Eagle Creek--deer Skull Falls

[McDowra]

the Bride and I along with another couple returned to the eagle creek and deer skulls for the first time in nearly 2 years.  The first thing we noticed was the trail leading to eagle creek, last time we had to just bushwhack our way through. It really was a great day  Pictures

[Joshua Szulecki]

McDowra,

That trail started to get really well defined in the past few years, it used to be flagging tape. I've always bushwhacked in, so I'm eager to check out this new, obviously unofficial, trail to Eagle Creek. It looks like it will save several minutes on the way to Eagle Falls.

Your picture link is throwing an error. How were the falls? 

[McDowra]

oops after posting link to pictures I must have deleted the rest of my post

The hike in was much easier then the bushwacking we had to do before. Water level on Eagle was at  least twice the volume as it was 2 years ago judging from before and after pictures. . The hike to Deer Skulls wasn't too bad but there were several blow-downs that weren't there last time that slowed things down some. Water over the twin falls was about the same as 2 years ago.  This is a beautiful area that should be on everyone's must do list!

January 2008

Eagle Creek--deer Skull Falls

March 2010

Eagle Creek--deer Skull Falls

[Uncle Wayne]

Nice photos.  I love that area of the forest.

Did you see this at the entrance to Little Ugly Canyon?

Eagle Creek--deer Skull Falls

[McDowra]

yep my Bride spotted that. You know the story on it?

[Uncle Wayne]

No, it was there last spring when I made the loop. 

[jaybird]

Are you all referring to the rock in the tree or something else that I'm missing?

[McDowra]

The rock in the tree is what I was referring to.

[Jinic]

Hello all,

Nice pictures

I have been wanting to go to these 2 waterfalls for awhile but don't know the best place to start. Where is the trailhead for this unofficial trail?

[Joshua Szulecki]

Unofficial trails do not have trailheads. But they do start somewhere;)

Most people park either at the nearest road, or on a little stub of dirt that is all that remains of an old logging road. The coordinates for the stub are in Alabama's Canyons. The stub is for bushwhacking. The "trail" that is developing with heavier use is from the nearby road, if I recall correctly.

There should be directions to the stub in this thread: http://www.alatrails.com/...ndex.php/topic,315.0.html

As for the road, I think it is evident when looking at the map. I've never attempted this route.

[Joshua Szulecki]

yep my Bride spotted that. You know the story on it?

Do otters build nests in the water? I saw an otter in that area in 2005.

[McDowra]

Hello all,

Nice pictures

I have been wanting to go to these 2 waterfalls for awhile but don't know the best place to start. Where is the trailhead for this unofficial trail?

First things first, welcome to your forums!  Second thing is you have a message. third this is a very beautiful area please help us keep it that way, if you tote it in, besure you tote it out. This area can get a little confusing, on your way out turn at the snake tree.

[Jinic]

Thanks for the welcome
I have been coming here for awhile but I am the shy type so never posted
This board is a great place to come to, you guys are always so helpful

[Joshua Szulecki]

First things first, welcome to your forums!  Second thing is you have a message. third this is a very beautiful area please help us keep it that way, if you tote it in, besure you tote it out. This area can get a little confusing, on your way out turn at the snake tree.

Oops! I missed that we had a new member!

Welcome aboard!

I'll echo McDowra's advice. Keep this area clean! He is also right about this area being confusing. Many a hiker has gotten turned around in the area between Cranal Road and Eagle Creek Falls (albeit for a short time), including myself. If you don't have a gps, don't try shortcuts. Even if you have one, I would stick to either the "trail" or the drainages, as it is easy to get mixed up on the hillsides.