Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
There are several things that make the Sipsey so special. The first is that it is the
only area of old-growth oak forest remaining in Alabama. Along the trail you will
also find magnificent specimens of magnolia, holly, hemlock, and cedar. This is
also a prime wildflower region. Don't be surprised to see a lot of photographers
along the trail, capturing images of yellow lady's slippers, shooting stars, yellow
and white trilliums, and other flowers.
The Sipsey is also the home of amazing sandstone bluffs, towering canyon
walls carved over the ages by the action of Borden Creek, the Sipsey River, and
the many waterfalls hidden away throughout the forest. As a matter of fact,
throughout this hike you will hear the sounds of water splashing down the tall
canyon walls, the reason why this area is known as Land of a Thousand Water-
falls.
The trail itself ranges from a narrow, 2-foot-wide dirt path to a wide, 5-plus-
foot-wide path. You will climb over a few rocks along the way, too.
You have three options when it comes to walking this trail. The first is a
2.8-mile point-to-point. This is a fairly easy walk over dirt and rock footpaths. It is
the best choice if you are bringing children since it's shorter in length, being half
the distance of the out-and-back version, but it will require you to have a shuttle
vehicle waiting at the other end. You can start from either the Sipsey Wilderness
Recreation Area or the Borden Creek Trailhead.
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