Southeastern Outings Canoe and Kayak Trip on the Elk River near Elkmont, Alabama

The section we will paddle is easy with few obstructions.  This is a scenic stretch of river located in a very rural area.  Novice canoeists are welcome and may come on this trip, but each one must be partnered with an experienced canoeist in their boat. 

Note-To view photos of what we will see on this trip, please click on this link:

https://picasaweb.google.com/117487739902236300578/ElkRiverElkmontAL?noredirect=1

Please be sure to click on the link and view the photographs.

If you want to rent a kayak, please call Fort Hampton Outfitters 256/431-8988 to reserve your rental kayak.  Be sure to identify yourself as coming with Southeastern Outings on JUne 20.  Please note that the outfitter has no canoes and only 12 one-person kayaks and 5 tandem kayaks for rent, so be sure you call to reserve early.  Once all their kayaks are reserved for JUne 20, there will be no more kayaks available to rent from that outfitter! If you rent a kayak from this outfitter, the outfitter will take you and your rented boat to the put in and meet you at the take out, so you will never need to transport your rented boat at all.  You may bring your own canoe or kayak on this trip, but you must pay the outfitter to shuttle your privately-owned boat.  Shuttle fee is included in rental boat fee for those who rent kayaks from the outfitter.  Please note that this outfitter does not rent canoes at all.  If you want to rent a canoe for this outing, we suggest that you contact UAB Outdoor Pursuits.  See UAB canoe rental note below for more information.  You will also be required to pay a shuttle fee if you bring on this trip a boat rented from UAB Outdoor Pursuits.  Please see note for canoe trips below for additional important general information as well. Children age 10 and over welcome.

After the kayak/canoe trip we plan to go for dinner at a restaurant.  If you would like to have dinner with us at the restaurant after the canoe trip, please bring your things to clean up with and a change of clothes. Depart 9:00 a.m. from the Hayden/Corner Park and Ride. 

Reservations Required: You must call Dan Frederick, 205-631-4680 if you plan to come on this canoe trip.  Please advise your name, telephone number, skill level, and the name, phone number and skill level of your paddling partner if selected.  You may leave a message on Dan’s voice mail if you wish. 

Info: If you have further questions, please call Dan Frederick, 205-631-4680. 

DIRECTIONS TO MEETING PLACE

Hayden/Corner Park and Ride—171 State Highway 160, Warrior, AL 35180. Exit 284 off I-65 North, take right on AL 160 at end of exit ramp, immediate right on U.S. 31 and then enter fenced parking lot on right.

Note for Canoe Trips-The canoe outings listed above are suitable for beginner/novice canoeists, but each beginner canoeist must paddle with an experienced canoeist.   Life jackets are required and must be worn.  You are responsible for finding your own canoe or kayak.  Borrow one, paddle with a friend or rent from the outfitter listed.  Bring your picnic lunch, sunscreen, hat (optional) and something to drink with you in the canoe.  Wear old shoes you don't mind getting wet (old sneakers work well). Also please bring at least 6 feet of sturdy cord to tie up your canoe if you don’t already have cord attached to your own boat or especially if you are renting a canoe.  If you have further questions, please call the trip leader.

UAB Canoe Rental Info: UAB will rent two-person canoes with 2 paddles and 2 life vests for $25/day.  One person sit-on-top kayaks with 1 paddle and 1 life vest for $20/day. Two person sit-on-top kayaks with 2 paddles and 2 life vests for $30/day.  All rentals include racks (foam blocks and straps).  Pick up and drop off at Campus Recreation Center, 1501 University Boulevard.  Go to the back of the Recreation Center, ring the doorbell under the green awing at the single man door, or call the Outdoor Rental Outpost number on your cell phone, and they'll open the garage door for you. Parking behind the Recreation Center is for loading only. Do not park in one of the five designated spaces. These are reserved for permit holders. Hours: M & F 9:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. Tue, Wed, Thu 12:00 noon to 6:00 p.m.; Sat. 8:00 a.m. to 12:00 noon, Sun. 1:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m.  To incur only a one-day charge for Saturday canoe trips, please pick up your canoe Friday between 4-6 p.m. and drop it off before 6:00 p.m. Sunday.  Staff may be available to assist in loading and unloading your boat.  UAB is not responsible for the safety and security of the boat in your possession or on you vehicle at any time during the rental. Please note that you may pay for and therefore reserve your rental boat in advance via phone at (205) 996-4913 during the office hours given above up to 2 weeks in advance. Then you may pick up your boat the afternoon before the day of use and be sure your boat will be available.  UAB staff person in charge is Bill Pierce, wlpierce@uab.edu.  UAB Outdoor Pursuits website address is http://studentaffairs.uab.edu/CampusRecreation/equipment.html

DESCRIPTION OF SOUTHEASTERN OUTINGS

Do you wish you had friends who share your active lifestyle and enjoyment of outdoor activities?  Then become active with Southeastern Outings (SEO), a nonprofit organization committed and created to serve people who enjoy being active in the outdoors.  The organization plans, organizes and leads outings such as dayhikes, easy kayak and canoe trips, stream and waterfall walks, bicycle rides, lake events and other fun activities to beautiful sites in our natural environment.  From time to time we also sponsor potluck suppers and other socials.  All events and activities of the group are open to the public.  Participating in SEO activities is a splendid, simple way to make congenial new friends who enjoy the outdoors.

NO DOGS OR SMOKING ALLOWED, PLEASE, ON ANY SOUTHEASTERN OUTINGS EVENTS. 

The organization currently has over 420 members.  We scheduled ninety-two events during calendar year 2014 for an average of 8 fun events per month.  We enjoy the outdoors in all seasons throughout the year.  Thirty people, on average, have participated in each outing during the first three months of 2015. SEO does not charge for participation in any of its outings.  You do not have to be a member to participate in SEO activities.  Dues are only $10.  Please contact Dan Frederick, President, 205-631-4680, or seoutings@bellsouth.net for more information and to obtain three free monthly newsletters with membership application and a complete description of all our outdoor events. Southeastern Outings now has a website.  Just go to seoutings.org to find announcements of all our upcoming outings scheduled plus some brief, general information about Southeastern Outings, a membership application and 1500 lovely photographs from several of our outings. Thank you.