There are 2 choices for each day, except for the July 4 hike. One of these trails is the Shangri-La Falls Trail, and you can learn all about it and its dreamy swimming hole below. Fee: Free. There are hundreds of waterfalls that flow in the spring time in Bankhead National Forest. Silas McKinley Black was born in 1896 in Livingston, Alabama. In April of 1924, he was the watchman Eastern Tower #2 on the Alabama National Forest. The cause of the fire was never reported. As youre making your summer plans, dont forget to add this waterfall swimming hole to your itinerary. Love Alabama? Just remember to leave plenty of time to climb back up out of the canyon when youre done, and dont forget to bring everything you need for your visit (and carry it back out). In April of 1935, a cadre of enrollees from Company 463 established Camp Riverside (F-5) located on the east shore of the Sipsey Fork, south of present-day Highway 278. This area must be paddled but offers a slow-pace if interested in fishing or just a slow-paced family trip. The fee is $3 per vehicle to use the range. On the return, we will enjoy swimming and wading and exploring the shallow water at the confluence of Sipsey and Borden. website belongs to an official government organization in the Get more stories delivered right to your email. The swimming hole has picnic tables, and most any day of the week, you will be treated to the sight of rock climbers scaling the walls of the gorge. It's not surprising that so many people consider "Little River Falls" to be their favorite swimming spot. There is a $3 day-use fee to access the recreation area. Hurricane Creek Shooting Range has 25, 50, and 100 yard ranges and is open year round. Bankhead National ForestKinlock Falls Use the rope on the right hand side to ascend the water fall. Bama Slam includes a water park and a swimming hole, among other attractions. 2023 RootsRated, Inc. All rights reserved. Above the waterfall are a string of smaller pools, some of which are impressively deep. July 11 ~ Hike #2:Sipsey Recreation Area Trail and Sipsey Fork, Distance: 1.5 mile or less with longer option. The Kinlock Falls Trail is a scenic trail that's located along Hubbard Creek in North Alabama's Bankhead National Forest near Haleyville. at In October of 1934, after a year and a half of suffering from an adequate supply of water, the camp at Cheatham Knob was abandoned. In other words, expect to get wet! 334-832-4470 Forest Service is hiring hundreds of foresters across the nation! 31 Cross Street, Suite 210 In short, you cant change anything to improve the area for hunting. Upper Caney Creek Falls is located within the Bankhead National Forest, and it's one of the most beautiful waterfalls in Alabama. Barrett leads hikes exploring the wilderness's caves and ridges all year. In 1926, the State of Alabama released 24 wild turkeys. Embracing their destiny, they joined forces with John Dean and Brad Glenn to start Goat Island Brewing, the first brewery in Cullen since the 80s thats the umm 1880s. Four recreation areas are located throughout the forest offering endless opportunities for outdoor recreation. Coal Min Branch Falls is definitely off the beaten path. Depending on water levels, there may be several, smaller pools above the main hole. Canoe, Kayak, and Swim Experience Alabama's natural beauty and scenic views by floating down the Sipsey River. You can hear the falls from the road, so its an easy trek for all ages to view from top. Hike further up or downstream to find more swimming spots depending on the water levels. Important to note: Always exercise caution, as Little River Canyon can be very dangerous during heavy rains and high water events. SE Cullman, AL 35055-3057, 1646 John H. Cooper Dr. Cullman, AL 35055, Covered Bridge Trail to Mardis Mill Falls, https://www.facebook.com/OakvilleIndianMounds/. The best hidden gems and little known destinations - straight to your inbox. Recreation located on the Bankhead National Forest, Areas for Its open from April through October from sunrise to sunset. Between May and October of 1917, Loren L. Bishop, the acting Forest Supervisor of the National Forests in Florida, was put in charge of the Alabama Purchase Unit. On February 3, 1914, the National Forest Reservation Commission authorized the Alabama Purchase Unit. The purchase unit contained roughly 150,000 acres in Lawrence, Winston, and eastern Franklin Counties. State and federal regulations will apply to your trip. Take our guide and know where you're going no matter how poor the cell service is! Pine Torch Trail is a loop thats also open to horses and hikers. It is only a short walk to the block waterfall that churns white into the deep, dark pool. The recreation area is open from sunrise to sunset March through October. Target Shooting He began his career with the Forest Service in 1916, working on the survey crew on the Alabama Purchase Unit. It is Alabama's only wild and scenic river featuring several swimming holes. And as outreach coordinator for the advocacy nonprofit Wild South, she takes full advantage of it. Halls reconnaissance report, he stated that there were several local men that would be extremely useful in identifying land owners that might be interested in selling to the federal government. If its crowded, be courteous and pull well off the side of the road. If you live close by, you need to make a trip, and we'll take a look at the best ways to experience it. At the bottom is a refreshing, deep pool formed by an old dam that blocks the creek. Wild South hikes are free of charge, but your donation to our Bankhead programs will be gratefully received and put to work right here in our beloved forest! . Hiking We absolutely understand the desire for swimming holes given Alabama's nearly extreme climate. Sam Brown Also located within Little River Canyon is Martha's Falls. Riders have a choice of horseback riding at the 25-mile Owl Creek Trail System. Parker Falls is off of Kinlock Road on the west side of Bankhead National Forest. Each Wednesday from the last week in June through the first weekin August, Wild South staff will lead a nature hike for kids and families to the coolest, wettest creeks and canyons of northwest Alabamas Bankhead National Forest! We want to inspire you to explore new destinations, discover new experiences and savor the journey. All facilities are designed with forest users in mind and provide varying challenges for everyone from the novice to the expert. 3. at If severe allergic reaction to insect stings is an issue, remember your Epi-Pen! Whats one of the best, and most scenic, places in Alabama for waterfall swimming? Theres no better way to cool off on a summer day in Alabama than by splashing around in one of the states famous swimming holes. Many of them are dispersed wilderness sites for backpackers, but there are plenty of campgrounds with toilets and showers too. In April of 1935, he was appointed the head of Alabamas Fire Investigators by Governor Bibb Graves. Drive about one mile and look for the creek in the ravine on your right and trails leading down to the water. Bring a backpack with lunch, snacks and water. The hike into the canyon is mostly on an old road that has turned to un-maintained trail. Bankhead National Forest offers 180,000 acres with an abundance of bluffs, canyons, waterfalls, springs and lakes. Distance: Approximately 3 miles roundtrip. There are no reservations, so the sites are strictly first-come, first-serve. Bankhead National Forest, Areas for Bullocks survey was to determine why the stock fish had failed to reproduce and to determine the best species for the forest. Forest users will find that each area has its own personality and with the changing seasons, even that personality will change. Distance: 6.5 miles. Bankhead National Forest, Areas for Sandling worked for the Henderson Land and Development Company, and had intimate knowledge of the purchase area. This swimming hole is the perfect place to splash around and beat the summer heat. The ranger station was actually Jack McDowells house located in McDowell Cove, several miles south of Landersville and within the national forest. Wear clothes comfortable for summer hiking that can get wet, including shoes! Alabama Mountain. Bring a backpack lunch (except for the Brushy Lake outing where we will picnic close to the parking area), snacks and plenty of drinking water. Located in Pinson, Turkey Creek Nature Preserve is one of Alabamas most beautiful outdoor spots. website belongs to an official government organization in the One of the things that make most of these swimming holes great is their main feature, which happens to be a beautiful waterfall. It's also a great place to spend a summer day. The trailhead is located on Winston County Road 2, south of Sipsey Fork on the west side of the Bankhead National. Bankhead National Forest, Supervisor's Office There are 13 sites at the Brushy Lake Campground with water and flush toilets available from March to November. Please note that dispersed recreation sometimes has a "social trail" that you can follow. Theres also a swimming hole located at the bottom of the falls. Horseback riding is allowed on trails specifically designated for horses. The Bankhead National Forest offers over 90 milesof recreational trails. To request information, pamphlets, ask questions or submit comments, email the Bankhead National Forest: bkinfo@usda.gov, Black Warrior Waterdog found on Bankhead National Forest. Swimming hole. For those wanting to picnic on the Forest, the National Forest Barbeque Dew Drop Inn at Rabbit Town sold everything needed for an outing. The camping season is March 13 October 31. Hike down to the creek and follow the water downstream. His love of history afforded him the chance to write two historical books about Alabamas port city of Mobile Baseball in Mobile and Hidden History of Mobile for History Press and a collection of fascinating untold stories of the space race titled Space Oddities: Forgotten Stories of Mankind's Exploration of Space. In addition, in 1927 a one-acre area was cleared at Kinlock Springs for a camp site with a garbage pit and two latrines. Bankhead has some great camping spots! Later, in June of 1933, he would be the Chief of Timber Management for the Cherokee and Alabama National Forests. The map shows that fire towers had been erected on the forest. The Pine Torch Trail is a multi-use trail thats over 12 miles long and open to bikes, hikers, and horses. The first three CCC camps in Alabama were established on the Alabama National Forest in May of 1933. Canyon country The swimming hole below 40-foot Caney Creek Falls is no secret. She enjoys discovering new places and currently calls North Alabama home. There are many waterfall swimming holes in Alabama that belong on everyones summer bucket list. Little River Falls is located within the Little River Canyon, in Fort Payne, and it's SPECTACULAR! Even though Little River Falls is beautiful all four seasons, the best time of year to visit is summer because its a popular swimming spot. at Just use some caution on the descent into the small canyon to see the falls. 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