Bankhead National Forest hike, March 30

First hikes of Springtime!

Saturday, March 30  9:00 a.m.

Warrior Mountains Trading Company

Group size is limited, advance sign-up required: e-mail us or 256-974-6166.

Two hikes to choose from!

Sipsey Wilderness Trail #203 (The Lookout Trail)

Leader:  Julia Bright

Distance:  3.75 – 4 miles roundtrip

Rating:  Moderate

All ages

Beginning at the curved bridge on Borden Creek at the end of Bunyan Hill Road in the eastern part of the Sipsey Wilderness, hikers will follow trail #203 along Borden Creek then ascend through Eastern hemlock, Bigleaf magnolia and hardwood forest, dipping in and out of sandstone coves.  Amid the awakening old-growth forest, the emergence of early spring wildflowers,  small streams and waterfalls,  and an old whiskey still site up under a rock shelter are some of the natural and cultural features along this wilderness trail.

Indian Tomb Hollow

Leader:  Susan Wells

Distance:  3 miles roundtrip

Moderately challenging

Ages 10 and over

With its legendary cultural history, amazing geology, rich botanical diversity, Indian Tomb Hollow is a fascinating and beautiful place.   The hike will begin at the limestone glade near the gate on Alexander Motorway and proceed up the old road alongside Gillespie Creek with stops at the marker tree and Gillespie Cemetery.  In one mile, the route will leave the road for a narrow trail into the forest which leads upstream on Gillespie Creek, then up into the bluffline and rock shelters in the upper part of the canyon.

Be prepared for creek crossings and getting feet in water.  Make sure footwear is suitable for wet conditions.  Rubber boots are NOT recommended; wool socks are.  A large portion of this hike is off trail and fairly rugged and steep.

FOR BOTH HIKES:

Be prepared for wet, slippery terrain and rocks, some short stretches of steep climbing.  Wear clothes layered for warmth and sturdy footwear with good traction.

Bring a backpack lunch, snacks, drinking water.

After signing up, meet up at the Warrior Mountains Trading Company at 11312 AL Hwy. 33, Moulton, AL.  Park on the south end of the store close to the building and come into the store.  Gather at the Wild South picnic table in the back of the store.  We will rendezvous here at 9:00 before embarking on our adventure!

Wild South hikes in the Bankhead National Forest are offered the first and last Saturdays of every month and are free of charge, but your donation in the bucket on the picnic table will be gratefully received and put to work in our Volunteer Wilderness Ranger Program in the Sipsey, Cheaha and Dugger Mountain Wilderness Areas!