Kinlock WW group2

Wild South hike in the Bankhead National Forest

Saturday, August 6

Warrior Mountains Trading Company

9:30 a.m.

Sign up at janice@wildsouth.org or 256-974-6166.  Groups size is limited and advance sign-up is required.

Destination:  Fall Creek Falls, Sipsey WildernessHeart rock

Leader:  Janice Barrett

Distance:  2 miles round trip

Level of Challenge:  Moderate

All ages welcome

This hike is great for the whole family.  The most challenging part will be the summer heat, but we take it easy on the speed and are all about stopping to look at things and taking time to soak in the wonders of the forest and the Sipsey Fork.

Fall Creek Falls is a waterfall located on Fall Creek in the southern portion of the Sipsey Wilderness.  Our trailhead is at the Sipsey Recreation Area.  We will begin on Trail 200 then in 1/2 mile will cross Borden Creek and continue upstream on Sipsey Fork following Trail 209. Water is low in the creeks this time of year so the Borden Creek crossing will be a shallow wade.

There may be little or no water coming over the waterfall, but there will be opportunities to cool off in the river!

Be prepared for

  • rocky, rooty forest terrain with slippery rocks (make sure footwear is up to the task – no flip-flops or slick-soled shoes)
  • ticks (see “Ticks” below)
  • weather (watch the forecast)
  • extraordinary natural beauty (bring a camera)

Bring

  • a daypack with lunch, snacks, drinking water
  • Epi-Pen if severe allergic reaction to insect stings is a concern
  • Those who drive to the trailhead will need $3 per car for the day-use fee at Sipsey Recreation Area

Dogs on Wild South hikes:  Only dogs that are well-behaved, peaceable, that get along well with other dogs and humans are welcome on Wild South hikes.  Dogs must remain leashed and under owner’s control at all times and not be allowed to mooch food from other hikers at lunch time.  If dog poops on trail, poop must be picked up and discarded away from trail and any stream or packed out. There is a danger in Bankhead of dogs contracting Pseudo rabies from feral hogs.

Ticks:  The most effective protection against tick-borne diseases is the type of permethrin product that is sprayed on clothing.  Permanone (by Repel) and Sawyers are a couple of brands.  Spray on clothing (not skin) at least 4 hours before wearing (that) clothing.  It has no scent whatsoever.

Wild South hikes are smoke free, and we don’t just mean forest fires.  Thank you for not smoking.

Meet up:  After signing up, meet at the Warrior Mountains Trading Company at 11312 AL Hwy. 33, Moulton (map link above) at 9:30 a.m..  Park on the south end of the building and come into the store.  You will meet your group at the tables toward the back of the store.  On a table you will find sign-in sheets and a donation bucket.  If it makes sense for you to meet us at the trailhead instead, please indicate that upon sign up.

Wild South hikes are part of our Outreach and Education Program and are free of charge.  However, donations to our Outreach and Education Program are gratefully accepted and keep the program going.  Thank you.

 

 

 

Posted in Get Outside, Hikes, Latest News