I've signed up for the Mattox Creek/Lick Branch one...sounds interesting.
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Wild south hike day in the Bankhead National Forest, Alabama
Come discover how wonderful winter hiking can be!
Saturday, January 30, 2010 9:00 a.m.
There will be 3 hikes to choose from on January 30. Please sign up in advance and include your phone number in your message. Meet-up directions and what to bring for all hikes follow the descriptions. Here's the rundown:
Collier Creek watershed
Leader - Bob Crow
Distance - Approx. 2 miles, maybe more, loop hike
Rating - Moderately challenging, off-trail
For ages 12 and over
This loop hike will begin on Forest Service Road 248 south of Grayson with a quarter-mile trek to a beautiful waterfall that is situated on a tributary of Collier Creek. Hikers will follow this pristine tributary downstream to Collier Creek. There are sandstone bluffs and shelters and green hemlock forest in the deep Collier Creek canyon. Exploration will continue up Collier Creek for a while and then we will bush-whack back out to the automobiles.
Some of the terrain is steep for short distances. Expect at least a couple of creek crossings and no trail. An extra pair of wool socks and a hiking stick will be helpful. Of course, bring water and lunch in your pack.
Lick Branch and Mattox Motel, Sipsey Wilderness
Leader - Janice Barrett
Distance - Approx. 5 miles, loop
Rating - Challenging
For ages 12 and over
There is a 10-person limit on this wilderness hike.
This hike will begin at the Gum Pond Cemetery on the northern edge of the Sipsey Wilderness. The descent
to Mattox Creek will take us through beautiful Eastern Hemlock and hardwood forest into limestone territory. We will hike downstream on Mattox, visit the unique rock formation known as Mattox Motel, then go upstream on Lick Creek. In this deep canyon, there are at least 3 tall waterfalls and stunning rock formations. After a steep climb out of the canyon, there will be an optional hike (for those who just can't get enough!) just over the ridge and trail #223 to see another waterfall in the Braziel Creek headwaters. At this waterfall, the transition from limestone to sandstone is clearly evident.
One more hike rated moderately easy for all ages to be announced soon.
After signing up, meet at the Warrior Mountains Trading Company in Wren, Alabama (11312 AL Hwy. 33,
Moulton, AL) at the intersection of Highways 33 and 36, a couple of miles south of Moulton at the
flashing yellow light (this is downtown Wren) by 9:00 a.m.. Park on the south end of the building and come
into the store. There will be sign-in sheets on the tables in the center of the store. We will gather here promptly at 9:00 for orientation and a chat before we carpool to our trailheads.
Bring a backpack lunch, drinking water, snacks. Also extremely useful: Walking stick, dry wool socks,
gloves, camera, notebook and pen.
Wear clothes that are comfortable for hiking and layered for warmth. Bring rain gear if rain is in the forecast. Footwear must be sturdy hiking boots or shoes or sneakers with good tread that provide reliable traction on slippery, wet, rocky, sometimes icy, steep terrain. Slick-soled shoes will make you very sorry to have made that choice! Wool socks are highly recommended.
There is no charge for Wild South hikes, but your donation will be greatly appreciated and put to good use locally.
When you sign up, please specify which hike you would like to go on and include your phone number in
your message.
Please feel free to contact me if you have questions, wish to sign up or would like to be on the Wild South e-mail list. Learn about other hiking, activist and volunteer opportunities at
http://www.wildsouth.org .
For our forests,
Janice Barrett
256-974-6166
janice@wildsouth.org
