Paddle and Camp the Sipsy River

Join Campus Recreation and Outdoor Recreation as we Paddle and Camp the Sipsy River on November 21 and 22 (Saturday and Sunday). This is our favorite and most highly recommended trip.

The Sipsy – the only National Wild and Scenic river in the state - is the epitome of wilderness paddling with a fun Class I rapid around large boulders. High cliffs rise steeply – up to 300 feet - from the carved canyon into the sky, exhibiting rocky grandeur.  The water is crystal clear until it flows into deep pools, where the color turns to a beautiful turquoise. The clarity of the water makes it easy to see a variety of fish, such as largemouth bass and bluegill.  Lush arrays of vegetation and beautiful wildflowers accent the gray canyon walls in the spring and early summer. Huge overhangs and many small caves invite exploration.  After a rain, the sight and sound of waterfalls cascading off the walls and into the river prove that this is still a work in progress. 

Check out our WEB page – southalabama.edu/outdoor/ - for a video and great pictures from a previous Sipsy trip, pictures and videos of other trips, and our itinerary for the entire Fall Semester.

Day 1 – Leave Rec Center at 7 a.m. and drive 6 hours to Double Springs. Paddle 3-4 miles until late afternoon.  Set up camp in William Bankhead National Forest next to river.  Paddle, fish, and explore for remainder of day.
Day 2 – Paddle 6 -7 miles.  Return to Mobile (around 7:00 p.m.)

Cost:  $50 for students, $60 staff/faculty, $70 non-USA. Price includes transportation, canoe/kayak, sleeping bag, tent, cooking gear; does not include food.  Payable in full by Thursday, Nov. 19.

Sign up: with Randy Hunter at Campus Recreation or leave a check payable for the $20 deposit or for the full amount payable to “U.S.A.” (sorry, no cash) along with your name and cell phone number at the Front Desk of the Student Recreation Center.  The full fee is payable by Thursday, November 19.  Fees are non-refundable 3 days prior to trip unless we can replace you with someone on wait list or the trip is canceled. Checks will not be deposited until completion of trip; if trip is canceled, all fees will be refunded.

Trip limit: maximum of fourteen, minimum of eight.

Mandatory pre- trip meeting on Thursday, November 19, 8:00 pm at Rec Center.

Driver is needed: any staff or faculty member willing to drive the S.G.A. van will have $50 of their their trip fee waived.  Any student able to drive their vehicle, tow a trailer, and carry 5 will have their fee waived and their gas paid for.