Hike to Indian Tomb Hollow, Bankhead National Forest, April 25

Springtime would not be complete without a trip to

Indian Tomb Hollow

Saturday, April 25

9:00 a.m.

Warrior Mountains Trading Company

Group size is limited, advance sign-up required: janice@wildsouth.org or 256-974-6166.  Please include your phone number

Leader:  Janice Barrett

Distance:  3-4 miles roundtrip

Moderately challenging

Ages 10 and over

With its legendary cultural history, amazing geology and rich botanical diversity, Indian Tomb Hollow is a fascinating and beautiful place.   The hike will begin at the limestone glade near the gate on Alexander Motorway and proceed up the old road alongside Gillespie Creek with stops at the marker tree and Gillespie Cemetery.  In one mile, the route will leave the road for a narrow trail into the forest which leads upstream on Gillespie Creek, then up into the bluffline and rock shelters in the upper part of the canyon.

Be prepared for creek crossings and getting feet in water.  Make sure footwear is suitable for wet conditions.  Rubber boots are NOT recommended; wool socks are.  A large portion of this hike is off trail and fairly rugged and steep.

Be prepared for wet, slippery terrain and rocks, some steep climbing.  Wear sturdy footwear with good traction.  Long pants are recommended.  For protection against ticks, we recommend Permanone or Sawyers.  These are permethrin products that you spray on your clothes only – not on skin – and allow to dry for 4 hours before wearing.  They don’t have that awful tick spray smell that masks all the good smells of the the forest.  And they really work.

Bring a backpack with lunch, snacks, drinking water.

DOGS ON WILD SOUTH HIKES:  Well-behaved, socialized, non-threatening dogs may come on Wild South hikes but must be leashed at all times and not allowed to mooch from other hikers at lunchtime.

After signing up, meet up at the Warrior Mountains Trading Company at 11312 AL Hwy. 33, Moulton, AL.  Park on the south end of the store close to the building and come into the store.  Gather at the Wild South picnic table in the back of the store.  We will rendezvous here at 9:00 before embarking on our adventure!

Wild South hikes in the Bankhead National Forest are offered the first and last Saturdays of every month and are free of charge, but your donation in the bucket on the picnic table will be gratefully received.