new to the forums

[bellaleo]

Hello my name is Bella. This is the first year I have been able to get out hiking. I am looking for hiking groups and buddy's to go out with and see all the wonderfull areas that Alabama and the states around it has to offer.  I am new and still learning and getting my gear up. I'm not ready for overnight yet unless  I could borrow gear. But I'm all set for day hiking.  I am also looking for cheep used gear to help get me started.

Bella

[luke724]

I haven't been here long, but I have learned alot and met some very nice people. I find new places to go and things to see daily here. Welcome, and you shouldn't have any problems getting your questions answered.

[Joshua Szulecki]

Welcome aboard.

Don't worry about not having gear for overnights. I don't really know of a single destination in Alabama that cannot be done as a dayhike if you are within a two hour drive of them. I see that your profile indicates you live in Fruithurst. All of Talladega NF is within reach for dayhikes. You are about three hours from Bankhead, which is a tad longer than it takes me to get there from Nashville, and I still make daytrips to the area.

Other members and I frequently announce when we are heading out to hike, so just keep your ears open and you'll find groups to hike with. During the upcoming wildflower season I'll be making nearly weekly trips to Bankhead National Forest, and with the exception of a few locations, I'll be more than happy to bring folks along, so I'll post and let you know.

Also keep an eye out for annoucements of Pinhoti Challenge hikes and WildSouth adventures for somewhat more structured experiences. The Pinhoti hikes will probably be the closest regular group experience to your home. Jaybird leads them every third weekend of the month and announces them here on Alatrails. They are, I think, in association with the Sierra Club. WildSouth mostly hikes in Bankhead.

[SmokeDiver]

Welcome to the forums! You're in luck, you don't need much gear for an overnighter in Alabama. Especially in a place like Sipsey, you can always leave the tent behind and sleep under an overhang. Search the forums for some old posts on sleeping under tarps where you'll find really cheap solutions to gearing up.

[bellaleo]

Thanks guys I am really looking forward to getting out this year and seeing some great places.  Joshua" thank you for the offer I have heard some great things about bankhead.

[kc251]

Welcome! I am also new to the forum and looking for day hikes too.