Wild Alabama Guided Hikes in the Talladega National Forest

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.  
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Please plan to join us!

See below for hikes and forest bathing in the Talladega National Forest, and continue scrolling for important information to review before joining a Wild Alabama hike.
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Contact Meg Ford at meg@wildal.org to get on our email list... or sign up yourself on our homepage! 

All hikes and forest bathing 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, 

Upcoming Hikes

• **Saturday 4 - Epic Trek: Guided Hike in the Cheaha Wilderness: McDill Point Long Loop (12 miles)
• ​Wednesday 8 - Full Day Guided Hike to McDill Point
• Tuesday 14 - Trail Tuesday! Location TBA
• **Tuesday 14 - Valentine's Day Stewardship Hike: Show Cheaha Wilderness Some Love!
• Friday 17 - Half-Day Hike at Perry Lakes Park
• **Wednesday 22 - Contemplative Walk: Cheaha Wilderness
• Wednesday 22 - Full Day Guided Hike at Nubbin Creek with Sierra Club
• Friday 24 - Beginner-Friendly Outing + Freedom Riders National Monument Visit

​Contact Meg Ford at meg@wildal.org to RSVP.
**Contact David Lyons at tnfstewardship@wildal.org to RSVP.

Important Information for All Hikes

Wild Alabama practices coronavirus protection protocols as advised by the CDC and strongly encourage all adult participants in our events to be fully vaccinated.
What to bring on a Wild Alabama hike:

• a daypack with lunch, snacks, drinking water
• a mask
• an Epi Pen if severe allergy to insect stings is an issue
• walking stick or trekking poles 

​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!