YAY!!! Looks like I'm going to get to head down the Sipsey again this weekend!

[Jdevil]

I plan on going from Borden Bridge to 33 again and was wondering if anyone can direct me to some POI's (Bluff Shelters, Waterfalls, Petroglyphs, etc;) between the Rec. Area and 33. On my first trip down, I feel like we probably missed a lot, so thought I would ask! Thanks for the info! 

[Jdevil]

Well, thanks again just the same!

[JustADude]

Let me suggest this. Nobody answered for two reasons. 1) This site has much less traffic this time of year and 2) There may be few, if any, of those sites on that route.

There are three ways of travel through Bankhead, horseback, on foot, and by canoe/kayak. The horse riders won't see a lot of those sights unless they are right on the side of the trail. Canoe/kayak people won't see a lot of those sites unless they are right on the bank of the stream. Hikers/backpackers find the vast majority of the sights you named, and they don't often hike down that particular route.

[Jdevil]

Yeah, I figured as much and that's okay.  I have found some pretty cool places myself, the last two times I've went down, and have found that hiking up any tributary off of the Sipsey provides a lot of wonderful scenery.  We really enjoyed the falls near the convergence of Sipsey and Hurricane Creek (In my photos to those interested).  Thanks for the heads up!

   

[melonhead]

Yeah, I figured as much and that's okay.  I have found some pretty cool places myself, the last two times I've went down, and have found that hiking up any tributary off of the Sipsey provides a lot of wonderful scenery.  We really enjoyed the falls near the convergence of Sipsey and Hurricane Creek (In my photos to those interested).  Thanks for the heads up!

   

JDevil....AMAZIN G photos. These pictures have got me geeked out on wanting to go kayaking on the Sipsey. Finally getting a kayak Saturday, and hoping to go sometime this month. Are there any maps available for this because Id like to experience all this wonderful scenery you speak of..and take pictures of. Thanks man

[Jdevil]

Thanks and yes, there are a lot! I utilize my GPS mostly (which has built in USGS Topo maps), but also carry a carto-craft map I bought at the Warrior Mountain Trading post in Wren (On Hwy 33 north of the forest), for whenever I stop or have time to do a map recon.  

Also, there is a Briartech map you can download (or save as) for free from:

http://www.briartech.com/sipseyonepagea.pdf

Unfortunately, the prior noted brairtech map only reaches as far south as the rec. area and doesn't cover any details from there to Hwy 33. I must also note that I have found their grids to be slightly "off", but they do get you close to the named POI.  

You can also download entire topographical quads from the USGS for free from the following link.  I love maps and use any (mainly for prior planning) that I can get my hands on.      

http://store.usgs.gov/b2c...&carea=%24ROOT%29/.do

Hope this helps, enjoy!

[melonhead]

Appreciate all the info on maps and all the other tips you sent me. Would never have found this myself. Looking forward to going down the Sipsey here in the next month or so. Thanks again.

[Jdevil]

Anytime!  We actually just got back from the Sipsey and traveled from Hwy 33 down to Hwy 278. Will post a trip report and photos a little later for those interested.  Might as well call it Sipsey "Lake", from Moody Bend on until 278, but it was a good time nonetheless.

[melonhead]

Anytime!  We actually just got back from the Sipsey and traveled from Hwy 33 down to Hwy 278. Will post a trip report and photos a little later for those interested.  Might as well call it Sipsey "Lake", from Moody Bend on until 278, but it was a good time nonetheless.

Yeah man, post that report!

[Jdevil]

Posted! Can be found in the trail journals on the main page.