Hikes in the Bankhead National Forest, April 2

Two Wild South Hikes in Bankhead National Forest

Saturday, April 2

9:30 a.m.

Warrior Mountains Trading Company

Sign up at janice@wildsouth.org or 256-974-6166.  Advance sign-up required.  Hikes fill quickly!  Please include your phone number in e-mail and indicate which hike you are signing up for.

Wildflower Hike in Wiggins Hollow

Leaders:  Robert Howell and botanist Kevin England

Distance:  2.5 miles roundtrip

Level of challenge:  Moderate

All ages welcome

There is lots to see and learn on this hike, which will take place in the northeastern section of the Bankhead National Forest.  Wiggins Hollow was the site of land formerly owned by hike leader Robert Howell’s family so Robert is knowledgeable of the history of the area.  Robert is a volunteer hike leader, Helping Hands volunteer and volunteer wilderness ranger for Wild South.

Kevin England is a Lawrence County native whose family goes back five generations in the Warrior Mountains of the Bankhead National Forest.  Kevin is a botanist and teaches at Russellville High School.

Hikers will see springs, wildflowers and two waterfalls. It is a fairly easy hike with several stream crossings and a short uphill walk to the waterfalls.

There are no trails on this hike.  Be prepared for walking through forest undergrowth and crossing narrow, shallow streams.

High-clearance vehicles do best on the road to the turnaround at Wiggins Hollow because of a deep mud hole.

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A Mosey Through the Posies

Leader:  Janice Barrett   

Distance:  1.5-2 miles roundtrip

Level of challenge:  Moderately easy

All ages and welcome

The destination for this nature hike will be decided according to weather and what’s in bloom where.   Wherever we go, our focus will be the wonders of springtime in our Warrior Mountains.  Bring the kids! This hike will be just right for beginning hikers, those wanting a slower, easier pace, and children.

For all hikes:

Bring a backpack with lunch, snacks, water.

Be prepared for narrow, shallow creek crossings, mud and to have a good time!

Wear clothes suitable for hiking and for the weather.  Footwear must give reliable traction on slippery, muddy, rocky terrain.  No flip-flops or slick soles.

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.

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.

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 leader 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 and Education 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.