What are "must do" bushwhacking destinations?

[elbowman]

Hello All,

Fall weather has arrived! I am ready to head out and do some serious exploring!

I have hiked most of the established trails in the wilderness, but was wondering what are some must do off trail sites?

I am not afraid of serious bushwhacking and am curious of places people have found that they consider extra special.

Eric

[Jackalope]

My two favorite "off trail" hikes in the Sipsey (not necessarily in order) are:

1) Riddle Creek/Quillan Creek/Arnold Motorway loop.
2) Wolfpen/Little Ugly/Eagle Creek waterfall loop.

We did the Wolfpen/Little Ugly/Eagle Creek loop this past Sunday and had a most excellent time. With all the rain we've had in the past three weeks the primary waterfalls were as impressive as could be imagined, the creeks were so full that every drop in elevation or boulder in the creek bed created a new cascade or mini waterfall and all along the loop smaller waterfalls that I have never seen before seemed to be flowing from every feeder. It was a tougher walk than usual though having to climb up the banks and such to avoid crossing the creeks until I gave up on keeping my feet dry and just waded in where I needed to. All in all, it was a great time on a great hike on a great loop. It may be a long time before I get to see that much water on this one again.

[Joshua Szulecki]

Eagle Creek/Little Ugly are a must do.

I will probably want to put together another hike there this year or early next year, so keep reminding me.

[McDowra]

My two favorite "off trail" hikes in the Sipsey (not necessarily in order) are:

1) Riddle Creek/Quillan Creek/Arnold Motorway loop.
2) Wolfpen/Little Ugly/Eagle Creek waterfall loop.

I couldn't agree more!!!

[Uncle Wayne]

My two favorite "off trail" hikes in the Sipsey (not necessarily in order) are:

1) Riddle Creek/Quillan Creek/Arnold Motorway loop.
2) Wolfpen/Little Ugly/Eagle Creek waterfall loop.

Agree those are hard to beat.  Another one I'd add is Cranal Creek and it's feeder streams.  Several pretty waterfalls especially after a rain.  One of them is a "Natural Bridge" falls. Well worth the effort to see after a rain.

[Pully]

wow, It's been a while since I posted. I completely agree with the previous post. A couple other places worth checking out is the Davis Creek and Hurricane Creek area. Some of the tallest waterfalls are in that area and other natural features. A nice trip to do is start at Hurricane Creek shooting range, follow the drainage there to Hurricane Creek, hike down Hurricane Creek to Sipsey then go south and explore the next two drainages  and you can easily get back to hwy 33 from the second drainage. Two vehicles would be needed.

[Pathfinder]

Pully, what do you estimate the distance to be on your suggested route?  Is this the same basic hike that we are planning on October 10?

[Pully]

About 4 miles. I hadn't thought about continuing to the other drainages below Hurricane Creek until last night. It depends on if everyone is up for it.

[montysano]

Caney Creek.  We bushwhacked down to North Caney, then downstream to its confluence w/South Caney.  I don't think I saw another human footprint.  The section of South Caney just upstream from the confluence is stunning.

[Uncle Wayne]

About 4 miles. I hadn't thought about continuing to the other drainages below Hurricane Creek until last night. It depends on if everyone is up for it.

Pully,
You're right that's a very good hike and one I had forgotten about. While you're in there, take them to the other two drainages if they are up to it.   

Pully, have you ever parked at the next road south of the entrance to the firing range and dropped off into Hurricane Creek canyon?  That section all through there is one of the best wildflower hikes in the forest during early spring. 

[Pully]

Pully, have you ever parked at the next road south of the entrance to the firing range and dropped off into Hurricane Creek canyon?  That section all through there is one of the best wildflower hikes in the forest during early spring.

I haven't done that but sounds like a good hike for next year. I've only been to Hurricane Creek once during very early spring, parked at the head of the creek and it was a long day. Got a picture of pink honeysuckles, two snakes and a marker tree.

[weathermansam]

If you all are still doing this hike the 10th let me know, I may be up for it. 

[Pathfinder]

I am going to have to beg off on tomorrow's hike to Hurricane Creek.  I am sick and besides there is a high probability of strong thunder and lightning storms for today through tomorrow.  Most of Northwest Alabama has already been put under a flashflood watch through tonight.  If I am feeling better by Sunday and if the weather improves, maybe...