Bankhead National Forest (AL) Hike Oct. 27

In the Warrior Mountains of the Bankhead National Forest in northwest Alabama, layers of human history mingle with the last 10,000 years or so of natural history.  This is evident in varying ways throughout the forest.  The relatively flat land and limestone creeks and springs of the northeast corner of what is now Bankhead National Forest made it attractive to European settlers who farmed the area beginning about 200 years ago.  One of these settler families were ancestors of Wild South volunteer Robert Howell. 

A tributary of Flint Creek runs through Wiggins Hollow, this time of year reflecting the glowing colors of fall leaves.  Flint Creek and its tributaries are part of the Flint Creek Botanical Area, and in the springtime the wildflowers are astonishingly abundant and diverse.  One of the largest patches of Horsetail in the forest grows on the bank of the creek.

Robert’s personal and deep family connection with Wiggins Hollow will enrich hikers’ experience of the natural beauty and interesting botanical features.

Bring a backpack with lunch, snacks, drinking water.  Bring rain gear if there is a chance of rain.

There is no trail on this hike.  Long pants and sturdy closed-toe shoes are recommended.  There are narrow, shallow creek crossings, briars, and lush vegetation under foot.

The ground is rugged. You know, the usual untrammeled forest floor scenario!  There is little or no elevation change, but the distance and the absence of a trail make this hike one that is most suitable for folks with some hiking experience.

After signing up, meet at the Warrior Mountains Trading Company at 11312 Alabama Highway 33, Moulton, AL at 9:00 a.m. on Saturday, October 27.  Park on the south end of the building and come into the store.  Make your way to the Wild South picnic table in the back of the store.  There you’ll find sign-in sheets, donation bucket and Wild South stuff.  That’s where we’ll meet up for a chat before we drive to the forest.

Sign up or ask questions at janice@wildsouth.org