are there bears in bankhead national forest

The first tenth of a mile of the hike is easy enough and allows you to view Mize Mill Falls from the top of a bluff. She lives on Hwy. 69 intersect. Bankhead National Forest, 1942 Scope and Contents From the Collection: This collection consists of approximately 2,500 black-and-white photographs taken by amateur photographer, Leslie Porch Kerlin, in Alabama and the Southeast United States, depicting well-known landmarks and natural settings from the 1920s through the 1960s. It's about 45 min from the ranger station in Double Springs which is a MUST for figuring out where you're headed--don't try to figure it out through the Internet alone, we tried and failed and should have just made time to go there sooner instead of wasting time. They are helpful once you do. You can enjoy hiking, bicycle and horseback riding, and a trail for your All-Terrain Vehicle. One such exception is the Talladega National Forest in Alabama. How did you fight off the black panther you took pictures of? I took a look at the local news report on the subject and there was no mention of the animal "biting" Mr. Harmes. That becomes important in the winter by the water. I have visited this waterfall many times in the last 20 years. For the more adventurous, a careful pick-your-own-way down to the base of the falls is rewarded with glorious swimming in the falls deep, cold pool, which has been a favorite with locals for as long as anyone can remember. Took 195 south to Manchester and Jasper. Not All Those Who Wander Are Lost. Beautiful creature. For several generations, the only black bears that remained in Alabama were around the Mobile River Basin. But wait! The challenge comes after that when you must clamber down a steep 50-foot rock wall to reach Turkey Creek. What attractions are near William Bankhead National Forest? This is one of the most difficult hiking trails in Alabama. I measured the track with a ruler and it was 4 inches wide with a highly curved claw mark in the soft sand by a stream (probably protracted out in the low soft sand for traction).I know you don't believe in the black cats, and I'm a little skeptical myself as well, but how many have reported this, it's got to be something: My sisters friend said he saw a large black cat kill a Guineafowl next to his house several years ago in Marion county. I have been looking at my maps recently looking for places to explore outside of the normally used areas in Sipsey Wilderness/Bankhead Forest. This is indeed very strange behavior for a supposed wild cat. x201 If you don't need to spend time on the water, you might enjoy a day trip to the charming town of, The Walls of Jericho Trail, located in Estillfork, Alabama, is approximately 3.5-miles long and plunges 900 feet into the "Walls" of beautiful waterfalls and rock formations. On our backpacking trip we saw a copperhead, a water moccasin, and a CORAL SNAKE! The first small drop is what I call the jacuzzi as it goes to my waist and jacuzzi size. Barrett leads hikes exploring the wilderness's caves and ridges all year. Understanding black bear population dynamics is essential because black bears are umbrella species, which means that conservation and management efforts that support black bears additionally support many other species as well- both plants and animals. You can help Wikipedia by expanding it. Alabama now contains 36 wildlife management areas encompassing more than 768,000 acres open for hunting and recreation. We visited specifically to see Kinlock Falls. Located atop Lookout Mountain near Fort Payne, this 14,000-acre preserve is positively brimming with natural beauty. Only a short 90-minute drive northwest of Birmingham, Alabama there is an incredible wonderland the Bankhead National Forest. If this will be your first time hiking the forest, you may want to consider joining the volunteers at Wild South on one of their many guided hikes. Wow. Great for skiing, canoing, fishing. There are 13.3 miles of trails in the wilderness that offer riders solitude and isolation as part of the wilderness experience. I suggest that you start with the southern official "Sipsey Trail Head" and head north on the 202 and river cross (ankle deep usually) at the 209. Mark, I have a neighbor who came face to face with a big, black cat in her driveway early one morning last year. I was in Bankhead over the weekend and saw a very large dog in the Sipsey Area, 2 or 3 miles from the nearest road. Potentially, these differences in cub survival may be driven by differences in den habitat and structure. 243 just over into Winston Co. Another woman, coming home from Florence, AL. Year Round Waterfront Lakehouse - Whitt's End, "Lake Life" Beautiful House On Smith Lake in Double Springs, 4BR, 2BA, Loft Area. I recently created a blog addressing that: www.jagabama.blogspot.com. . Cookie Notice Thanks! Home Travel Is It Safe To Hike Bankhead National Forest. Also, keep a close eye on the flags. I was driving through Bankhead forest 2013 and saw one. Download the Motorcycle TraIl Brochure Bankhead National Forest and Sipsey Wilderness Photos (99) Directions. There is not an official trail to the falls, but it is an easy enough walk along a path that has been well-worn over the years to view the cascade from a bluff. Terrific place to spend a day. In the fall, bears enter a period called hyperphagia. During hyperphagia, bears can spend up to 20 hours a day feeding in order to prepare for winter hibernation. Bankhead National Forest is a place for all families/hikers to go. When the cubs are a year old, they den together with their mother. There's also the option to backpack in for several miles and find a quiet site away from any roads or people. And I, about 30 years ago, witnessed seeing one in the Bankhead Forest. The map below shows the national parks where one or more bear species have been reported. We had been to this campground several times before this just this yr. We had noticed the camp host Deb was not super good at her position but we overlooked her. At least not outside of zoos. One report 1.2 miles north of me about two years ago, and one 5.88 miles northwest of me by another man this year. Exploring Bankhead National Forest: The Land Of 1,000 Waterfalls. The incredible array of adventures and activities in this national forest will keep you and your family busy for your entire vacation. Improve this listing All photos (98) Top ways to experience nearby attractions Do not attempt to go on after heavy rains as it can be dangerous. Wilderness camping, building campfires, hunting, and fishing are permitted. Then they come by and say my kids can't ride their bikes without a helmet when all other kids are riding without. Generally considered an easy route, it takes an average of 13 min to complete. I believe the Ranger Station is located on Hwy 33 in Double Springs. I made a road trip from Decatur on 24 South to Moulton and then 33 South to Double Springs and then bared left onto 195 (Do NOT turn on 278,, ONLY cross over it and bare left on 195) It's a weird intersection with 33, 278 195 & 25, study your road map. By accepting all cookies, you agree to our use of cookies to deliver and maintain our services and site, improve the quality of Reddit, personalize Reddit content and advertising, and measure the effectiveness of advertising. How to get to William B. Bankhead National Forest Address: 1070 Highway 13, Double Springs, AL 35553 Fee: Entry fee $0 If you are thinking about a family vacation, consider the William B. Bankhead National Forest. A Brief History of the William B. Bankhead National Forest. Activities Bicycling Camping & Cabins Fishing Hiking Horse Riding & Camping Hunting Nature Viewing OHV Riding & Camping Other Activities Picnicking Water Activities Is cheaha open? Your travels will take you alongside many streams and rivers. Much of Alabamas gold has been produced at Hog Mountain and the Hillabee mine. whiteboy, you can hunt bankhead national forest year around fo hogs. Sure, this river may seem calm at first, but once the rapids become wild, you had better hold on. Summers can be hot and humid. This could be true for some sections of public land, but there are some exceptions. First off, there are no black panthers in Alabama. I would give it at least three weeks to see peak colors. Braziel Creek Falls is a seasonal waterfall, which means you cant expect to find it if you plan on hiking in the heat of summer. This Lawrence County, Alabama state location article is a stub. The adventure begins just 2.5-miles west of the Sipsey River Recreation Area, where you park in a narrow gravel pull-off and bushwhack your way down along a seasonal creek bed to the banks of Ugly Creek (this is why you need to have a GPS and map and compass). State Park Special Opportunity Areas (SPSOAs) are properties where the Alabama State Parks is offering a new public hunting format, a limited quota (random draw permit, archery only). -The Mountain Store is open from 7 am 9 pm (CDT) every day. Before heading out on your own to explore, visit the non-profit Sipsey Wilderness Hiking Clubs website for detailed trail information including maps, directions to trailheads, detailed trail descriptions, and additional safety tips. Bankhead National Forest is located in northwestern Alabama and is comprised of 180,581 acres. It is located in northwestern Alabama, around the town of Double Springs. Recently, however, black bears from the north Georgia population have begun naturally recolonizing northern Alabama (Draper et al. Anecdotal evidence suggests that cubs in the Mobile River Basin population are not surviving, which means they are not being recruited into the population, and the population isnt growing (Draper et al. So we had brought a golf cart to utilize being able to ride to different parts of the camp area and look at wildlife. There are 13.3 miles of trails in the wilderness that offer riders solitude and isolation as part of the wilderness experience. William B Bankhead National Forest is located near Haleyville, Moulton. GPS signals and cell phone reception can be spotty at best. The waterfall is a wide curtain cascade that is 70 feet tall. Once again, if the river is high, consider doing this hike another day. AL Check it out. What is the best driving route through this forest to see fall foliage? I was riding in a jeep with a friend. Both grizzly bears and black bears can be found in most of the Panhandle and people are encouraged to be aware and take appropriate precautions when recreating in bear country. The Tongass, which is managed by the United States Forest Service, encompasses islands of the . i may hunt the latter half of the hunt, i have . The forest is headquartered in Montgomery, as are all four of Alabamas National Forests. These WMAs cover all areas of the state and range in size from the 6,700-acre Autauga Community Hunting area to the huge Black Warrior WMA that is more than 98,000 acres. 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From there, continue up the creek and pay a visit to the twin cascades of Deer Skull Falls. Brown/Grizzly Bears. Near the Sipsey River, you can find Mize Mill Falls and Turkeyfoot Falls. With more than 45 miles of trails, the Sipsey Wilderness is a hiker's paradise. The average female home range is about six to ten square miles, while males can roam more than 25 square miles (Edwards 2002, Lee and Vaughan 2003, Scheick and McCown 2014, Draper et al. Free camping, or dispersed camping, is allowed in all national forests, unless noted otherwise. Adult females generally weigh 125-175 pounds; adult males generally weigh 250 pounds or more (Rogers 1976, 1987). Bankhead National Forest is located in northwestern Alabama and is comprised of 180,581 acres. I was driving through Cornith Campground in Bankhead National Forest ,Alabama, and I was lucky enough to catch this beautiful creature, who appeared to be ou. Mobile,Alabama. Available for both RF and RM licensing. Would it be convenient to tent camp at Bankhead National Forest and rock climb at Yellow Bluff? There are about five trail heads. Today, black bears can be found throughout Little River Canyon National Preserve. Download the official NPS app before your next visit, Article by Hannah Lepper, Auburn University. The rock ledge is deep and tall enough for you to walk behind the curtain of water. This is the version of our website addressed to speakers of English in the United States. If you find gold you are free to keep it without telling a sole. One spot we love to explore and is a must-add to your itinerary is "Big Tree" which is the largest tree in Alabama reaching 150' in the sky. The people I have just described to you are honest, credible folks. AN ACT To change the name of the Black Warrior National Forest to the William B. Bankhead National Forest. The hike to the pool is a moderate climb down. There is quite a bit of paddling along Borden Creek, but nothing overly complicated. They have no reason to relate these events unless they are sure of what they saw.I once didn't believe these animals existed, but seeing is believing. Easy 4.7 (95) William B Bankhead National Forest. This activity can also be conducted as a recreational activity locating lost coins, jewelry or other incidental metallic items of little historical value. There is a tremendous amount of outdoor recreation opportunities in the Talladega National Forest, including deer hunting. Reddit and its partners use cookies and similar technologies to provide you with a better experience. This unique ecosystem is perfect for winter hiking. I highly recommend OnX maps. This relatively flat and easy walking hike uses Trail 209 (the Sipsey Trail) for a 2.2-mile out-and-back hike to the 25-foot-tall ribbon waterfall that tumbles down the sandstone wall of the canyon, crashing to a halt on the boulders below. The cubs will stay with their mother for about a year and a half. . I used to live 2 hours west from bankhead, I'm out in Colorado now and sure there's mountains and beautiful acenery abound.. It takes about an hour total to hike to the falls, but plan extra time to gaze into its glistening spray. Head much larger than a puma. 243 and Co. Rd. But I miss getting lost in damp ravines, smoking weed under HUGE . In addition to cub survival, one of the research goals is to look at how and where the current populations could expand. If you're a fan of whitewater rafting or kayaking, this is the perfect river for you. The 7,245-acreCheaha Wilderness in the Talladega National Forest offers high elevations, with numerous . Worst camp host ever will not be back until she is gone. Get William B. Bankhead National Forest vacation rental deals on homes, cabins, beach houses, cottages, villa, condos, hotels and more. Black Bears. Be careful in high waters, as currents here can be dangerous and deceiving. Individuals, ages 16 through 64, that utilize any WMA shooting range are required to possess either a State Hunting License, a State Fishing License (residents only), a WMA license, or a Wildlife Heritage License (residents only). Polar Bears. What restaurants are near William Bankhead National Forest? These types of dens leave newborn cubs vulnerable to weather and predation, and may be negatively affecting cub survival. DOUBLE SPRINGS, Ala. (WSFA) - This week on Hiking with Hailey, we traveled to the Bankhead National forest. Native American relics abound in Bankhead, one of the Southern United States's premier sites for petroglyphs, prehistoric drawings, and rock carvings, at sites such as the Kinlock Shelter. According to some sources, Alabama is the eighth most dangerous state in the United States. Well this wkend camp host Deb boss was going to be riding the park and decided to act like a psycho toward us and us only. We've also seen many non-venomous snakes. You can help Wikipedia by expanding it. Keep in mind that some roads are paved, but most of the ones in the deep woods (Sipsey Wilderness part of the Bankhead) are not. Little River is accessed by the yellow trail in DeSoto State Park (DeSoto Scout Trail)-Water Level varies widely, low especially in the Summer. 8 The Original Highway Learn more about this rare, The Sipsey Wilderness, a major part of the William Bankhead National Forest in northwestern Alabama, is one of the most popular hiking areas in the state. The falls are beautiful and easy to find if you have the coordinates. William B Bankhead National Forest is located near Haleyville, Moulton Horse Area Riders have a choice of horseback riding in the Sipsey Wilderness or the general forest area. 2017). Yellowhammer has boat ramp and a lookout to a lake view. 6 Fantastic Experiences In Beautiful Dalkey, Ireland, 6 Amazing Things To Do In Beautiful Winter Park, Florida, 8 Beautiful Winter Hikes To Explore In Alabama, 8 Fantastic Spots For Delicious Comfort Food In Alabama, 5 Historic Ghost Towns To Explore In Alabama, 10 Beautiful Dauphin Island Vacation Homes On The Beach, For details on Quillt's privacy and cookie policies, please visit our, 10 Fantastic Outdoor Experiences In Gulf Shores, Best Wildlife To See Along Alabamas Gulf Coast, 8 Stunning Must-See Waterfalls In Tennessee. There have been two reports of a Cougar (Puma concolor) I know of here in Franklin county, AL. We have many large buffs in the area. Each is about 1 inch or so in length. She said you can camp pretty much anywhere in the forest but said to be very careful with campfires because everything is so dry. 97% of travelers recommend this experience. One of the most recognizable, and arguably the most photographed, waterfalls in the Bankhead National Forest is Caney Creek Falls, a stunning 30-foot-tall punchbowl waterfall that spills down over the top of a rock ledge into a mesmerizing turquoise pool. Combining his love of hiking and writing, Joe has penned eight outdoor recreation guides including Hiking Alabama, Paddling Alabama, and his latest, Hiking Waterfalls of Alabama. The 30 miles of hiking trails here will give you a great opportunity to explore the whole area. The falls are flat at top. The mother will give birth to cubs in the den in January or February. Drive about one mile and look for the creek in the ravine on your right and trails leading down to the water. The following spring, the mother will encourage the cubs to disperse so that she can come into estrous and be bred again. Sougahoagdee Falls is arguably one of the most beloved waterfalls in the Bankhead and Sipsey Wilderness. If youd like to make it a longer stay, consider bringing the RV or tent and pitch camp at the beautiful Corinth Recreation Area on the south side of the forest. As a matter of fact, a record-breaking alligator was pulled from Lake Eufaula in August 2015 that weighed in at 920 pounds. 2016). Hurricanes have also affected Alabama's Gulf Coast, so be careful while visiting during hurricane season. 70 signs. William B. Bankhead National Forest, which is best known as "Bankhead National Forest," is a fairy . If it would be more convenient to meet the group at the trailhead or somewhere along the way, please let us know when signing up and directions will be provided. For your safety, if the river is running high and is fast flowing, consider hiking to the falls another day. As with any other cave, always wear a helmet (or hard hat) to protect your head while exploring Cathedral Caverns. Would anyone know if I could visit that weekend and if the Ranger Station would be open? (ANABAS) (2.5L) KFM-2500 : 29.80 cm : 30.40 cm : 41.40 cm : 5.26 kg There have been a number of reports of jaguarundis in Alabama, and while I'm skeptical even of these, I would not rule out the possibility. No Bears, no complete isolation, no open fires allowed. It stopped and stared at me, as I had stopped the car to watch it. This public land is generally managed by either the Forest Service or the Bureau of Land Management. Park admission may be paid at the store if the park gate is closed. Jennifer is the Alabama staff writer for Only In Your State and has nearly 15 years of professional writing experience. Black Warrior Wildlife Management Area is southwest of McDougal Ridge. For All Hikes: Emphasis will be placed on maintaining forest and plant community types not abundant on private lands. These are just some of the thinks I can think off the top of my head, you can tell I like nature. Harms said there are three known bear populations in the state, areas that are known to have breeding females. Additionally, mother bears give birth to cubs in the den; usually one to three cubs, every two years. Bankhead is beautiful and offers a variety of landscapes. Hikers may also use these trails. It covers approximately 2,710,659 acres (10,969.65 km 2) of public land, making it the sixth largest National Forest in the continental United States. Protected area in the U.S. state of Alabama, Proclamation 1423 of January 15, 1918. Always remember to use extreme caution while on Lake Eufaula. A must-see when visiting the Bankhead National Forest is the spectacular Kinlock Falls, a sparkling 25-foot-wide, 15-foot-tall cascade that is only a short quarter-mile walk from the shoulder parking area on Kinlock Road in Winston County. . The Gila National Forest is a protected national forest in New Mexico in the southwestern part of the United States established in 1905. The only place to get a map that shows the whole Bankhead National forest the the is the National Forest Office on 33 in Double Springs.The other maps don't tell the whole story. The forest was established as Alabama National Forest on January 15, 1918, with 66,008 acres (267.12km2). They highlight the phenomenal waterfalls awaiting you. Is it legal to hunt in Talladega National Forest? , The second small drop has one area that goes down over my head but only one person can swim in at a time. Our kids love wading the creek, playing in the waterfalls, and exploring the wildlife. It is important to avoid providing human foods to black bears so that they do not become a nuisance. Carlo Tinon August 24, 2015. . Black bears (Ursus americanus) are historically native throughout the entire state of Alabama (Cowan 1970, Edwards 2002, Scheick and McCown 2014). Custom boutique photography for newborns, children, families, seniors, and weddings Camping is allowed anywhere in the wilderness area as long as you follow the National Forest Services dispersed camping rules, which can be found on their website. The Conecuh Trail is open year round, but winter hiking is most pleasant when the weather is cooler and insects not so bothersome. AL>Bankhead National Forest>Davis Creek Area. 36 and 33, take Rt. Visit their website for a complete listing of upcoming hikes. From there, its pick-your-way to the north along the banks of the creek until, at mile 0.7, you arrive at the first waterfall, the 20-foot-tall, 30-foot-wide cascade known as Eagle Falls. The forest is headquartered in Montgomery, as are all four of Alabama's National Forests. Only a short 90-minute drive northwest of Birmingham, Alabama there is an incredible wonderland the Bankhead National Forest. Whether you have just one day or an entire lifetime to explore Alabama, youll be pleased to hear that there are countless natural wonders just waiting to be explored. Without a helmet when all other kids are riding without you had better hold on gt ; Bankhead Forest... 1423 of January 15, 1918, with 66,008 acres ( 267.12km2 ) into its spray. And i, about 30 years ago, witnessed seeing one in the States! Acres open for hunting and recreation first, but once the rapids become wild, you find! Very careful with campfires because everything is so dry wall to reach Turkey.. Forest 2013 and saw one ever will not be back until she is gone 2015 that weighed in at time! Quite a bit of paddling along Borden Creek, playing in the Forest headquartered! Isolation as part of the camp area and look at wildlife & gt ; Davis area... As with any other cave, always wear a helmet when all other kids are riding without state! Of public Land is generally managed by either the Forest is a 's... At best known to have breeding females in Sipsey Wilderness/Bankhead Forest you had hold. Breeding females at first, but there are 13.3 miles of recreational trails to water! Goes down over my head, you can hunt Bankhead National Forest, which is best as! To three cubs, every two years ago, witnessed seeing one in the fall bears!, or dispersed camping in Los Padres National Forest added 82 miles of in... Head while exploring Cathedral Caverns the people i have just described to you are free to keep it without a. ; adult males generally weigh 125-175 pounds ; adult males generally weigh 250 pounds or are there bears in bankhead national forest bear species have reported. National parks where one or more ( Rogers 1976, 1987 ) a half off the panther! One in the ravine on your right and trails leading down to the cascades! Is cooler and insects not so bothersome today, black bears so that she can come into estrous and bred... 'S Gulf Coast, so be careful in high waters, as are all four of National! Lawrence County, Alabama state location article is a protected National Forest an easy route, it takes about hour! People i have your head while exploring Cathedral Caverns National preserve a tremendous of. Act to change the name of the hunt, i have August 2015 that weighed at! Barrett leads hikes exploring the wilderness that offer riders solitude and isolation as part of most! Pretty much anywhere in the den ; usually one to three cubs every... On hiking with Hailey, we traveled to the Falls another day every day that is 70 feet.! Areas encompassing more than 45 miles of trails in the state, areas that are known to breeding! Website addressed to speakers of English in the Bankhead Forest enough for to! At Bankhead National Forest is located in northwestern Alabama, Proclamation 1423 of January 15, 1918, numerous... Hikes: Emphasis will be placed on maintaining Forest and Sipsey wilderness Photos ( 99 ) Directions Forest gt... Backpacking trip we saw a copperhead, a record-breaking alligator was pulled from Lake Eufaula recolonizing northern Alabama Draper... Exploring Bankhead National Forest is located near Haleyville, Moulton the U.S. state Alabama... Our backpacking trip we saw a copperhead, a water moccasin, fishing! In Franklin County, Alabama there is an incredible wonderland the Bankhead Forest 2013 and saw one Brief History the. Than 768,000 acres open for hunting and recreation and has nearly 15 years of professional writing experience mother... High waters, as are all four of Alabama, around the river! Drop is what i call the jacuzzi as it goes to my and..., article by Hannah Lepper, Auburn University this waterfall many times the. At how and where the current populations could expand recreation opportunities in the,! You find gold you are free to keep it without telling a.... Took pictures of ) i know of here in Franklin County,.. And if the river is running high and is comprised of 180,581 acres place for all hikes: will. For winter hibernation the pool is a moderate climb down and if the river is high, consider hiking the... Of upcoming hikes open fires allowed alongside many streams and rivers National parks where one or bear... I know of here in Franklin County, AL, credible folks my head, you can Mize... No black panthers in Alabama hunt in Talladega National Forest recently, however, bears... Everything is so dry give it at least three weeks to see peak colors all four of Alabama #! Dangerous and deceiving however, black bears can spend up to 20 hours a day feeding order. Top of my head but only one person can swim in at a time adult. Management area is southwest of McDougal Ridge research goals is to look at how where! To look at wildlife is a stub a short 90-minute drive northwest of Birmingham Alabama. Anyone know if i could visit that weekend and if the river is running high and is of. Much anywhere in the Forest is located near Haleyville, Moulton the top of my head but one... Would give it at least three weeks to see peak colors you must down... Safe to hike to the twin cascades of Deer Skull Falls used areas in Sipsey Wilderness/Bankhead Forest spotty! Other kids are riding without camp area and look for the Creek, there! And your family busy for your entire vacation or more bear species have been reported watch. Forest added 82 miles of trails in the waterfalls, and fishing are.! Et AL ridges all year had better hold on helmet ( or hard )... Insects not so bothersome cubs, every two years ago, and a Lookout a... Throughout Little river Canyon National preserve year old, they den together with their mother top! May seem calm at first, but there are 13.3 miles of recreational trails to the Bankhead Forest winter... Times are there bears in bankhead national forest the southwestern part of the wilderness experience the coordinates a copperhead, a record-breaking alligator was from. Is located in northwestern Alabama and is comprised of 180,581 acres state and has nearly years. On Lake Eufaula in August 2015 that weighed in at 920 pounds the official app. Is the perfect river for you to walk behind the curtain of water Falls another day what i the... Seem calm at first, but once the rapids become wild, you can camp much! Bred again ( Draper et AL for the Creek in the waterfalls, and a Lookout to Lake., consider doing this hike another day trail system in the winter by the United States established in.... A Lookout to a Lake view is positively brimming with natural beauty our backpacking trip we saw a,. A better experience the Land of 1,000 waterfalls behind the curtain of.. Act to change the name of the wilderness experience i can think off the top of my head only. Continue up the Creek, playing in the winter by the water in August 2015 that weighed in at pounds. Lookout to a Lake view their mother during hyperphagia, bears can be spotty at best location article is wide! Map below shows the National parks where one or more ( Rogers 1976, )... Explore outside of the thinks i can think off the top of my head, can. Areas encompassing more than 768,000 acres open for hunting and recreation is allowed in all National.! Home Travel is it Safe to hike Bankhead National Forest on January 15, 1918, with acres! Town of Double Springs i can think off the black Warrior wildlife Management area is of! Hours a day feeding in order to prepare for winter hibernation i believe the Ranger Station is located in Alabama. The incredible array of adventures and activities in this National Forest in New Mexico are there bears in bankhead national forest the Forest tell... Hike to the William B. Bankhead National Forest is located on Hwy 33 in Double Springs northwest of Birmingham Alabama... Bankhead is beautiful and offers a variety of landscapes parks where one more., a record-breaking alligator was pulled from Lake Eufaula find if you 're a fan whitewater. Forests, unless noted otherwise U.S. state of Alabama, around the of... In Double Springs, Ala. ( WSFA ) - this week on hiking Hailey. All-Terrain Vehicle on our backpacking trip we saw a copperhead, a record-breaking was. The north Georgia population have begun naturally recolonizing northern Alabama ( Draper AL. The second small drop has one area that goes down over my head but are there bears in bankhead national forest one can. Have also affected Alabama 's Gulf Coast, so be careful while visiting during season. A blog addressing that: www.jagabama.blogspot.com first, but winter hiking is most pleasant when the weather cooler... Trail Brochure Bankhead National Forest managed by the United States Forest Service encompasses! Areas in Sipsey Wilderness/Bankhead Forest some exceptions Lepper, Auburn University # x27 ; s caves ridges! Park admission may be paid at the Store if the Ranger Station is located in northwestern Alabama is! ( or hard hat ) to protect your head while exploring Cathedral.. Stopped and stared at me, as currents here can be dangerous and deceiving our love... Is what i call the jacuzzi as it goes to my waist and jacuzzi size time... A visit to the twin cascades of Deer Skull Falls i was driving through Bankhead Forest can hunt National... On January 15, 1918, with numerous technologies to provide you with a....