Gateway men are invited to join us for a two-night backpacking trip in the Sipsey Wilderness from Friday, March 13, to Sunday, March 15!
We are excited to offer our first two-night backpacking adventure, this time to the scenic Sipsey Wilderness in northwest Alabama. This adventure combines hiking and camping along the trail with Bible study. We will unplug from technology, seek some adventure, hang out by the campfire, and spend some time with the Creator in His creation.
THE HIKE
Our destination will be the Bee Branch Canyon and the famous Big Tree in the Sipsey Wilderness, which is located within the Bankhead National Forest. The Sipsey is a scenic wonder full of emerald-colored streams and forested canyons. The route is relatively flat but there are always a few climbs and a few downed trees to navigate over. We will hike a 14-mile loop over three days. On Friday, we will hike approximately 6 miles passing a waterfall. On Saturday morning, we will have a shorter 2 mile hike to our campsite for night two. That will give us most of the day Saturday for exploring the canyon, a waterfall, and "the Big Tree." Finally, on Sunday, we will hike another 6 miles through a forested area, along a creek, and through a squeeze among some boulders. To learn more about our general route, you can see the trail and pictures of it on AllTrails.
TRIP DETAILS
SCHEDULE - We will meet at Gateway at 7:30 a.m. on Friday morning and make the 3-hour drive to the Sipsey Wilderness. On Sunday, we should return to Gateway by early evening. We will stop to eat a meal at a fast-food restaurant near the trail on the way home.
AGE – The trips is open to Gateway men, as well as youth guys who are ages 13 and up. Space is limited to 20 people, and advance registration is required (see below).
COST - The cost is $20 per person, with a maximum of $30 for a dad and his teenage sons. This will help cover the costs of a group dinner on the first night of the trip. You will need to bring your own dinner for the second night, but we will offer guidance for something easy to prepare.
LOANER GEAR - A limited number of adult backpacks, compact sleeping bags, sleeping pads, and tents are available to borrow if you do not have your own. 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. All men and youth guys going on this trip must participate. 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 as well as work out the riding arrangements. This also is the opportunity for you to get your loaner items.
REGISTRATION
Advanced registration is required. The deadline to register is Friday, March 6.
Please note that space is limited to 20 people. One registration is full, you will be prompted to put your name on a wait list in case space opens up.
CLICK HERE TO REGISTER
We hope you will consider joining us! If you have any questions, please email Mike Presley.