Last Saturday of the Month hike for WildSouth - 3 different offerings - Here is the letter from Janice-
For those who are planning to participate in Wild South's hikes this coming Saturday, February 23, here is a brief run-down of your choices.
Turkeyfoot Falls
Sipsey Wilderness
Led by Norma Glascock
Rating: Moderately easy. Walking on steep hillside, creek crossings
Distance: Approximately 3 miles (roundtrip)
Route: Begin at the Sipsey River at Sipsey Recreation Area ($3.00 per carload fee), hike up Turkeyfoot Creek and back. Possible further hike along Sipsey River.
Hemlock forest, cascades and waterfalls on Turkeyfoot Creek and Sipsey River
Brushy Creek to Beech Creek
Led by Barbara "Bob" Crow
Rating: Moderate. A few brief steep climbs, some bushwhacking.
Distance: Approximately 4 miles (through hike)
Route: After parking half the vehicles on Mount Olive Road, the hike will begin at Brushy Lake ($3.00 per carload fee). Hike down Brushy Creek, then follow Beech Creek upstream to Mount Olive Road.
Two beautiful, major creeks with beaches, hemlock forest, sandstone bluffs, cascades, waterfall(s).
Lick Branch and Maddox Motel
Sipsey Wilderness
Led by Janice Barrett
Rating: Moderately challenging. Not recommended for first time hikers. Steep climbing, many creek crossings, bushwhacking, rugged terrain.
Distance: At least 4 miles. (Loop hike)
Route: Park half the vehicles at trailhead on Gum Pond Road, then begin hike at Gum Pond Cemetery, hike down to Mattox Creek, then down Thompson Creek to Lick Branch. Hike up Lick Branch to Gum Pond Road.
Unique rock formations (Maddox Motel is one), high bluffs, many waterfalls.
All hikes involve creek crossings, so count on getting your feet wet! Recommendations: Wear wool socks and bring a dry pair. Bring a walking stick. Remember that creek rocks are slippery, so appropriate (comfortable, sturdy, good traction) footwear is essential.
As always, meet here at the Warrior Mountains Trading Company in Wren at 9:00 a.m. and we will carpool to our respective trailheads. Please let me know you are coming if you have not already signed up - thanks!
For more information and to sign up, contact me at 256-974-6166 or
janice@wildsouth.org I look forward to seeing you here in Wren Saturday!
Janice Barrett
Wild South
