Hiking Trips: Highlighted Trails

Hiking Trips: Highlighted Trails

Alabama Pinhoti Trail Section 7 (Talladega National Forest) (170 miles)

Cave Creek Trail Cheaha Mountain (Talladega National Forest) (170 miles)

Summary: A beautiful trail along the east side of a mountain ridge. The over looks are nice during the winter but I'm sure that there wouldn't be much visibility during the springs and summer months. The trail is rocky in some of places and crosses a few creeks. The trail is not marked well but it is easy to see. There are some side trails not on the map toward the north end so pay attention to your map and surrounding terrain. It is near Ashland Alabama. The trail is 3.75 miles round trip, has an elevation gain of 282 feet, takes 2 hours to hike, is of moderate difficulty, and is a out and back. ¹⁶
Ranger Contact: Shoal Creek Ranger District, 205-463-2272

Fall Creek Falls (136 miles)

Summary: Rated as one of the top 3 waterfalls in the South. The falls plunge over 250 feet. It is near Pikeville Tennessee. The trail is 3 miles round trip, has an elevation gain of 715 feet, takes 2 hours to hike, is of moderate difficulty, and is a loop hike.
Ranger Contact: Fall Creek Falls State Park 423-881-5298
Trail Reviews: Trail is red blaze and the trail will split to the right named Gorge Trail. There are four overlooks within a short distance off the trail. The Rocky Point Overlook trail can be tricky but is well worth the view. The Fall Creek Falls Overlook will take you actually to the top of Fall Creek Falls! The trail will then re-join the Woodland trail; follow this to the main Fall Creek Falls Overlook. The hike down to the bottom of the falls is .4 miles, take note about halfway done the trail there are rock formations that have been separated, take a few steps inside and you will feel what we call the AC Duct. The temperature will be about 10 degrees cooler here and on a hot day that will be much appreciated. Follow the Woodland trail back to Nature Center. The trails are well maintained and the only caution areas will be obvious with rocks and large roots. Our hike time was 4 hours taking many photos and eating lunch at the falls.¹⁷

Gahuti Backcountry Trail (Fort Mountain State Park) (136 miles)

Summary: A wonderfully peaceful trail that is near Chatsworth Georgia. The trail is 8.2 miles round trip, has an elevation gain of 900 feet, takes 4 hours to hike, is of moderate difficulty, and is a loop hike. This trail travels around the crest of Fort Mountain and has access at numerous places in the park. There is an 855-foot rock wall, which stands on the highest point of the mountain. There are also the remains of tower too.

Ranger Contact: Georgia State Parks and Historic Sites 18008647275
Review: I hiked this trail 7/10/2004 with two other adults and my black lab. It is a very well maintained trail. One of my favorite sections of this trail is where the Gahuti Backcountry Trail joins with the Big Rock Nature Trail. There are some small waterfalls in this section. We enjoyed the continuous up and down climbs throughout the hike. I suggest you begin this hike early in the morning when it is cooler. ¹⁸

Gee Wilderness- Chestnut Mountain #104 to Iron Gap (165 miles)

Summary: A secluded quiet area with mountain and valley views. It is near Delano Tennessee. The trail is 10.5 miles round trip, has an elevation gain of 1800 feet, takes 5.5 hours to hike, is of moderate difficulty, and is a out and back hike. Gee Wilderness has a couple of trails that take you on a nice quiet hike. The area is damaged by the pine beetle blight on a windy day this would not be the hike to do. You will gain all the elevation in the 1st 3.0 mi. From this trail, in winter, you will have good views of the surrounding area and Star Mountain. Continue the up hill trail for 2 1/2 more miles before you descend to Iron Gap. This is a good place for lunch. This area is open to hunters in the fall and spring so be sure to call ahead before hiking or wear plenty of orange just in case. We did not see any wildlife during the hike but saw plenty of signs of their presence in the area. I would suggest hiking this particular hike only in winter since the foot traffic shares the trail with horses. ¹⁹
Ranger Contact: Hiwassee Ranger District (423) 263-5486

Hubbin Creek Trail (Talladega National Forest) (171 miles)

Summary: Beautiful wooded trail along small creek. It is near Ashland Alabama. The trail is 4 miles round trip, has an elevation gain of 1100 feet, takes 2.5 hours to hike, is of moderate difficulty, and is a out and back hike.Nubbin Creek is a beautiful trail that travels along creeks and up a small mountain ridge. The scenery is great in the fall as the leaves start to change colors. The trail gets a little steep and rocky toward the end. The trail is well mark and visible. The trail is not exactly as drawn on the Forest Service map but it would be very difficult to get lost if you stay on the trail.
Ranger Contact: Shoal Creek Ranger District, 205-463-2272
Trail Review
Reviewed by Randy on 2/19/2007
Nubbin Creek trail crosses several creeks including one with 3 waterfalls, each about 5 feet high before falling into the next. The trail was maintained very well. Technically this trail is a straight in and back but the turn around is where Odum and Cave Creek intersect. If you turn right at the sign and follow Cave Creek until it intersects Pinhoti, follow it until it intersects Odum, which loops back to Nubbin, you will have a heck of a hike. Some pretty good elevation up to approx 2300 feet at one point. Great views. One trail also drops down to Chinnabee from above Turnipseed Hunting Club. It will get you sweating regardless of season. ²⁰

Laurel Falls (149 miles)

Summary: Great hike in the Laurel-Snow Wilderness leading to an 80ft waterfall! It is near Dayton Tennessee. The trail is 5 miles round trip, has an elevation gain of 1200 feet, takes 3 hours to hike, is of moderate difficulty, and is a out and back hike. The trail starts at an abandoned coalmine area along Richland Creek providing multiple natural swimming pools. The trails are in great shape and well marked with white markers on trees. There could be a potential problem of hiking during current rain as some of the trails are formed of rock and some maneuvering over large rock areas are necessary. If you are feeling really adventurous there is a marked trail to Bryan Overlook which takes you up a rocky trail and some creek crossing but taking your and being careful you shouldn’t have any problem getting to the 1724’ overlook, the view is well worth it! This is a 1.35 mile round trip from the waterfall area and with steep elevation I would rate this part strenuous. Snow Falls can be reached the same day via 8-mile trip.
Ranger Contact: Laurel-Snow Bowater Pocket Wilderness Trail
Review: the trail markers on the way back confused numerous reviewers. ²¹

Monte Sano North Plateau Loop (11 miles)

Summary: Overlook, Observatory, Amphitheater, nice orienteering course. It is near Huntsville Alabama. The trail is 1.5 miles round trip, has an elevation gain of 100 feet, takes 1 hour to hike, and is easy. North Plateau Loop is the trail that surrounds the inner park and provides access to 5 other trails in the Monte Sano system. While it is the heaviest used trail (and easiest) it does provide a spectacular view of Logan point and the northwest side of Monte Sano Mountain as well as the Amphitheater, an abandoned lodge, and the CCC built picnic area. Where a CCC reunion was held in 1983. ²²
Orienteering course: http://home.earthlink.net/~montesano/MonteSano.pdf

Ranger Contact: Monte sane state park ranger (256) 534-3757

Odum Trail Cheaha Wilderness (Talladega National Forest) (171 miles)

Summary: Long trail along a ridgeline, low under brush and rocky, lots of turkeys. It is near Ashland Alabama. The trail is 4.7 miles round trip, has an elevation gain of 1000 feet, takes 3 hours to hike, is of moderate difficulty, and is a out and back hike. The trail is poorly maintained. Odum trail travels up a long mountain ridge. The trail is not mark at all on the south end. If you stay on the ridge you will stay on track. There is a lot of low under brush. There is a lot of wild turkey. There are a view spots that offer a nice view.
Ranger Contact: Shoal Creek Ranger District, 205-463-2272
Reviews: Very nice over night through hike, walked north to south. Rough in spots but very doable with boy scouts. Nice views and plenty of water in the winter, even some that falls from the sky. Not at all well marked. Lost the trail several times but follow the ridge and you'll come to the High falls. Terrific side trip to an overlook at about 3 miles, maybe 1/4 mile extra. It's a do-over! ²³

Point Rock Trail (Pocket State Park) (77 Miles)

Summary: Nice cascade falls, great views from the top. It is near Groveoak Alabama. The trail is 2.5 miles round trip, has an elevation gain of 400 feet, takes 1.5 hours to hike, is of moderate difficulty, and is a out and back hike. The trail condition is ok, but has a few difficult spots. This is a nice short hike for the family. There are a few places that a parent will want to "hang onto" children under 9 yrs old. My 6 year old made it fine in 1 1/2 hours (each way) with some hand holding and lifting onto one boulder. In heavy rain times, check at ranger station (near lower trailhead) about stream crossings. There are great views at the top. Also, this is an ideal place to watch Bald Eagles during winter months. ²⁴
Ranger Contact: Alabama State Parks 256-571-5455

Salt Trough Ford (Chatahoochee National Forest) (251 miles)

Summary:  River fishing, waterfalls, rolling hills. It is near Clayton Georgia. The trail is 10.4 miles, has an elevation gain of 1869 feet, takes 5.5 hours to hike, is of moderate difficulty, and is a point-to-point hike. The trail is well maintained.
The Chattooga River Trail is a forty-mile route that borders the states of North Carolina, South Carolina, and Georgia and follows the banks of the Chattooga National Wild And Scenic River from Burrell's Ford to US 76. This hike to Salt Trough Ford is a moderate route that follows the river southbound from the Burrell's Ford Parking Area and intersects with the Bartram Trail at Lick Log Creek. The route then follows the Foothills Trail to a small parking area on SC 107. There are some nice campsites along the river, particularly in the Salt Trough Ford and Lick Log Creek areas. (Note: The Chattooga River and Foothills Trails intersects with the Bartram Trail at Lick Log Creek.)²⁵

Ranger Contact: Chattahooche National Forest, Tallulah Ranger District, 404-782-3320

Savage Gulf State Natural Area (121 miles)

Summary: The Savage Gulf/Stone Door Area has been a past favorite and provides numerous trails for hikers. One trail for consideration is the Big Creek Gulf 4-mile trail. This rough, challenging trail leads through the gorge below and to the west of Stone Door. Hikers may return via Laurel or Big Creek Rim trails. This trail will wear you out. An over night stay at Alum Gap Camp is recommended. Small boulders and rocks must be traversed at many places on this demanding trail. This trail is about a 4-5 hour hike.²⁶

Sipsey Loop (Bankhead National Forest) (66 miles)

Summary: Takes in the best areas of Sipsey Bees Branch and Sipsey Canyon. It is near Double Springs Alabama. The trail is 28.5 miles round trip, has an elevation gain of 1400 feet, takes 12.5 hours to hike, and is of moderate difficulty. The trail is okay, but has a few difficult spots.
This is a trail that requires a map and a good compass. Also keep in mind that there are many blow downs on even the most moderately windy day, which poses a hazard when camping. The trails are unmarked staying with the forest services principle of making Sipsey a true backwoods experience. There are several major landmarks including Ship Rock, Eye of the Needle, East Bees Branch Falls, the underground passage on TR200 and Fall Creek Falls. The overall trail includes several major stream crossings including Hubbard Creek, Thompson Creek, and the Sipsey River itself. The views of the Canyon are excellent. This route covers all the major landmarks within the Sipsey Wilderness area and provides several opportunities for off trail exploration. The trail on FS208 and FS224 also includes horse traffic and can be a struggle after rains due to the mud. The one back and forth on the trail is a short jaunt on TR204 that leads to East Bees Branch Falls. ²⁷
Ranger Contact: (205) 489-5111 US forest rangers office

Sipsey TR 202 (Bankhead National Forest) (66 miles)

Summary: Straight hike through the woods with the interest point of a cemetery. It is near Double Springs Alabama. The trail is 2.5 miles point to point, has an elevation gain of 400 feet, takes 1.5 hours to hike, and is easy. The trail is well maintained.
Like all hikes in Sipsey a compass and a good map of the area is a must... even extremely experienced hikers in Sipsey get lost and turned around! This is a simple rolling point to point or in and out hike. The trail has three main features that make it worth doing. The first is that it gives a first hand view of the devastation wrought by the pine beetle, which has destroyed countless thousands of acres of pine in this area. The second feature is Johnson Cemetery, which dates back to the mid 1800’s, and the graves are still maintained and covered yearly in white sand (a local tradition). Finally the trail gives and alternate way of accessing TR209 without parking at the fee site down the road and a less used access. This trail, and all other trails in the Sipsey system are unblazed. ²⁸
Ranger Contact: (205) 489-5111 US forest rangers office

Sipsey TR201 (Bankhead National Forest) (66 miles)

Summary: Short trail linking to 206, shiprock, and eye of the needle formations. It is near Double Springs Alabama. The trail is 3 miles point to point, has an elevation gain of 100 feet, takes 1.5 hours to hike, and is easy. The trail is okay, but difficult in a few spots.
Simple rolling trail with a steep downhill. The official trail crosses the Sipsey river but I suggest crossing earlier on Hubbard creek then continue across Thompson creek to the junction with 206 and the side trail to ship rock and eye of the needle. ²⁹
Ranger Contact: (205) 489-5111 US forest rangers office

Sipsey-FS208-Bunyan Hill Road (FS224) (66 miles)

Summary: Links TR206 to TR204. It is near Double Springs Alabama. The trail is 7.5 miles point to point, has an elevation gain of 600 feet, takes 3.5 hours to hike, and is easy. The trail is well maintained.
Trail is a wagon wheel restricted access road that provides a link between TR206 and TR200 as well as northern access to TR204. The hike itself is uneventful with limited water available even in periods of heavy rain. There are some pretty stretches but this hike is mostly useful for getting from on place to the next. On Bunyan Hill you begin to see more of the effects of the pine beetles with as much as 40 percent of the trees down but this did not effect hiking times much. Hate to do it on horseback though. NOTE: This trail permits horses and horse drawn wagons so if you bring a dog make sure it is restrained. ³⁰
Ranger Contact: (205) 489-5111 US forest rangers office

Sipsey-TR200 (Bankhead National Forest) (66 miles)

Summary: Double waterfall, wildflowers, 20-foot underground passage. It is near Double Springs Alabama. The trail is 2.5 miles point to point, has an elevation gain of 100 feet, takes 1.5 hours to hike, and is easy. The trail is okay, but difficult in a few spots.
This is a sweet little rolling trail that splits off of 209 and heads up Borden creek. The trail has a few interesting features. The first being located at the .75-mile point where there is a very nice double waterfall and campsite that is slightly off the trail. Past that point and a muddy crossing of an unnamed creek there is a choice of doing some reverse climbing grasp roots hand over hand climbing or a 20 foot underground passage. The underground passage is rather a tight squeeze and requires passing packs by hand. The most important feature of this hike is that it provides a link with Bunyan Hill road as well as TR210 and TR203, and a link to a dry crossing of Borden Creek to head deeper into the wilderness area. ³¹
Ranger Contact: (205) 489-5111 US forest rangers office

Sipsey-TR203 (Bankhead National Forest) (66 miles)

Summary: Solitude, rock formations, older growth forest. It is near Double Springs Alabama. The trail is 4 miles point to point, has an elevation gain of 1000 feet, takes 3 hours to hike, and is of moderate difficulty. The trail condition is described as “bushwhacking”.
This trail has two personalities. In parts it is a wonderful trail through some of the older growth forest. This trail is one of the only marked trails in Sipsey. The trail markings are spaced orange flags. Towards the 2.5 mile point the reason for these markers becomes dramatically apparent. Due to the huge numbers of unmanaged blow downs the trail at times becomes unrecognizable and requires significant bushwhacking from flag to flag. This trail is almost unused and sports few if any established campsites. This gives the advantage of being a true back woods experience, but also puts the responsibility on hiker to be sure to leave any campsites in pristine condition.³²
Ranger Contact: (205) 489-5111 US forest rangers office

Sipsey-TR204 (Bankhead National Forest) (66 miles)

Summary: Lovely secluded area, waterfall, Big Tree, views of Sipsey canyon. It is near Double Springs Alabama. The trail is 2.5 miles point to point, has an elevation gain of 500 feet, takes 2 hours to hike, and is strenuous. The trail condition is described as “bushwhacking”.
In all honesty 204 has basically ceased to exist south of the side trail to East bees Branch falls. It definitely requires bush whacking and a lot of compass work. The features on this trail are amazing, East bees branch falls is well worth the hike and toward the southern end there are some beautiful and secluded areas. HOWEVER, south of the side trail to the falls the trail becomes impassible in places and requires a huge amount of care and patience. The sheer number of blow downs (more than 50 percent of the pines) creates a dagger like maze of snags and brambles.³³
Ranger Contact: (205) 489-5111 US forest rangers office






Sipsey-TR206 (Bankhead National Forest) (66 miles)
Summary: Lovely hike along Thompson creek, junction with FS208 and TR201. It is near Double Springs Alabama. The trail is 2 miles point to point, has an elevation gain of 100 feet, takes 1 hours to hike, and is moderate. The trail condition is okay, but difficult in a few spots.
TR206 follows Thompson creek to its junction with Hubbard creek to form the headwaters of the Sipsey River. The trail is one of the best maintained in the Sipsey system with wonderful views of the stream. There are a few confusing spots only one well marked the secret is always go left.³⁴
Ranger Contact: (205) 489-5111 US forest rangers office

Snow Falls (149 miles)

Summary: Quite falls awaits you with great overlook views to be enjoyed on this trail. It is near Dayton Tennessee. The trail is 7 miles round trip, has an elevation gain of 1575 feet, takes 4 hours to hike, and is moderate. The trail is well maintained.
Your hike begins along the Richland Creek that provided water and mining for the town of Dayton for many years. This area was once logged by Bowater Paper and then turned over to provide excellent trails for the pocket wilderness and Cumberland Trail. The first 1.5 miles is shared by Snow Falls & Laurel Falls; at this point turn left (NW) to Snow Falls. You will hike 3/4 mile then you will walk around a huge boulder and then cross 3 50' bridges to cross over Richland Creek. The next 2 miles you will ascend over 500' by a series of switchbacks that lead to the upper rim to Buzzard Point. Once you are on top follow an old log road to the south to Buzzard Point for lunch with a view! Backtrack to connect to the Snow Falls trail that crosses this log road you're on. You will descend to creek level of which you will have to wade or cross depending on water level. Once you are across the creek follow white blaze. Backtrack to upper rim for the Dunn Overlook for great views.³⁵
Ranger Contact: Laurel-Snow Bowater Pocket Wilderness Trail

Virgin Falls Loop (Virgin Falls State National Area) (132 miles)

Summary: Many creeks and waterfalls. It is near Sparta Tennessee. The trail is 10 miles round trip, has an elevation gain of 1300 feet, takes 5 hours to hike, and is moderate. The trail is okay, but difficult in a few spots.
This route descends the plateau, crossing numerous creeks and goes next to many beautiful waterfalls. There are a few caves here (Sheep Cave, Big Laurel Falls Cave, VF Cave) that are worth visiting if you have time. Also, the overlook (Martha's Pretty Point) is well worth the deviation. It is listed as the Caney Fork Overlook Trail. Please note that the pictures in this description are taken from various websites and are not my own work (my digicam died). This hike took me nearly 8.5 hrs at a leisurely pace including visiting Sheep Cave.³⁶
Ranger Contact: Bowater, Inc.

Yellow Bluff/Polly Branch Loop (149 miles)

Summary:  Wooded trails, waterfalls, creek crossings, wildlife, and mountain views. It is near Cookeville Tennessee. The trail is 7.75 miles round trip, has an elevation gain of 1292 feet, takes 4 hours to hike, and is moderate. The trail is okay, but difficult in a few spots.
All trails are marked with Day-Glo tape. 75' from parking area is a connector trail to the Caney Fork River Trail. The Joe Hollway Rock House is on this trail. The trail is an old logging trail and follows the Caney Fork River. You will connect to the Polly Branch Falls Trail with views of Upper Polly Branch Falls. You will then connect to the Yellow Bluff Trail with side trails to Honey Pond, Boar Hog Gap Overlook and Yellow Bluff Overlook. From here continue on to end the loop hike to Scott's Gulf Road. Great year round hike but spring is a great time for wildflower lovers during peak season of mid-April there are over 50 varieties for viewing.³⁷
Ranger Contact: James Douglas

Download 271.31 Kb.

Share with your friends: