Southeastern Outings River Float on the West Fork Sipsey River

We’ll float downstream on the West Fork Sipsey Fork River from the location of the now removed Low Water Bridge under the Highway 33 Bridge for about three miles to near County Highway 2. Along the way we’ll view high cliffs and overhanging hemlock trees. So enjoy a flowing river, high rock bluffs and a beautiful river—all along a three mile stretch of this river.

Bring something to float on such as an inflatable vinyl float or air mattress.  Substantial, fabric-covered, inflatable, vinyl, rectangular floats like you use to ride the waves at the Gulf work best.  See float note below for information about acquiring floats.  Dan Frederick will bring his float pumps to pump up floats at the edge of the river.

Also please bring a picnic lunch, drink, towel and sunscreen. Pack these items in 2 plastic garbage bags with twist ties, one bag over the other.  Then put the bags in your daypack and strap the pack to your back.  This keeps your things dry and prevents them from floating away.  Wear swimsuit and sturdy foot protection.  Old sneakers work well.  Bare feet, flip-flops, slip-ons and thin-soled “beach shoes” are not acceptable! 

We’ll stop for lunch probably at a beach along the river.  Have fun floating and swimming with us in one of Alabama’s most scenic rivers.  You must be able to swim to participate in this outing!

Well-behaved, properly supervised children age 9 and up able to swim welcome, but parents are responsible for all risks to their children.

Spring floats and inflatable boats are not permitted on this SEO river float!  A spring float is a flotation device consisting of an inflatable outer oval with a small, few inch diameter cross section and a large mesh interior.  Those spring floats are meant for floating in swimming pools and on lakes in still water, not for floating the Sipsey Fork River.  They are difficult to steer and therefore unsafe for use on Southeastern Outings river floats.

Bring a friend or several if you wish.  Please be at the Floor and Décor Store on Green Springs Highway no later than 8:45 a.m. ready to depart promptly at 9:00 a.m. or at the Jacks in Double Springs at 10:20 a.m.

Please note that we may have to cancel this outing if the water level Friday, August 20, in the Sipsey Fork River is too low to float.  So please be sure to check your emails or call Dan Frederick, 205/631-4680 the evening of Friday, August 20 or the morning of Saturday, August 21, to ascertain whether we are going on August 21 or not.

Info: Dan Frederick, seoutings@bellsouth.net or 631-4680

DIRECTIONS TO MEETING PLACES

Floor and Décor Store–230 Green Springs Highway, Homewood, AL 35209. In front of the far left side (as you face the front of the store) of the old KMart building, now the Floor and Décor Store, between I-65 and Green Springs Highway just off Oxmoor Road in Homewood.  Next to the Burger King on Oxmoor Road.

Jack’s Double Springs—15266 U.S. Highway 278, Double Springs, AL 35553. On U.S. Highway 278 about ¼ mile east of stoplight at intersection of Highways 278, 33 and 195.

River Float Note

Substantial, fabric-covered, inflatable, vinyl, rectangular floats like you use to ride the waves at the Gulf work best.  This year trip leader Dan Frederick finally has 60- inch floats for sale for $15 each ONLY at the start of the river floatS.  We regret that at this time we have been unable to find a source where we can buy more of the 72-inch canvas-covered floats.  Please pay either with exact change or a check made out to SEO.  First come, first served.

Since we have been unable to locate a source for the 72-inch canvas surf riders for the past 5 or so years, recreational vinyl tubes and truck tire tubes may also be used as your flotation device on this trip.

Dan will provide hand float pumps to pump up your float or tube at the start point of the river float.

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 about 250 members.  We scheduled forty-six events during the six months ending May 31, 2021 for an average of EIGHT fun events per month.  We enjoy the outdoors in all seasons throughout the year.

SEO does not charge for participation in any of its outings.  You do not have to be a member to participate in one or two SEO activities.  Dues are only $10 per family or household.  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 most of our outings.

Thank you.