laTrails was created to provide to provide an open, robust channel of communication between all groups and individuals for the means of exchanging information about the state's various trail systems.Water is not as reliable as it was in the spring/fall. Trail conditions have worsened.
-Auburn Falls was dry
-Campsites along the Sipsey Fork near Eye of the Needle & Ship Rock had merely a trickle and very low flow.
-Water along the Sipsey Fork was unreliable with stagnant pools and low flow.
-Bee branch falls by the big tree, were dry.
-FT204 along the Bee Branch Ridge had several blowdowns. Several required belly crawling to pass.
Sipsey Wilderness and Bankhead National Forest areas of "ignorance"
Submitted by jo7hs2 on Fri, 09/19/2008 - 1:17pmOkay, in order to show how little is really publicly known about Sipsey/Bankhead, I'm going to put up a list of areas I think we could stand to know a little more about. I'm going to do the same thing for Talladega NF. As most of you know, I'm not a fan of secrets on public property, and I only support them in a handful of sitations, like culturally significant artifacts, dangerous locations, or where I'm specifically asked to keep a secret. I know the Wild South project may be clearing up some of this, but not knowing if, how, or when they might release that data, I'm just making note of areas that I think are areas we could use to know more about. It may be years before I visit some of them, but it may give you ideas for hikes. All of the areas I've selected are areas I suspect might hold interesting features like waterfalls, wildflowers, etc... There are other areas that are lesser known that aren't including because they don't get my spidey-sense tingling.
Dog Days and Fall Planning
Submitted by matthew on Tue, 08/05/2008 - 8:46pm
Well we are headed directly into the dog days of summer and it is beginning to show. It is just plain hot out there. Many of you have given up the hiking trails for cooler, less buggy pursuits such as canoeing and kayaking. I would like to take this opportunity to encourage all of you to get involved in your local waterways organizations that help preserve and protect our many scenic rivers and creeks. We will have more on that after the jump. I will also be covering way to get ready for the upcoming fall season. I know it may seem like a long way off but it will get here sooner than you think. I would also like to welcome a new partner to AlaTrails who will be bringing with him a great deal of experience and information.
Sipsey Water & Trail Conditions
Submitted by Lostsheep on Mon, 07/14/2008 - 9:00am7.11-12.08
-Bee Branch Trail (shortcut) to the tree, had more fresh blowdowns. Again, some required belly crawling to pass.
-FT209 had waist deep plants/weeds growing in trail/along trail in several stretches.
It was tough. We took the opportunity to pump fresh water from the rapids as soon as we found it.
Be careful if you're going back out there.
Friday off the cuff - We're outta here!
Submitted by matthew on Thu, 06/26/2008 - 6:18pm
Well a group of us are heading out to just south of the Joyce Kilmer Memorial Forest in the Nantahala National Forest in North Carolina. We will be bringing back lots of pictures and trail stories so get ready for the upcoming week. It appears that the whole world is out on vacation over the next couple of weeks. I would like to take this time to make sure and put in the obligatory be safe message. Make sure and drink plenty of water, and always have sunscreen so you don't burn your beak. Also make sure and be aware of the wildlife around you. Respect them and they will respect you.
That aside I would like to say now is a great time to get involved in helping us plan for the upcoming fall season in the forum. We have already got some great ideas for hikes and overnighters but we would love to have your input. If you have always wanted to get a group together and lead your own event now is the time to start planning.
Have a great Summer Holiday Season Everybody!!!!!
