Wild Alabama Guided Hikes in the Bankhead National Forest and the Sipsey Wilderness
Wild Alabama staff and volunteers lead hikes in the Bankhead National Forest and Talladega National Forest year round.  Driven by our mission to inspire people to enjoy, value and protect the wild places in Alabama, our hikes introduce people of all ages to their National Forests and Wilderness Areas.  The essence of our guided hikes is to infuse our beings with the spirit of the living forest, to create a deeper connection that will propel us toward realization of the infinite value of wild places.  Accordingly, our hikes are not power hikes but rather an opportunity for taking the time to experience and explore the elements of the forest, from the miniscule to the majestic.

We limit the group size of our hikes and rigorously monitor sign-ups, communicating with each person individually.  The minimum number on a hike is two not including the guide. If registered hikers fail to show up for a hike without cancelling in advance, bringing the group size down to one or two, the Wild Alabama guide reserves the right to cancel the hike for safety reasons, even at the trailhead the morning of the hike.  
All are invited to join us! 
See below for hikes and forest bathing in Bankhead National Forest and Sipsey Wilderness.
To get on our email list, sign up on our homepage!  Please scroll down to read Important Information For All Hikes.

All hikes are free of charge thanks to the generosity of individual donors and grants from the Walker Area Community Foundation, National Wilderness Stewardship Alliance, Alabama Mountain Rivers and Valleys RC&D, 

First Saturday and other Hikes: 
Wild Alabama staff and volunteers lead hikes in the Bankhead National Forest or Sipsey Wilderness on the first Saturday of every month and other times.  These hikes vary in length and level of challenge.  Children are welcome!  
Upcoming guided hikes:

Guided Hike in Sipsey Wilderness
Saturday, May 27
9:00 a.m. at Randolph Trailhead on Cranal Road
Trails 201-206-209
Leader:  Janice Barrett
Distance:  6 - 7 miles roundtrip
Level of Challenge:  Moderate to challenging
All ages welcome!
No dogs and no smoking, please
Ask questions and sign up at janice@wildal.org
Group size is strictly limited to 10 so advance sign-up is required
Our hike will begin at Randolph Trailhead on the southern boundary of the Sipsey Wilderness.  We will proceed down Trail 201 and walk along the ridge through lush hardwood forest before dropping down into the Sipsey Fork canyon.  We will have lunch on the river then hike back up to 201 via Trail 209. 
The most challenging part of this hike is the uphill climb out of the canyon and the gradual but generally uphill slope of the ridge walk back to the trailhead.  
Bring:

• a daypack with lunch, snacks, plenty of drinking water
• a source of electrolytes 
• an Epi Pen if severe allergy to insect stings is an issue
• walking stick or trekking poles if there are balance or lower body joint concerns
• Personal items such as toilet paper and a small trash bag for used toilet paper, food scraps and wrappers, etc.
• journal or sketch book if desired

What to wear: 
Clothing that is appropriate for the weather and comfortable for hiking.  Shoes or boots should be sturdy with good traction for slopes and slippery rocks and stream crossings.

Tick protection:  If protection against ticks is desired, we recommend your preferred natural product or  permethrin products such as Permanone or Sawyers.  Spray on clothing at least 4 hours before wearing.  It only takes a little!
 
A few days before the hike, we will send an email to those who have signed up with a weather update, directions to the trailhead and any changes.  Destination and route may change according to water levels and weather or trail conditions.

Saturday, June 3, 2023
Check back for destination!
No dogs and no smoking, please
Group size is limited and advance registration is required.  Sign up at janice@wildal.org

Wild Wednesday Nature Hikes for Kids and Families and Field Trips for School Groups:
Wild Alabama's Wild Wednesday Nature Hikes for Kids and Families are a fun and safe way to explore the Bankhead National Forest.  Wild Alabama staff lead guided hikes for kids and their adults every Wednesday from the last week in June through the first week in August to some  of the easiest to get to, spectacularly beautiful, wet and wondrous places in the forest! 

Participants learn about Leave No Trace, the natural and cultural history of the  area, what lives  in the water and on the land, and adults learn of places to take their children on their  own.  A family group must  include at least one child or teenager under the age of 18. 

Wild Wednesdays are over until next summer, but we lead field trips for schools - public, private and homeschool - and groups year round.

 For more information, contact Janice Barrett at janice@wildal.org.

Important Information for All Hikes

What to bring on a Wild Alabama hike:

• a daypack with lunch, snacks, plenty of drinking water
• a source of electrolytes if it's a warm day or long hike
• an Epi Pen if severe allergy to insect stings is an issue
• walking stick or trekking poles if there are balance or lower body joint concerns

What to wear:  Clothing that is appropriate for the weather and comfortable for hiking.  Shoes or boots should be sturdy with good traction for slopes and slippery rocks and stream crossings.
Tick protection:  If protection against ticks is desired, we recommend permethrin products such as Permanone or Sawyers.  Spray on clothing at least 4 hours before wearing.  It only takes a little!