Sipsey Clean-Up

“I'd like to focus on the River trail...the area between eye of the needle and bee branch is horrible”

“I haven't spent a lot of time in that particular area, so I don't know its condition very well. Is it worse than the area closest to the Recreation Area parking lot? It seems to me that would be the most impacted, since I'm guessing (perhaps incorrectly) that most Bubba campers start from there.

It's just a question. I'll work wherever the group decides is most in need.”

“i'd rather work in an area that might keep the upkeep longer...the rec area can suck a fat one for now..that area is for wusses”

“well, the rec area does have more bubbas, but the stretch of trail from the big waterfall to bee branch is prettier, IMO, that thompson creek to bee. There are also more campsites along the stretch from the rec area.”

“more campsites??...the eye of the needle itself is one HUGE campsite abused by large groups...and ever 15 minutes on the river trail is a campsite with 2 rings each”

“Which trailhead (Recreation Area or Bee Branch) endures the most traffic is a tossup. However, the recreation area seems to have cooler camping trash (Al foil, candy wrappers, etc.) as opposed to hikers trash (fire pits that are filled to the brim). The Recreational Area trailhead would probably take longer because most of the problems are not limited to the trailside. If we had enough people we could begin working at each end of trail 209 and work towards the middle. It might be a good idea to plan day hike or talk to a ranger to see where our efforts are needed most.”

“A canoe would be helpful. We could either start at Thompson or start at each end. When the group gets to bee branch the trash could be packed in a canoe and float down to the rec area.”

“...an excuse to buy more gear?”

“I'd like to start at Thompson Creek TH myself because I've not hiked from there yet.
As far as cleaning up the Rec. Area, That's a waste of time for this group. I say while we got plenty of BACK COUNTRY oriented people, lets start there. Any one can clean up a parking lot anytime. Let's repair the backcountry first!!”

“I wasn't talking about the parking lot. I was talking about starting at that trailhead and heading north towards bee branch. I agree, the heck with the parking lot.”

“I was glad to see this interest in maintaing the trails in the Sipsey. Based on my last visit in mid Jan., they need some attention. There is one massive Hornbeam that almost obliterates the trail up Bee Branch, just a stone's throw from the river, for instance. That is going to take some serious sawing, not to mention that just the walk in and out will take most of the day.

I have a two-man saw that I keep in good working order. (I don't know if any of you have any experience along those lines, but a cross-cut takes probably more maintenance than your average chainsaw to keep in good working order.) I would be glad to work in with you when you go, but April 6th is bad.

For the most part though, most of the trail work that needs doing is not much more serious than hand pruning and bowsaw work. Those pines left over from the ice storm on the old road are more of an annoyance than a real hindrance to navigation at this point, but could, and should be dealt with.

Anyway, if you are going to do another trip, or change the present date, let me know. The best way to reach me is by e-mail: wanderson@mindspring.com”

“I believe that trail is designated for horse drawn wagon travel as well as foot. That would require an 8' clearance...
not a problem, tho.
There are TONS of pine beetle casualties along that ridge...”

“welcome to TT Wade - its wild and wooly sometimes but a bunch of great people none the less.”

“I see some very interesting discussions and relish the chance to kick around local trail issues. I enjoy the chatter on the Trails Forum, but that area, alas, is pretty far from my baliwick of late.”

“The PATC Trail Forum is a lot more limited in scope and volume than TT - where they might get 5 posts on a good day TT will get 5 posts in a good minute plus it covers a very broad range of topics, generally backpacking related but with some ahhhh unusual tangents”

“You ever make it to the Sipsey, Ice? This area is, as noted, getting some high traffic in some of the easier accessed area, but by and large is pretty lonely if you get off trail or venture away from the Sipsey River. It has some of the most unique terrain and flora that you are likely to see anywhere. You want waterfalls? We got too many to count or map. I've had people tell me it reminded them of Hawaii, Washington, you name it. I first set foot there in '84 and have been going back regularly ever since. It took me two trips to see my first person. Now, I can't keep count when I go, so the trail cleanup is a good idea. Over the years I've done much ad hoc maintenance, but nothing on a large scale. I'm never without my Corona saw and you can make a good dent in the problem with just that.

Although I don't have the link handy, you can search "Sipsey Wilderness" and find a fairly good web site with photos and maps. Check it out. It is worth a trip of a thousand miles to see it.”

“as you can see on the other Sipsey thread April 6 Sipsey thread I was seriously considering the trip - its only 16 hours - but I decided I would probably be too slow and minimal contributor due to some health problem I got right now - not sure what but my stamina is very poor right now - get out of breath easy.”

“I would say that you would need a minimum of three days to do the tour "right". If you ever decide to take it in, I'd be glad to give you some pointers on places of interest.”

“well I could use a translation of trail numbers to trail names - typical FS map - only trail numbers”

“The Sipsey seems to lack good trail names. I think it is because there are really only a few routes you can take. You could call the main trail something like "Sipsey River Trail" but that is pretty obvious. I'm working without a map and can't quote the trail numbers, nor do I use them when I navigate on the map. You have the trail that comes in at Cranal Road along the River. You have the Thompson Creek trail, the one up and down Bee Branch, the one that comes from the W. bank from Rabbittown and you just get to know them. I don't know what you call the trail that follows the old road on the boundary between the "old" and the "new" sections of the Wilderness. I just call it "the old road" because I know where it is and where it goes. I guess it is sort of like asking directions in a rural area and the person tells you "Just turn left where that old tree used to be and right where Billy had that bad accident ten years ago." Actually, I kind of like it that way.”

“I was looking on Amazon for trail books for Alabama - what is the collective opinion about the Alabama Trails book by Pat Sharpe?

one thing I did notice was the index shown in the website did have translations of the Sipsey trail numbers to trail names for a few of the trails.”

“Can't say I've ever used it, though I've glanced through it at times. Sad fact is that there just aren't a tremendous number of trails in the N. half of the State,(hiking below the fall line never has appealed to me.) and I've gotten to know them pretty well over the years by just being "out there". You got the Sipsey, you go the Pinhoti Trail, Monte Sano Mt. in Huntsville, Oak Mtn. outside of B'ham, and you've about got it covered.”

“I have that book and it's so-so. There is a new guide book out that's better. Don't recall the name, but I have it at home. I'll try to remember to get it when I go home for lunch. There are some pretty places for day trips in Guntersville and Desoto as well.”

“Here's the link to the book

bama book”

“I was at Guntersville State Park last weekend, and there are boatloads of what look like nice, challenging trails, but they are all dayhike trails. It's such a beautiful area though, it would be worth it to camp in the primitive area of the campground and spend a few days hiking the trails.

Or if you wanted to go fancy, you could rent one of the cottages or chalets.”

“I've got both bama books, and the Joe Cuhaj book is definitely better. It gives good detail on everything in AL except the Pinhoti, which is a little sketchy.”

“A great Guntersville trail is actually out of the state park. As you're driving in you cross over a stone "dam" with lake on each side. Just on the sp side there is a visitor center. This is still a couple of miles from the actual state park entrance. Anyway, just past this building on the right is a clearing just big enough for two vehicles also on the right. Park here and the trail drops off the right side of the road. The trail follows the lake for several miles and abruptly stops when it gets to a stream. It looks like a mountain type stream with boulders and a rock (3-8" diameter) bottom. The creek has formed a sand bar about 1/2 a football field in size out into the lake. It is also very shallow for about 10-15 feet around the sandbar.

One morning I drove up with my lab to look for eagles(Jan 01). Once sun was up we went over and did this trail. She loved being able to run in the water and chase rocks that I had thrown. No boats, no people, no houses...it was great.”

“I think I remember seeing that trail last weekend. I though that it was marked, but I could be wrong. I think maybe so, the trail I remember being marked led up the hill to the left.”

“That's a different one that goes to the left. I think the left one is a big loop. It's also on the side with all of the boats. The one I'm talking about is just past and across the street from that one.”

“thanks for the link - I just ordered the Joe Cuhaj book”

“I have the Hike America Alabama (2001) book by Joe Cuhaj. It's gotten a lot of use!”