Sipsey River

I am going to collect Sipsey Beta in this blog.  The Sipsey River is a Wild and Scenic designated river, the only one in the state of Alabama.

The gauge is here:  https://waterdata.usgs.gov/monitoring-location/02450250/#dataTypeId=continuous-00065-0&period=P7D&showMedian=false
From Spencer R. on FB: I’ve always used water level instead of cfs on sipsey. 4’ on the Grayson gauge is my low level, 6’ is perfect and 8’ is flooded and pushy.

The Sipsey river section most people run puts in at Cranal Rd. https://maps.app.goo.gl/xukrgk3YVe4atnEc7 and takes out at CR 33. https://maps.app.goo.gl/X9dff5rGRjZzxeFs6

The takeout at CR 33 is difficult.  There is a carry-up via a muddy trail, then another carry-up to an upper parking area, unless someone with a lifted 4x4 can get to the lower parking area.

The takeout difficulties are unfortunate, but worth it for one of the most beautiful flat water floats in the state.  There is one class II rapid, 100 Yard Dash, that may be challenging for newer boaters but is fairly straightforward.   The Sipsey offers many great sites for camping overnight. A longer trip can be had if you start on one of the Sipsey tributaries, Borden or Thompson creeks.  But be aware of wood/strainers in the river; there may be portages.

Alabamawhitewater page about the Sipsey here: http://alabamawhitewater.com/Run/Details/14