Overview
Covering 7,155 beautiful acres of bottomland hardwood forest and swamp lands along the flood plains of the Sipsey River, the Sipsey Tract in Tuscaloosa County consists of seven acquisitions. These tracts are known as the Sipsey Complex. The Sipsey Complex is divided into two zones, North and South.
These tracts provide public outdoor recreational opportunities, such as camping, fishing, hunting, canoeing, wildlife observation and biking. Public outdoor educational opportunities are also available.
Sipsey North Zone Map
Sipsey South Zone Map
Hunting
Hunters must have a valid hunting license and permit map; and follow regulations, seasons, and limits for the county in which the tract is located. The free permit maps may be downloaded here.
Open Woods Weeks
Several weeks a year the Sipsey Complex has Open Woods Weeks to improve access by the public to the Forever Wild Tract and the Sipsey River for fishing and canoeing.
During Open Woods Weeks, the public is welcome to drive into the tract along the Main Gravel Road leading from the Jack's Drive Parking Area, to the South Gate. The main gate will be open from 4 p.m. on Friday and remains open through the following week until 4 p.m. Sunday.
2023 Open Woods Weeks
- June 23-July 2
- July 21-30
- August 18-27
- September 15-24
In the event the Sipsey River is out of its banks and flooding the roads, the dates will be changed. Canoeing, birding, fishing, picnicking and photography are welcome, but hiking, bicycling and horseback riding are discouraged because of vehicular traffic that will be present on these dates.
Directions
From Tuscaloosa, take Hwy 82 West approximately 9.3 miles to Buhl Cutoff Road. Turn left on Buhl Cutoff Road and travel approximately 1.2 miles to Tuscaloosa Co. Rd. 140. Turn right on Co. Rd. 140 and go approximately 0.1 miles to Co. Rd. 19. Turn left on Co. Rd. 19 and travel approximately 2.2 miles. The property entrance and parking lot will be on the right. The signs for the Sipsey River Recreational Area will also lead to the tract.