Wild Wednesday Caney 2014 022

Celebrate National Trails Day with a Hike  to Caney Creek Falls

Saturday, June 4, 2016

9:30 a.m.

Warrior Mountains Trading Company

Sign up at janice@wildsouth.org or 256-974-6166.  Advance sign up is required in order to keep group size limited.  Hikes fill quickly!

Leader:  Janice Barrett

Distance:  3 miles, roundtrip (with a 2 mile roundtrip option)

Level of Challenge:  ModerateSusan map - Cropped

All ages welcome

Caney Creek Falls is a spectacular year-round waterfall that falls into the perfect swimming hole!  Following the creek downstream takes us away from the falls on the rocky, forested creekbank and into the shallow water, to lower Caney Creek falls, which is where we will have lunch.
The approach to the canyon waterfall is a 1-mile hike on an old road, gradually downhill most of the way, until the end where the trail descends more steeply then is briefly precipitous.  Hiking out, it’s a steep climb up for the first quarter mile or so.

There are several shallow creek crossings.  A walking stick or trekking poles are helpful on the slippery rocks.

Be prepared for

  • rocky, rooty forest terrain with slippery rocks (make sure footwear is up to the task – no flip-flops or slick-soled shoes)
  • ticks (see “Ticks” below)
  • weather (watch the forecast, bring rain gear if needed)
  • extraordinary natural beauty (bring a camera)

Bring

  • a daypack with lunch, snacks, drinking water
  • Epi-Pen if severe allergic reaction to insect stings is a concern

Dogs on Wild South 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.  If dog poops on trail, poop must be picked up and discarded away from trail and any stream or packed out. There is also a danger in Bankhead of dogs contracting Pseudo rabies from feral hogs.

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 group at the tables toward the back of the store.  On a table you will find sign-in sheets and a donation bucket.  If it makes sense for you to meet us at the trailhead instead, please indicate that upon sign up.

Wild South hikes are part of our Outreach and Education Program and are free of charge.  However, donations to our Outreach and Education Program are gratefully accepted and keep the program going.  Thank you.