Rebirth

Botanical Hike on Thompson Creek, Sipsey Wilderness

Saturday, April 30

9:00 a.m.

Warrior Mountains Trading Company

Sign up at janice@wildsouth.org or 256-974-6166.  Group size is strictly limited and advance sign-up is required.  Don’t put it off – our hikes fill quickly!

Leaders:  Janice Barrett and Kevin England

Distance:  5 miles roundtrip

Level of Challenge:  Moderately challenging

Ages 12 and overBluebells3 - Copy

Springtime would not be complete without a hike on Thompson  Creek, one of the premier botanical areas in this part of the country.  Our hike will begin at the Thompson Creek trailhead (#206) on the western side of the Sipsey Wilderness with the aim of making it to Ship Rock.

Elevation change on the trail is minimal.  There will be several small creek crossings with steep banks.

Be prepared for

  • rocky, rooty trail with slippery rocks and mud (make sure footwear is up to the task)
  • 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

 

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 9:00 a.m..  Park on the south end of the building and come into the store.  You will meet your leaders and 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 serve to introduce stakeholders to the wonders of our national forests and wilderness areas.  Hikes are free of charge but your donations are gratefully received and support our work of forest protection.  Wild South is a 501c3 non-profit organization.

 

 

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