1. Am I correct that 204 will take us by to the big tree? 2. What do you all think of this route. 3. Can you camp anywhere on the trail (we will both be in hammocks so flat land is not needed) 4. or do you need to be in a campground? Any suggestions would be greatly appreciated. If there is anyone out there who wants to join us let me know and I will keep you posted. 5. Also, are there any permits needed for overnight camping?
Thanks
Sam
1. Kinda sorta but not really. The trail after you're at the Big Tree more or less follows Bee Branch to Sipsey River. Some maps call it Trail 204A. Trail 204 starts / ends at the old Bunyan Hill Road, Trail 224, and intersects with Trail 209 west of Buck Rough canyon. The side trail to the Big Tree, Trail 204A, leaves Trail 204 just before starting downhill into East Bee Branch Canyon. It winds through and near the Big Tree and follows Bee Branch then into the Sipsey River. The way you'll be hiking, you'll want to take this "Bee Branch trail" from Trail 209, if you want to see the Big Tree. The trail is easily identified from Trail 209. Last spring the best crossing of Bee Branch was a log across it maybe 100 yards upstream from the Bee Branch / Sipsey junction.
2. It's a good route. I've done it many times with various changes. You have several options of getting back to the 206 tralhead.
3 & 4. Yes but please use an already established campsite / fire ring. If all of us start setting up camp / building a firering anywhere we choose we'll soon destroy the beauty of the Wilderness. Don't misunderstand, I'm not telling you to not build a campfire. Just be considerate and as low impact as possible.
5. Not anymore.
Good luck and enjoy.
