Wild South hike in Bankhead NF, Feb. 1

 Hike with Wild South to Indian Tomb Hollow and High House Hill

Saturday, February  1, 2014

9:30 a.m.

Warrior Mountains Trading Company

Sign up HERE!  Group size is limited, so sign up quick!

Hike distance:  approx. 3 miles roundtrip

Leader:  Grant Posey

Rating:   Moderate

All ages welcome

With its legendary cultural history, amazing geology and rich botanical diversity, Indian Tomb Hollow is a fascinating and beautiful place, even in the wintertime.

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 Indian marker tree and Gillespie Cemetery.  The route will leave the road for a narrow trail into the forest which leads upstream on Gillespie Creek, closely following the creek.  On the way back, Grant will lead the group across Gillespie Creek and up the hill to the base of the bluff for exploration on High House Hill.  In less than half a mile, hikers experience the transition of the landscape from limestone and a calcitic forest down by the creek to sandstone and upland hardwood forest on the bluffline. 

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.

FOR BOTH HIKES:

Be prepared for wet, slippery terrain and rocks, some short stretches of steep climbing.  Wear clothes layered for warmth and sturdy footwear with good traction.  Bring rain gear if rain is forecast.

Bring a backpack lunch, snacks, drinking water.

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 9:30 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 and put to work in our Volunteer Wilderness Ranger Program.