Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
Maps: USGS Mount Hope, AL;
DeLorme: Alabama Atlas & Gazetteer,
page 23
B9 B10; trail maps available online at the Sipsey Wilderness Hiking Club website
(www.sipseywilderness.org)
Trail contact: US Forest Service, 1070 AL 33, Double Springs, AL 35553; (205)
489-5111; www.fs.usda.gov/alabama
Special considerations: Hunting is permitted in the Sipsey Wilderness Area of
William Bankhead National Forest, and trails are closed during certain times of
the season. Visit the Forest Service website for dates and additional information.
Finding the trailhead: From Moulton at the intersection of AL 24 and AL 33, take
AL 33 south 13.9 miles. Turn right onto CR 60 / Cranal Road. Travel 4 miles. The
recreation area is well marked on the left side of the highway. GPS: N34 17.137' /
W87 23.920'
The Hike
Most people don't think of Alabama as a wilderness retreat, but it is. As a matter
of fact, the state has three designated wilderness areas: Cheaha Wilderness, with
its 7,490 acres, lies in northeast Alabama near Cheaha State Park; the Dugger
Mountain Wilderness, near Anniston, has 9,200 acres; and the largest tract is the
Sipsey Wilderness, with over 24,000 acres—the third largest wilderness area in
the United States east of the Mississippi.
Located in William Bankhead National Forest, the Sipsey Wilderness exempli-
fies all of the characteristics (and more) of the federal government's definition of
wilderness: amazing landscapes and wildlife, an area untouched by humans, and
an area that provides recreation and solitude. One of the best trails to experience
all that the Sipsey has to offer is the Borden Creek Trail (Trail 200). Of all of the
Sipsey's trails, Borden Creek draws together all of the wilderness's most attractive
elements and does so along a footpath that's easy enough for the whole family,
with the exception of very young children, to enjoy. Having said that, keep in
mind that the uniqueness of this trail and its relative ease of hiking also make it
very popular. On any given weekend the trailhead is full. But don't let that deter
you!
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