Wild South hike in Bankhead NF (AL) September 21

Our last hike of summer

Parker Branch in the Sipsey Wilderness

Saturday, September 21

9:00 a.m.

Click HERE to sign up!

Group size is strictly limited and advance sign-up is required

Distance:  3.5 miles roundtrip

Rating:  Moderately challenging, for experienced hikers only

Leader:  Janice Barrett

Ages 12 and over

Wild South hikes in the Bankhead are normally the first and last Saturdays of every month.  This month, the last Saturday is National Public Lands Day, on which we are conducting a special volunteer work day.

In the heat of summer, we seek the green coolness of canyon streams.   Parker Branch, on the far western edge of the Sipsey Wilderness, is one of those places.  With tall sandstone bluffs rising on both sides, a forest of hemlocks and hardwoods, ferns and sumptuous moss create a verdant temple.

There is a trail for about a mile from Kinlock Road to the narrow, precipitous descent into the canyon, which is where we leave the trail to follow the stream down to Parker Branch Falls.

Expect many creek shallow crossings, very slick rocks, and off-trail hiking.  Be prepared for ticks, but please be conservative with the use of repellent (most of it doesn’t work anyway) and consider that once sprayed, that will be all you or anyone else in the group will smell.

Footwear must be suitable for hiking on land and in water and must have good tread for reliable traction on slippery rocks.

Bring a backpack with lunch, snacks and lots of drinking water.  Remember:  That one-mile trail back to the road will be more uphill and longer on the way out than it was going in!  If serious allergic reaction to insect stings is an issue, bring your Epi-Pen.  A walking stick really helps with the creek crossings.

Meet at the Warrior Mountains Trading Company at 11312 AL Hwy. 33, Moulton, AL at 9:00.  Park on the south end of the building and come into the store.  At 9:00, we will gather at the Wild South picnic table near the back of the store.  Sign-in sheets and the donation bucket will be on the picnic table.

Contact us HERE to ask questions or sign up.

Wild South hikes are free of charge but we do love and appreciate donations!  All hiker donations are put to work right here in the Bankhead National Forest.  Thank you!