Valentine’s Day hike in Bankhead National Forest (AL)

 

Love your forest!

Hike to Sougahoagdee Falls in the Bankhead National Forest

February 14, 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:  Janice Barrett

Distance: 4.5 miles roundtrip

Rating:  Moderately challenging

Open to all ages

In winter, the hike to Sougahoagdee Falls is an immersion in the musicality of water.   Beginning  at the Brushy Creek bridge on Hickory Grove Road, we will follow Brushy Creek upstream, dipping in and out of coves that resonate with the sounds of falling, running, cascading water.  The sandstone canyon is saturated in deep green of hemlocks, mosses, ferns and hollies.

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.

Because of overwhelming response to this hike, Wild South member and volunteer, Grant Posey, will lead an additional hike to Indian Tomb Hollow on Valentine’s Day.  The Indian Tomb Hollow hike is rated moderate, 3 miles roundtrip, will include the Indian Marker Tree, Gillespie Creek, and the amazing rock formations of High House Hill.  The hike is partially off-trail.

For both hikes:

Bring a backpack with lunch, snacks, water.

Wear clothing layered for winter hiking.  Footwear needs to be sturdy, water-repellent, warm, with lug soles for reliable traction on slippery, muddy, rocky terrain.  Wool socks are recommended.

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!