Day Hikes

[martinni1137]

So I myself am fairly new to the sipsey/bankhead area and was wondering if anyone has any suggestions for day hike areas or trails? Especially those that cover areas which include some of the bigger more spectacular waterfalls or other geographical sites. Thanks!

[montysano]

Off the top of my head:

- Thompson Creek bridge down to the Sipsey;
- Capsey Creek, upstream from the Inmanfield Bridge;
- Turkey Foot Creek, which is right at the Sipsey Recreational Area.

Those would be some good ones to try to get your feet wet.  You'll want to get the Carto-Craft map of the area for sure.

[JustADude]

Can I assume you have a map to find hte places if we give you names?

Upper Caney Creek waterfall is probably the prettiest in the Forest, but it is not the tallest. It is an easy 30 minute walk from the road, county Road 2. From the Sipsey Picnic area you can reach any of three pretty waterfalls in about 30 minutes, Turkey Foot Creek Falls, along a pretty trail, is just to the west; Falls Creek Falls (some would probably say this is the prettiest in  the Forest) is just to the north; and if you follow the trail south through the Picnic Area there is a pretty waterfall there. Between FS road 208 and Quillan Creek there is a stream called Riddle Creek that has three pretty waterfalls, but that is tough travelling for a beginner. Kinlock Falls (actually a big cascade) is big and pretty and is just off the road, FS Road 210.

Does that help, or just confuse?

[Joshua Szulecki]

JustADude makes an important point. Before you do anything else, get yourself a map. Cart-o-craft maps a great waterproof one that I highly recommend. There is an old plain map from NFS floating around that isn't very detailed. There is also the Briartech map, which is free, but is digital only, so it is really best for trip planning, not navigating. Searching for these names on Alatrails should help you find them. The Cart-o-craft map can be purchased at an Alabama Outdoors or the Warrior Mountain Trading Post in Wren.

There are actually several waterfalls along Turkey Foot Creek that are all within 30-45 minutes of the picnic area. There are three year-round waterfalls (one is more of a rapid in high water), and at least two seasonal waterfalls during heavy rainfall. I highly recommend that area for an introduction to Sipsey, as you are never more than 1/8-1/4 of a mile from Cranal Road. There isn't an official trail, but it is of the same quality (or better) as most of the trails in Sipsey. Wear good boots, as it can get muddy in spots, and stream crossings are required.

Most people probably get their Sipsey start following the gravel trail on the far side of the picnic area bridge along the river, or by hiking along Borden Creek from the Borden Creek Trailhead in various directions, since those two areas are easiest to get to from the directions most people come in from. They can be crowded on weekends.

Upper Caney Creek Falls is certainly the most photogenic waterfall in the forest, and it is fairly consistent in beauty despite changes in water volume. I don't recommend it as an early trip because the "trailhead" is a real pain to find if you are unfamiliar with the area. I know several people who have failed to find it several times in a row.