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!