Hey guys, Im looking to get out and do a little bit of hiking/camping this fall while the weather is nice. The majority of my camping experience is out of the back of a car so Im looking to start off with something relatively simple. I'd like to find somewhere a friend and I can hike in 2 or 3 miles, camp overnight and hike back out the next day. We'd like to work our way up to doing some multiple night trips, but for now something like this seems alot more reasonable. I've got the essential equipment (ie: pack, sleeping bag, hammock or tent, water filter, camp stove). If anybody could recommend a decent trail to start off on I would be very appreciative. We plan to get out and explore the area on our own some more, but I was hoping for decent starting point as we are both very unfamiliar with the area. If it matters any, we'll be driving in from the Decatur area but that puts no constraint on us fwiw. Thanks for any help.

Friend of mine's has a blog on hiking/camping in the Sipsey Wilderness.

Rex Free Sipsey Blog

First thing:  Get a detailed SW map from a local supplier/hiking store.  One source I know is the Wren General Store at the NE corner of Hwy 33 and 36 in Wren, 3 miles south of Moulton.  It's about $7 and well worth it.

2nd, start reading the SW Hiking club web site located here:  SW Hiking club  It's not necessary to join, but they have a ton of useful information on their site including but not limited hiking maps, trip reports and pics.

3rd: start hiking.  No need to wait for a two-three day trip, just drive out and start.  There are tons of short 3-4 hour hikes available and since you're in Decatur, a literal hop, skip and jump away, should be easy-peasy.

Lastly, rather than hike in-hike out the same route, see if you can plan a in one-out another hike.  My son has done this a couple times and it's very well worth it.

Oh, one other thing:  SW in wholly enclosed inside the Black Warrior Wildlife Management Area, which is wholly located inside the Bankhead National Forest.  Basically, you need to understand the hunting rules for carrying firearms like a sidearm.  Don't worry, it's legal and the BW WMA rules explicitely state this.  Read 2nd page/Rule #29 here:  Black Warrior WMA Map/Permit

Good luck!

Hey Sheepdog.

I too am very interested in this. All of my friends are more interested in video games and chasing tail than to get outdoors and practice outdoor skills and primitive camping. And being alone out in a new part of an area I am unfamiliar with is kind of daunting. Would much rather go with others.

I too have my own gear and transportation. I live in Somerville which is 20 minutes from Decatur, work in Decatur as well.

If you would like to meet up sometime and wouldn't mind a 3rd or make a new acquaintance maybe we can arrange something.

Thanks for the replies. I picked up a good map and have been studying it, and have read a bit online. I will check out the sites ya'll recommended as well. I think I'm going to make a trip out there this Saturday (thinking about the Gum Pond trailhead) and do a bit of hiking on one of the trails (maybe Mitchell Ridge). Stonedv8 let me know when you want to head out there and if I'm free I'd be more than happy to have some company.

Is there anything out in Bankhead worth hiking/camping?

Absolutely. very beautiful place. Buddy and I have been in and out of there for over 30 years. Key to getting around there is a compass. A road circles the entire place. Get lost - keep on an azimuth and you will eventually hit a road. Or find water, follow it down to the river. Get on a main  trail then stay on it till you get to a bridge. I was out there about a months ago.













StonedV8 - I also live in Somerville  (Union Hill) - hunt me up and we'll go out there sometimes.

I knew you'd be along to answer that question!  

Wow!  That is awesome!  That cave/waterfall are beautiful.  Thanks for the reply!

How far from the car is that waterfall and how do I get there (GPS, by chance?)? My boys would love that.

Its called Caney Creek Falls, about 40 minute walk. Easy access. Several of us from here camped out there a couple or so months ago. Park here - 34 deg 14 min .97    /    87 deg 26 min .62   Really nice place

You are right - can't keep away from the keyboard.

Thanks!

Those coordinates put me some place in northern Antarctica when I plugged them into GE.

Are these the same coordinates:  34 14.128N, 087 26.058W (34 14.128   -87 26.058)

Coordinates work for me. Try 34.233603, -87.433506.

34140678     87260254

OP- the Sipsey is awesome. For overnight trips, I like to hike along the river. That makes for a scenic hike and there is no need to carry large amounts of H2O since you can filter more anywhere along the route. Keep an eye out for wild boar. We've been doing well hunting them during the special seasons.