I can now officially say that what I’m calling the Lower Bankhead Waterfall Loop is my favorite spot in Bankhead. What an unbelievable hike! It began around 7AM while I sipped coffee near NF Road 221 and watched the twilight sky turn from black to purple to that early hue of blue. I had noticed what looked like a trail less than a quarter mile East up Cranal Rd on the way in and headed that way as the sun spilled throughout the forest. It was cool outside, not too cool, but a wonderful cool that lets you feel the air as you breath and appreciate the purity of nature.
The spot I had seen seemed like a trail at first. There was even a “Bankhead National Forest” plaque on a tree about 15’ from the road. This all disappeared into the aureate and copper toned leaves as I continued to move North in search of Eagle Creek. Within a quarter mile I found what I was looking for; A certain starting point.
I followed the creek North literally smiling at the still quiet of the morning and the dreamlike mood of everything. On the ground I noticed that mountain cranberries were everywhere. One area I stopped at was like a forest buffet. Concentrated in a small 4’ x 4’ area was approximately 1.5-2 cups of mountain cranberries, a purple berry that I haven’t identified yet, and an American Beech tree.
Slightly after the first offshoot of Eagle Creek I encountered the first of the waterfalls I had come to see, Eagle Creek Falls. Coming down from above it the falls were running strong and majestic. Looking at the photos I took one can hardly sense the scale and size of these. I’m not going to guess as I looked at too many today to be accurate. About a half mile farther North I located another fall. I’m not sure if this one has a name. If any of my titles are wrong please correct me.
Eagle Creek Side Falls was less than quarter mile beyond the unknown fall. What a way to start a hike! Three falls in about 1.5 miles! From here I proceeded to Deer Skull Falls. As I walked, I wondered how these names originated. I know the area has an Indian history. I can’t help but look at the monolithic stones that seem ancient, draped in their sapient moss and consider the people that have wondered this path throughout the ages.
About a mile after Deer Skull Falls I just happened to hear what sounded like another fall to my right. I think this was at the junction of Fernglade Creek and Little Ugly. This one had quite a fall and wasn’t very far from Little Ugly. Pulley had mentioned one in this area I think.
It was now around 11AM and I had to question weather I could make it to Feather Hawk or not. It had taken me 4 hours to hike a little over three miles and I had at least two more to go. Stopping to identify many plants along the way had really slowed me down. I was aware of it the whole time, but that is part of what I enjoy about hiking. I picked up the pace, put up the book, and went for Feather Hawk.
It was about as far as I had estimated; around two miles from the junction with Sipsey River. The trails were a bit thick throughout this area, not horrible, but not as clear as the previous. I found the old logging road and followed it NW around the 202/209 ford area. As I approached the falls the wind was blowing stirring a shower of golden leaves. It was very picturesque. Of all the falls I think that Feather Hawk is my favorite. It’s a tall fall surrounded by high walls.
I knew that I had to get out of the forest by 6PM at the latest and it was already after lunch. It had taken me over five hours to get here. I thought I might be cutting it close, but what the heck….on to Wolfpen!
The crossover to Wolfpen Creek was very muddy. Yeah, I fell a few times. Once I started hiking and restraining myself from stopping to look at every plant, insect, and rock, I made great time. I made it to Lower Wolfpen Falls by a little after 1PM. Apologies for the blurry shot. By this time I had already shed every unnecessary layer. It was getting hot!
Then, like friends parting ways, the forest had one last surprise. Upper Wolfpen falls was amazing. Small clouds of evaporating water were illuminated by sunbeams all around the falls. It was a very fitting end to a great day of hiking.
Back from Lower Bankhead Waterfall Loop
Back from Lower Bankhead Waterfall Loop
Back from Lower Bankhead Waterfall Loop
Back from Lower Bankhead Waterfall Loop
Back from Lower Bankhead Waterfall Loop
Back from Lower Bankhead Waterfall Loop
Check out my gallery to see more photos of other waterfalls.
