Wild South Hike in Bankhead National Forest June 27
Hike to Sougahoagdee Falls in the Bankhead National Forest
June 27, 2015
9:00 a.m.
Warrior Mountains Trading Company
Sign up at Janice@wildsouth.org or 256-974-6166 . Groups size is limited and advance sign-up is required. Our hikes fill quickly!
Leader: Julia Bright
Distance: 4.5 miles roundtrip
Rating: Moderately challenging
Open to all ages
Beginning at the Brushy Creek bridge on Hickory Grove Road, we will follow Brushy Creek upstream, dipping in and out of coves lush with summer foliage of hardwoods and Eastern hemlocks. The sandstone canyon is saturated in deep cool green of mosses and ferns.
The trail is unmapped, unmaintained, rough and uneven. There are brief instances of steep climbs up and down slopes and banks. Expect to climb over/under fallen trees. Stream crossings are narrow and shallow. Those who sign up must be capable of hiking 4.5 miles in these conditions, plus heat and humidity.
Be prepared for summertime conditions of heat, humidity, ticks. If severe allergic reaction to insect stings is an issue, remember your Epi-Pen. For tick protection, we recommend permethrin products such as Sawyers or Permanone. These require 4-hour advance treatment of clothing (not for skin). It’s the only thing we’ve found that works to keep ticks off. And it doesn’t have that horrible overpowering stink that blows our sense of smell for all the good forest air for the rest of the day!
Bring a backpack with lunch, snacks, water. Don’t skimp on the drinking water – bring more than you think you’ll need.
Wear clothing appropriate for summer hiking. Footwear needs to be sturdy and protective, with lug soles for reliable traction on slippery, rocky terrain.
Dogs on 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.
After signing up, meet at the Warrior Mountains Trading Company (map link above) a few minutes before 9:00 a.m. Park on the south end of the building and come into the store. Make your way to the Wild South picnic table toward the back. This is where you will find sign-in sheets, a donation bucket and your hike leader. Welcome and introduction will begin at 9:00.
Hikes are part of Wild South’s Outreach Program and are intended to introduce stakeholders (you!) to our public lands as well as to our organization. Our hikes are free of charge, but your love offering will be gratefully accepted and used to advance our work in the Bankhead National Forest. Thank you!