Sipsey Wilderness Area - The Big Tree

This was my second visit to the big tree, the first being about 8 years ago. It was the same time of year, and I was much heavier and not in any type of shape, except round. So when I thought about it, it should be great this time, right?

First, a little info about the Sipsey Wilderness Area. It is an approximately 25,000 acre tract inside the Bankhead National Forest in northwest Alabama. I could give you all the relevant dates and stats, or you can google it, like I did. It has an interesting terrain, with a river running through an area of foothills which has caused a number of small waterfalls (less than 100 feet high). It does make for a pretty hike, especially after a good rain. 

So, when I was looking for the proper trails to get to the tree, I struggled trying to find them. So, in addition to my totally not famous crappy photos, I will give details instructions on the path. There are several ways to get to the Big Tree, and this is the longest. There are shorter routes, but they have much more severe elevation changes.

The route

We started at the Thompson Trailhead, which is the beginning of Trail 208, a hike/horse trail. The first mile (1.6 km) is essentially uphill, with a few breaks of flat and short downhill. The slope is not very steep, and does a good job of warming up the muscles.

Mile 2 gets you to the top of the ridge, which you will walk the majority of the hike. It is an overall mixed elevation, with ups and downs. Once you get to the end of the second mile, you will reach your first turn.

First turn, take a right, stay on Trail 208

Your first turn will be to the right, and you will stay on Trail 208. Most of these turns are well marked, but the photos still help. You are still walking the ridge line, so get used to the ups and downs. This section is about another mile, which takes you to the first trail change.

My daughter setting the pace

NOTE: After looking, I realized I did not get a photo of the marker for Trail 224, which is your next trail, again to the right. It is well marked, though, so you should not miss it. This will take you another .75 miles (1.2 km) or so. This trail is still on the ridge, so the same elevation changes apply. However, there is a lot of clay on 224, so if it is wet, it will be muddy and slippery.

Hydration is important

The next turn, also to the right, is to start on Trail 204. The photo below is the sign, but when you get there from 224, you will coming from the opposite direction of the face.

Trail 204

Now, you will start descending slightly on this trail, as you are working your way to the entry of the gorge. You will hike this trail for about a mile, and just when you think you have passed your turn, you will see this, except with the camping gear. Probably.

Trail 204 to the left, Trail 204B to the right

Behind the blue rig in the middle of the photo is a post with light markings indicating Trail 204 to the left. You want to go right. This will lead down to East Bee Branch Falls, with the tree in the gorge below. It is about .25 miles (.4 km) from here. Now that you made the trip, you should want to take some crappy photos, right? Of course you should.

A look into the gorge

This will be on the left going into the gorge

Hey, it's a tree!

It is a several hundred year old tulip poplar

The necessary photo for scale, I ate the banana :)

This rock wall is why we walked around. It would be several miles shorter
with climbing gear.

It is a nice hike, with the only down side being that once you get there, you have to hike back out. No cell service for an Uber. Still it was a good day. Here is the hike mileage, with probably a little extra for walking around, taking photos, etc.

I think we set a good pace

Final note: Invest in a Carto-Craft map of the area. It is a topographic map, with the trail heads and prominent features of the area marked. I bought mine at Alabama Outdoors for 12 dollars. Cheaper than getting lost.

So, it was another great day in nature. I think this wilderness area will get another visit in the spring, when the flowers are in bloom. There are other waterfalls in this area that I haven't seen, so another visit to the Big Tree may wait for a while. 

Oak Mountain State Park

During the week, a weekend hike did not seem possible. On Thursday, I woke up to this:

Now, for those not familiar with Alabama weather, snow of any kind is rare. But to see snow in mid-November is just crazy talk. Fortunately the weather started returning to normal by the weekend. Sunday was a nice day, sunny and low to mid 60s when my daughter and I set off for a hike to Peavine Falls in Oak Mountain State Park.




We took the White Trail from the parking area and met up with the Blue Trail, which led us down to the falls.

Got a couple of nice photos of the falls

A little further down Falls Creek. My guess is during winter this will be an unobstructed view.
Will plan to make another trip in February.

On our way home, we stopped at the overlook we passed on the way in to get a nice view of the park. I love autumn. However, on our last few hikes, I realized Alabama has too many pines to really get a taste of the colors in the macro. Still, I always enjoy getting out and seeing nature.

Pretty view from the overlook

If you notice, my daughter is not looking at the camera. This is usually the only way to get a photo of her, by being sneaky

Panoramic view of the park

All in all, it was a nice 2.5 mile hike. A bit rocky and steep around the falls, but still a great day.

C