Hike in Bankhead NF, March 7

 

Wild South hike in Bankhead National Forest

Saturday, March 7, 2015

9:30 a.m.

Warrior Mountains Trading Company

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

Coal Mine Branch and Holmes Chapel Falls

Leader:  Janice Barrett

Distance:  2-3 miles total roundtrip

Rating:  Moderate (no trail)

Open to all ages

Due to overwhelming interest in this hike which was also offered for Feb. 28, we are repeating it on March 7.

This will be a two-part hike, first to Coal Mine Branch then, after a short drive, Holmes Chapel Falls.  Both destinations are in the eastern section of the Bankhead National Forest in the Brushy Creek watershed.

The hike to Coal Mine Branch is about 1.5 mile roundtrip, all off trail.  After a stop at Coal Mine Branch Falls, the hike will continue downstream to Brushy Creek.   The second part of the outing will be to Holmes Chapel Falls which will be a short, half mile hike roundtrip.   Participants must be capable of hiking on rough terrain with no trail.  There will be a few shallow, narrow stream crossings, a stretch or 2 of brief steepness (going into and out of the canyon).

Bring a backpack with lunch, drinking water and snacks.  Pay attention to the weather forecast and dress accordingly.  Bring rain gear if rain is expected.

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 and not be allowed to mooch food from other hikers at lunch time.

After signing up, meet at the Warrior Mountains Trading Company (map link above) at 9:30.  Park on the south end of the building and come into the store.  You will meet your leaders and group at the Wild South picnic table toward the back of the store.  On the table you will find sign-in sheets and a donation bucket.

Wild South hikes are part of our Outreach Program and serve to introduce stakeholders to the wonders of our national forests and wilderness areas.  Hikes are free of charge but your donations are gratefully received and support our work of forest protection.  Wild South is a 501c3 non-profit organization.