Ground Hog Day Hike for kids and families in Bankhead NF! Feb. 2

Hike in Bankhead National Forest (Alabama) for kids and families

Saturday, February 2

9:30 a.m.

Group size is limited and advance sign-up is required:  janice@wildsouth.org.  Adults bringing children and teens will have priority on the sign-up list.

Leader:  Janice Barrett

Distance:  Total approx. 1.5 mi.

Rating:  Moderately easy

All ages

This will be a two-part adventure!  First stop will be the Hepsidam Pond just off the Wilderness Parkway (Highway 33) to check up on the Spotted salamander eggs and explore for other amphibious treasures.

Next, we will drive to the Sipsey Recreation Area.  The Sipsey Rec Area trail follows the Sipsey Fork (River) south of the Sipsey Wilderness boundary.  Snaking in and out of sandstone coves, the trail passes waterfalls, cascades and crosses streams that are racing to the river!  Even in mid-winter, we will be in lush green forest, thanks to Eastern hemlock and American holly trees, an abundance of mosses, ferns and other plants that are sheltered by the protective environment of the sandstone canyon.

Be prepared for wet, slippery terrain, rocks and groundhogs.  Wear clothes layered for warmth and sturdy footwear with good traction.

Bring a backpack lunch, snacks, drinking water.  There is a $3 per car fee at the recreation area.

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 9:30 before embarking on our adventure!

Wild South hikes are free of charge, but your donation in the bucket on the picnic table will be gratefully received and put to work locally!