there is a public boat ramp at Marshall County Park, just over the water from Guntersville and there is also a campground. 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. Some ways downstream there was a small shoal, and Josh hollered for Krystal and Isaac to charge their way through it in the tandem kayak. We dont think youll have trouble finding those on your own. I was about to ask about getting a ride back with them at the end when Josh suggested it.

Outfitters are a good way to try a boat, even if you already own a boat and would like to try a different kind from the one you might already have. Get kayak updates, guides, tips, gear reviews and offers sent straight to your inbox! Daily rental packages (boat, PFDs, paddles, straps) are available for $25-$40 and you can call ahead (205-996-4913) to reserve a boat. The boat was great in whitewater, but there was none of that on the Sipsey this day. Weve seen so many river turtles on various trips, that they arent worth noting, but on this day we saw something a little different. This section of the Flint River north of Cullman shows how vast Alabamas whitewater experience can be if you kindle your sense of adventure and take the time to hunt. CampingKayaking1/2 Day Guided Trip 1 Person (Wading)1/2 Day Guided Trip 1 Person (Drift Boat)1/2 Day Guided Trip 2 Person (Wading)1/2 Day Guided Trip 2 Person (Drift Boat)Full Day Guide Trip 1 Person (Wading)Full Day Guide Trip 1 Person (Drift Boat)Full Day Guide Trip 2 Person (Wading)Full Day Guide Trip 2 Person (Drift Boat).

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. There were giant boulders lining part of our way, and rock walls that towered above us. 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.

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. 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. Susan and I both had our solo canoes, which are about as good a boat as you can have if you want to skim down a waterway thats, well, not got much water. There is a lot of wildlife to spot along the way and it can be a peaceful, relaxing trip year round. 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. You need to be aware of the dangers of faster current and keep the kayak away from the edges of the river to avoid obstructions. Motivational Problems It was a Long, Hard Day. We introduced ourselves with the hope that they knew something about the river that we didnt. A post shared by Alan Peace (@apeace11) on Feb 8, 2016 at 8:26am PST. Our suggestion here is to send your most experienced down first so they can retrieve any lost boats. Even if you don't tip, you will likely get soaked unless you have a spray skirt. 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. This allows for less paddling and a faster float from the put in to the take out.

It is truly dependent on you and your paddle. Knowing the proper water level is important too. Launch behind the shop and paddle the Upper Sipsey Fork, Mill Creek, and Boyd Creek then return the boats to the launch when you are done with your adventure. I stayed with the boats and gear while everyone else shuttled. document.getElementById( "ak_js_1" ).setAttribute( "value", ( new Date() ).getTime() ); Do Sharks Attack Kayaks? 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. The Sipsey River is a stunningly beautiful body of water with many of years of history, and great options for recreational adventures.