Wild South Hikes 2/27/10

Wild South's next hike day in the Bankhead National Forest (AL)
Saturday, February 27 9:00 a.m.

Join Wild South for a late winter hike in the Warrior Mountains where creeks fed by winter rains tumble and carve their way through ancient sandstone canyons.

Hike choices are:

Thompson Creek Trail (#206), Sipsey Wilderness
Leader: Botanist Kevin England
Distance: 5 miles round trip
Rating: Moderate
All ages welcome

Even in the wintertime, Thompson Creek provides a wealth of botanical wonders. Local botanist Kevin England will lead hikers to Ship Rock and a short distance beyond, to the headwaters of the Sipsey River. Trail #206 is on the western side of the Sipsey Wilderness. Group number will be limited since this is a wilderness hike, so sign up soon!
The trail is well-used, rocky, rooty and sure to be muddy, with little elevation change. White Oak Creek must be crossed coming and going.
The forest here is mixed cove hardwood and Eastern hemlock and Auburn Falls, a little past mid-way on the trail, will be at its finest if the rain keeps up.

Key Mill Branch
Leader: Janice Barrett
Distance: 4 to 5 miles miles, through hike
Rating: Challenging
Ages 12 and over

With numerous waterfalls and lush hemlock forest, Key Mill is one of the most beautiful canyons in the Bankhead and is rich in Native American and pioneer history. This hike is entirely off-trail, bushwhacking all the way. There will be narrow, shallow creek crossings. Terrain is rugged, rocky and steep. We will begin on Owl Creek Road in the northeastern part of Bankhead National Forest. Our route will follow Key Mill Branch downstream through the canyon, exploring the many coves and bluff shelters along the way.

Fall Creek Falls
Leader: Brian Hall
Distance: 4 miles
Rating: Moderate
Ages 12 and over
This Sipsey Wilderness hike will begin on the west side of Borden Creek at the curved bridge on Bunyan Hill Road. Walking on a rough, unofficial trail downstream on Borden Creek, hikers will pass coves with waterfalls and dramatic sandstone bluffs. The trail ends at trail #209 at the confluence of the Sipsey River. At this point the hike turns westward on trail #209, going upstream on the Sipsey River for 1/2 mile until Fall Creek is reached. The waterfall here is beautiful, and the large boulders offer perfect resting and lunch spots.
The trail along Borden Creek is rough, rocky and will be muddy. There are a few narrow creek crossings and steep, brief scrambles up banks. Dress for mud. There will be a limited number allowed on this wilderness hike, so sign up soon.

For all hikes:

Click here to sign up or ask questions, or call 256-974-6166. Please include your phone number in your e-mail when you sign up, and in your phone message if you talk to our answer machine.

Bring backpack lunch, snacks, drinking water. A walking stick is recommended. The amazing scenery will make you wish you had brought your camera. A notebook and pen may come in handy, especially if you sign up for Kevin's hike.

Wear clothes comfortable for hiking and layered for warmth. If there is rain in the forecast, bring rain gear. Footwear must be sturdy boots or shoes with lug soles for reliable traction on slippery rocks, mud and creek crossings (there are always creek crossings). Slick-soled shoes will hurt you. Wool socks can't be beat. An extra dry pair is definitely a good idea.

Meet (after signing up) at the Warrior Mountains Trading Company in Wren, Alabama (11312 AL Hwy. 33, Moulton, AL) by 9:00 a.m. Park on the south end of the building and come into the store. On the table in the center of the store, you will find sign-in sheets and the Wild South donation bucket. We will gather here at 9:00 for a brief chat before we head up the hill and into the woods.

Wild South hikes are free, but your donation will make you our hero! All Bankhead hiker donations go directly to support our projects in the Bankhead National Forest.