PADDLE AND CAMP THE SIPSEY RIVER

Join Campus Recreation and Outdoor Adventures as we Paddle and Camp the Sipsey River on November 17 and 18 (Saturday and Sunday). This is our favorite and most highly recommended trip.

The Sipsey – 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. 

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:  $70 for students and $75 for family member; $75 staff/faculty/alums and $80 for family members; $85 non-USA. Price includes transportation, canoe/kayak, sleeping bag, tent, cooking gear; does not include food.  Payable in full by Thursday, September 29.

How to sign up: Leave a check payable 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.  We will call you to confirm your place on the trip along with more information.  We will accept registrants up until pre-trip meeting.  Fees are then non-refundable 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 15, 8:00 pm at Student Recreation Center to sign forms, discuss trip, hand out gear, answer questions.