We are excited to offer another overnight backpacking adventure for Dads and their Sons! This trip will be on Friday, March 15, through Saturday, March 16. We will explore a unique and wonderful part of God’s creation in the Sipsey Wilderness in northwest Alabama.
The Sipsey is a rugged area full of forested canyons, unique rock formations, and lots of streams and waterfalls. We will hike a total of 6 miles, evenly split between Friday and Saturday. We plan to camp overnight along the scenic rapids of the Sipsey Fork stream, which is about 3 miles from the trailhead. On Saturday, we will hike the same trail back to the trailhead. The trail is mostly flat without a lot of elevation gain, but it is a rugged wilderness area. This trip is open to dads and their sons ages 5 and older. To learn more about the route, click here.
TRIP DETAILS
SCHEDULE - We will meet at Gateway at 7:30 a.m. on Friday, March 15, and drive to the trailhead which is about three hours away. We will work out riding arrangements in personal cars before the trip. Please pack an early lunch that you can eat on the way there. On Saturday, we will return to Gateway by early evening. We will stop at a fast-food restaurant to eat a late lunch together on the way home.
AGE - The trip is open to elementary age boys, youth group teens, and their dads. Because of the limited space and the nature of the hike, the minimum age to participate is 5. Space is limited to 20 people, and advance registration is required (see below).
COST - The cost is $10 per family to help with group dinner expenses.
LOANER GEAR - A limited number of adult backpacks, compact sleeping bags, sleeping pads, and possibly tents are available to borrow if you do not have your own. There also may be some kid's backpacks available to borrow. Please contact Mike Presley if you need to borrow gear.
REQUIRED PRE-TRIP MEETING - About one week prior to the trip, we will have a mandatory pre-trip meeting. At this meeting, which should last about an hour, we will review important safety and logistics details, the trip plan, and the gear/packing list. This also is the opportunity for you to get your loaner items. Sons joining their fathers for this adventure will need to attend as well.
REGISTRATION
Advanced registration is required for this trip. The registration deadline is Thursday, March 7.
NOTE - Registration is now at capacity. If you are interested in going, please use the registration link below to add your name to the wait list. We want to know of your interest so we can notify you if additional space becomes available.
*** CLICK HERE TO REGISTER ***
If you have any questions, please contact Mike Presley or call the church office.