Hiking In Bankhead National Forest, Alabama
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Bankhead was our first Jumanji adventure of 2020. We wanted to do a hike earlier in the spring when the waterfalls were really flowing but the Covid-19 put a damper on things. This was our third time hiking these trails, our first time being 5 years ago when the kids were much younger. It was so much easier this time as we did not have to lug them or all their drinks, food and toys.
Bankhead National Forest has many trails to choose from, the best ones are located off the Sipsey River. We chose to hike Sougahoagdee Falls which is roughly a 2.5 mile trip each way. This trail is considered from easy to light-moderate. Most of the trail is pretty flat except when you get closer to the waterfall. It can be a little difficult for younger kids but your teens will enjoy it. It tends to get slippery at times where the rocks are wet and there can be a lot of down trees to climb over but overall it is not too difficult to hike or to navigate. There are a lot of mossy rocks, big bolder formations, wild ferns, cave overhangs and beautiful grandfather Hemlock trees scattered along the river.
This trail can be kind of difficult to find. The forestry vistor center has a map with all the hiking trails marked. Parking for this location only holds about 6-8 cars. Some people park off the road just before the bridge. Might be best to get there early to reserve a good parking spot. Make sure you bring plently of water and snacks. There is no public restroom areas but private ones can be found behind every large hemlock tree.
Hiking In Bankhead National Forest, Alabama
Map of our route:
Here is a map of our hike. The trail is one way with the Sougahoagdee Falls being the halfway point. As stated earlier, the entire hike is about 2.5 miles each way.
Picture of Sougahoagdee Falls
Here we are at the beginning of our hike ready to start our first adventure of the year. My husband is the cameraman.
Moss overed rocks
Bankhead National Forest is filled with moss covered rock formations, tropical ferns and beautiful hemlock trees.
Tree roots
The ground here is beautiful with a lot of old growth and tree roots
Salamander
A lot of wildlife can be spotted all throughout the forest and streams. Here is a picture of one of Alabama's salamaders crawling around the thick covered moss.
Snake in the tree roots
Here is a snake hidden in the tree roots. See if you can find it?
Millipede
Here is a giant millipede. My youngest son thought it was funny letting it crawl on my back. I was not amused.
One of many rock formations
Here we are tucked in an overhang rock formation. I imagine Native Americans lived under these cliffs.
Sipsey River
The best hiking trails follows the Sipsey River. Here are my four kids crossing the river. Don't worry, you don't have to cross the river to see the waterfall. They just wanted to climb on the big boulder. My oldest son, Joshua was the first to swim across.
Joshua thinking about how to use his superpowers.
After swimming back in record time from the river and waiting for his siblings, Joshua ponders, "how can I use my superpowers? First I must change into my superhero outfit"
Johua changes into his superhero shirt
"No phonebooths or bathrooms out here to change, I'll use this old hollow tree."
Joshua moves the rock wall
In his superhero shirt, Joshua splits the rock path wider by moving the rock walls.
Joshua measuring up the tree
After pondering a few minutes, Joshua says, "that was too much fun, let me push over some more trees."
Joshua pushes over a tree
Here is Joshua pushing over a tree, but this was not enough! Joshua ponders some more, "That tree was too easy, I am going to throw some boulders."
Fallen Tree
After pushing over the large Hemlock tree, Joshua lifts this huge boulder over his head.
Rock climbing
Noah wants some action too. Look at me, I am spiderman!
Boys at the waterfall
Jacob (in the middle) says, "No thanks, I don't need to show off."
The three brothers
Here are all three brothers, Joshua, Jacob and Noah.
Elia sitting on the rocks
I can't forget my beautiful little princess, Elia.
The boys are just relaxing, enjoying the hike and a little rock climbing.
Final Destination - Sougahoagdee Falls
Finally, we made it to Sougahoagdee Falls. Absolutely beautiful here. The water is cold and refreshing. Make sure you dip your feet in before making your 2.5 mile trip back to your car.
Jennifer Gates - Author and founder of HuntsvilleScoop.com
Hope you enjoyed this blog! While events are based on a true story, they might have been slightly exaggerated.