If you're an outdoor enthusiast, you're probably well aware that Alabama is known for having some of the very best hiking spots. Whether you love hiking up mountains, through forests or within parks, Alabama has you covered (check out one of our previous articles here). Among the state's best hiking spots, one stands out among the rest. This hiking spot is the Sipsey Wilderness, located in North Alabama. If you love waterfalls, river canyons and scenic overlooks, the Sipsey Wilderness should definitely be your next hiking destination.
The Sipsey Wilderness, located within the Bankhead National Forest, is nearly 26,000 acres and features 45 miles of trails (12 established trails). These trails range from easy to moderate, meaning hikers of all skill levels are capable of exploring the Sipsey Wilderness.
In addition to being Alabama's most frequently visited wilderness area, the Sipsey Wilderness is also the state's largest. Throughout this wilderness area, you'll possibly stumble upon a large number of campsites, caves, sinkholes and scenic overlooks - depending on which trail you take. The Sipsey Wilderness's main feature is the Sipsey River, which is 145 miles long.
Because of the Sipsey Wilderness's many waterfalls, it's been nicknamed "Land of 1000 Waterfalls." Here are a few of the amazing waterfalls you'll encounter if you hike this wilderness area:
Upper Falls at Caney Creek
Lower Falls at Caney Creek
Parker Falls
Turkey Foot Falls
Be sure to know your route before hiking the Sipsey Wilderness. Because many of the trails are much longer than others, it's best to study trail maps beforehand. And as with all hiking trips, be sure to bring someone along with you. If that's not an option, inform someone of where you'll be.
There's no denying that exploring the Sipsey Wilderness will give you an unforgettable experience. If you've hiked this wilderness area before, you know this to be true. If you haven't, you have no idea what you're missing. The Sipsey Wilderness truly is one of Alabama's hidden gems.
Now that you're excited about hiking, check out these 9 Incredible Hikes Under 5 Miles!
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