Get outside and explore YOUR forest!

Two hikes to choose from on April 1

9:30 a.m.

Warrior Mountains Trading Company at 11312 Alabama Hwy. 33, Moulton, Alabama

Sign up at janice@wildsouth.org or 256-974-6166 and leave your phone number, which hike you prefer and number in your group.  Advance sign-up is required.

Coal Mine Branch Falls

Leader:  Tim Davis

Distance:  3 miles roundtrip

Level of challenge:  Moderate (completely off-trail)

Ages 10 and over

This hike begins on Holmes Chapel Road in the eastern side of Bankhead National Forest.  Coal Mine Branch is a tributary of Brushy Creek.  There is no trail in this area and hikers can expect rough terrain but with little change in elevation.

Thompson Creek Botanical Hike

Leader:  Kevin England

Distance: 5 miles roundtrip

Level of Challenge:  Moderate

All ages welcome

Botanist Kevin England will lead a hike on Thompson Creek (Trail 206) in the Sipsey Wilderness to Ship Rock.  Thompson Creek is famous for its stunning diversity of ephemeral springtime plants.  Hikers can expect narrow stream crossings and possibly wet trail conditions (depending on rainfall).

For Both Hikes:  

Bring a backpack with lunch, snacks, drinking water.  Other suggested items:  field guide to wildflowers, notebook and pen, camera.  A walking stick may help with creek crossings and uneven, rugged terrain.

Be prepared for slick rocks and multiple creek crossings by making sure shoes are sturdy with grippy soles.

Dress for the weather, in layers.  Bring rain gear if rain is predicted.  Keep an eye on the forecast.  We do not always cancel a hike because of rain, so be prepared!

To guard against ticks, we recommend permethrin products that you spray on your clothes, such as Permanone by Repel or Sawyers.  This stuff needs to dry on your clothes for 4 hours before you put them on.  It has no smell and it really works, unlike most things.

After signing up, meet at the Warrior Mountains Trading Company at 11312 AL Hwy. 33, Moulton, AL at 9:30 a.m.  Park on the south end of the building and come into the store.  Meet your leader at the tables toward the back of the store at 9:30.

DOGS ON WILD SOUTH HIKES:  Well-behaved, socialized, non-threatening dogs may come on Wild South hikes but must be leashed at all times.

No smoking, please, on our hikes.

Wild South hikes are free of charge because we want people to get out there and get to know their forest!  There will be a donation bucket on the picnic table.  All donations directly support our hikes and education program.  Thank you for your support!

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