Wild South hike in Sipsey Wilderness, Dec. 6
Volunteer hike leader Julia Bright explores a rock shelter on the Lookout Trail
Wild South hike in the Sipsey Wilderness
The Lookout Trail (Trail #203)
Saturday, December 6
9:30 a.m. at Warrior Mountains Trading Company
Click HERE to sign up through Meetup.com. Group size is strictly limited to 10. Advance sign-up is required.
Leader: Julia Bright
Distance: 4 miles roundtrip
Rating: Moderate
All ages welcome
The Lookout Trail, or Trail 203, diagonally traverses a portion of the eastern side of the Sipsey Wilderness in the Bankhead National Forest in northwest Alabama. The trail is located in the Borden Creek watershed, and snakes in and out of coves of hardwoods, American beech, eastern hemlock and big leaf magnolia. Within these coves that harbor amazingly diverse eco-systems and soul-satisfying natural beauty, also lie hidden signs of human occupation and industriousness from ages past. Our Lookout Trail hike features one such site, where the remains of a whiskey still can be seen.
The Lookout Trail is maintained by Wild South volunteers and is one of the least-used trails in the Sipsey Wilderness. As with any wilderness trail, expect roots and rocks underfoot, going up and down hills (no extreme elevation change), and slippery places. There are no major creek crossings on this hike.
The hike will begin at the Borden Creek trailhead on Bunyan Hill Road, then onto the trail at the curved bridge over Borden Creek.
Wear clothes comfortable for hiking and layered for warmth. Bring rain gear if rain is forecast. Shoes must be sturdy with lug soles for traction on slick surfaces.
Bring a backpack with lunch, snacks, drinking water.
After signing up, meet at the Warrior Mountains Trading Company (map link above) at 11312 Alabama Highway 33. Park on the south side of the building and come into the store. At 9:30, Julia will meet the group at the Wild South picnic table toward the back of the store (where the wild things are).
Well-behaved dogs that are friendly to humans and other dogs are welcome, but must be kept on leash at all times.