Bankhead National Forest hike May 25

Bankhead National Forest (Alabama) Hike

Saturday, May 25

Warrior Mountains Trading Company

9:00 a.m.

Advance sign-up required:  Click HERE

Group size is limited.

Hike to, on and under Balls Mountain Glade

Leader:  Julia Bright

Distance:  Approx. 1.5 miles roundtrip

Rating:  Moderate

All ages welcome

The hike to Balls Mountain Glade begins near the west end of Cranal Road.  The approach takes us through a USFW maintained wildlife opening , back into forest, then up the rocky slope and onto the open sandstone glade.  The grade of the terrain is gentle until actually upon the glade where the slope is quite steep in some places.   Atop the glade is open rockface with patches of vegetation.  It is surrounded by forest.  Being on a glade, one feels inclined to recline, to bask, to sit, contemplate and observe.  To listen.  This a place rich with birds in the spring and summer.

Tucked into the shaded moist base of the massive rock formation that forms the glade is a previously inhabited rock shelter.  In the relatively small area that includes the sandstone glade and the bluff wall, there is an astounding diversity of plants.

 Be prepared for off-trail hiking (there is no trail), walking through tall grasses, briars, forest.  The rock slopes on the glade are slippery if there is any moisture at all.  Footwear should be sturdy with good, reliable tread.  If it’s a sunny day, a hat and sunblock will be useful.

Bring a backpack lunch, snacks and drinking water.  Other handy items:  a notebook and pen, camera, walking stick.  If severe allergic reaction to insect stings is an issue, bring your Epi-Pen.

After signing up, meet at the Warrior Mountains Trading Company at 11312 AL Hwy. 33, Moulton, AL.  Park on the south end of the building, come into the store and make your way to the Wild South picnic table where you will find sign-in sheets, the donation bucket and your fearless leader, Julia.  Everyone will gather here at 9:00.

There is no charge for this event, but donations are gratefully accepted and will support our work in the Bankhead National Forest.