Sipsey Trail Maintenance Trip Planning

“...must remember my pruning shears for the cleanup in February, then...”

“For sure. Remember: Prune so you won't have to come back for five years!

BTW, if I were looking for a good group camp on the S. side of the river, I would consider the broad bottom at the Feather Hawk confluence. You could probably tent a regiment in there, and it is pretty secluded. Very large timber. Of course, getting to the other side of the river for work will slow you down. You could cross on the log I mentioned, if you don't have much of a fear of heights.”

“I believe we're talking about staying at the site on the 209 just east of where Bee Branch empties into the Sipsey. This is not far from the blowdown we want to clear the most, the big one across the 209 between Bee Branch and the 204. I posted a link to my picture of this blowdown earlier in this thread; it is a monster.”

“I saw that photo. Pretty sizeable, for sure, and a good one to take out. Like I said, we headed up Bee Branch and didn't walk up the river far enough to see it. I can't tell for sure, but it looks like it is a "hanger" and not resting on its crown.
H.O.I can probably make short work of it.

What trailhead are y'all going to be coming in from? Aside from the river crossing, it is a pretty straight cruise down from Johnson Cemetery, probably the shortest route to Bee Branch.”

“Haven't decided yet, I think. It depends, more than anything, on the state of the Sipsey that weekend. If it's high, we'll probably be forced to come in from Thompson Creek. If it's low, we may come in from the 202.”

“Wade, thanks very much for the report and for your work in the area. The plan that I am proposing for the TT maint. trip is just to meet up at the campsite : Proposed Campsite" whichever way we can get there - tenatively I am thinking of coming in on 202 but I am also considering coming in from Gum Pond Cemetary area just to see how bad 204 really is in the lower section. Just call me a wimp when it comes to crossing rivers in winter (GRIN).

Again - thanks very much for the report.”

“I hear you about the river level, B.P. That will make a big difference. Getting caught on the wrong side after a heavy rain is a problem I've had before, and don't want again. That thing comes up pretty fast. I should have mentioned what everybody who is local already knows: There is plenty of water in Bankhead this Winter.

Who knows, I may make it that weekend, though it is too far out to tell. I know where to find you if I do.”

“That sounds like an interesting way to get there, HOI. From what I can tell it's about 5.5-6 miles, and mostly follows old roads. I might try that way just so I can see a part of the Sipsey I've never been through.

Wade, do you have any light to shed on the permit situation in the Sipsey?”

“Nope, can't tell you anything about permits. I bet a call up to the Double Springs Ranger Station tomorrow would tell you, today being a holiday. I did note that the entrance fee experiment, where you had to drop in $2.00, has gone the way of all things, for now.

H.O.I, I can't tell you much about the trail down from Gum Pond Cemetery, though I've bushwhacked up in that area even before it was Wilderness. I will tell you this, though you might have picked up on it from your last visit: Most of the level areas above the river and creek bottoms have been logged, and logged again, over the years. Much of the terrain on any
approach trails to the river will traverse loblolly and slash pine plantings, scrub oak and laurel thickets from hell. Some of it can be interesting, and you will no doubt find some interesting biota to classify, but it is a whole different kind of place than the lower canyons. If you have the bad fortune to hit a stretch of ice or wind damage, well, you might get to the rendezvous a day or two late!”

“Can anyone email me good directions for the "white oak hollow" short cut to Bee Branch?
I've done a version of it before but didn't decend into Bee Branch at the area described. (Had to use a rope)
I'll more than likely be coming in solo after dark the Friday of the trip.”

“SS - I can give you that description. I'll email it to you in the next day or so.”

“Hey Bama! Sorry.. I havent been online in a couple of days. That sounds great! I would love to see the site of an Indian Battle. And maybe eventually you can take us to that certain spot!”

“HOI,
I did some trail clearing from the gate near Gum Pond Cemetery to Trail 204 a week or so before Christmas. I cut out all the blowdowns / dead timber that couldn't be stepped over. There is terrible mess at the trailhead of 204 where it leaves Trail 224 and a few more along 204 until where the Bee Branch trail turns off. I don't think none of those are as bad as the one on 209 that you have mentioned. I hope to be able to help on Saturday and will come in on trail 203, 224 and down 204 to 209.

Bitpusher,
I'll call the ranger station Tuesday and find out about the permit situation. I'll post the info here.”

“My wife and I did a hike to Quillen Creek and back Monday afternoon. The waterfalls were flowing nicely and all the bluffs had huge and numerous icicles hanging down. They were melting fast in the warmer temps but still beautiful. If you've never took the hike to Quillen it is well worth the effort. There were not any obstacles along the path we took we couldn't step over but we turned around once we reached Quillen and came out the same way.”

“uncle wayne, As I was reading your post I knew exactly who you were. For those that don't know him, I will vouch for him as being one of the most knowledgable people on the Sipsey. I have been here on trailtalk for about 4 years. I work at the same place you do and in the same department. I just work a differant shift. I'm sure you have figured out who I am By now. If you havn't yet, I showed you a job friday night. Small world ain't it.

BAMA”

“Need a solid, if y'all are so disposed. Sat. we got stymied by a 1' oak that was on the trail, about halfway between 202/209 and 204/209 junctions. It was a breast high blowdown, that is now on the ground, but still in place. We pinched off every way we tried and it got down too low to undercut it. We started to take a wedge out of it and bailed, being out of water. It could be finished off in about two seconds, I'm sure. It is literally holding on by a thread on the thick side. Thanks.”

“I just talked to the Ranger Office in Double Springs about the permit system in place for the Sipsey Wilderness. If you are planning on camping during deer hunting season, which ends January 31st, you have to have a camping permit that you can only get from the Ranger Station in Double Springs. There is no charge for the permit. After the 31st, you will not need one. She said that only campers, regardless of length of stay, are required to have a permit. Day hikers are not required to have a permit during hunting season. The phone number at the Ranger Station is 205-489-5111. Hope this helps.”

“Yes, that is very helpful Uncle Wayne. Now it sorta makes sense.

What's the best route to take to get to Quillen? I was thinking about doing it last Saturday, but had an attack of laziness...”

“Thank you very much Uncle Wayne for the information about the permits and the trail conditions.


One interesting map link that I ran into: downloadable Sipsey Map ”

“I've got that map right here on my computer. It's a great map, but sorta hard to read on the computer.”

“yep - that map is definately one to print out and tape together”

“SS - I thought it would be better to just post it here.

Directions to Bee Branch from Thompson Creek trailhead using White Oak Hollow.

Head S following whatever trail number it is that follows river. After about 1/4 mile or so you'll cross where Thompson Creek empties into the river at White Oak Hollow. Cross the creek. Just after crossing the creek you'll see a trail heading off to the left (N?) that follows Thompson Creek. After another 1/4 mile the trail turns right up into a break in the bluff line. The compass reading is about 150* if memory serves. Follow this until you dead end at 205? which is at the top of a hill. Turn left on 205 for maybe 20 yards and the trail turns back right on about a 150* again. Follow this trail right into West Bee Branch. The place where it drops down over the bluff line is a little messy, but not too bad. When you tie into West Bee Branch, just cross the creek and follow the trail to the right. You're about 1/4 mile upstream from the fork at Bee Branch. The trail ties directly into the fork which puts you about 1/2 mile above the Branch/River intersection.

Caveat: These directions were done from memory. I'll double check my numbers and names and post back.

This route can put you at the big tree in about 2 to 2.25 miles.”

“"The place where it drops down over the bluff line is a little messy, but not too bad" - Dayhiker

Too "messy" for solo night hiking? I know how "messy" those bluff lines can get. I climbed down a tree one time, and used a rope to rappel the next time.
Any markings or GPS waypoints around?”

“What type of tool do we need to bring?I do not have a large saw only a bow saw.I could bring some loppers to cut small stuff.Should I bring my bow saw and loppers or just bring myself and use the tools that will be brought by others?Thanks”

“I brought my bow saw last time and it turned out to be useful. Loppers, I dunno, but hedge trimmers (the manual kind) will be good for trimming brush on the trail.”

“ss, There used to be a alu. band on a tree next to where you need to leave 205 to go to bee branch. If I were you and were planing on coming in after dark and didn't know the area well I would not go that way. The Thompson creek trail to sipsey trail is not bad after dark. Just make sure you cross the branch about 1/4 mile from the trail head and follow Thompson Creek. Don't get mixed up and follow the branch up white oak hollow. There is a trail there but it leads up to the northwest road trail and gets messy near the end. Some folks got mixed up on our last cleanup. The way I mentioned is longer but easy to do in the dark. I tell by scouts to throw a stick in the water and follow it. all water will lead you to Sipsey Rec area from the north side of river and south of ridge road.

BAMA”

“DO NOT GO DAYHIKERS WAY AFTER DARK...I REPEAT...DO NOT GO THIS WAY DURING THE DAY EITHER...lmao,,no for real,not at night and not if it's raining, and especially if your not familiar with it..you will walk off a 100' bluff. That side of the branch is bushwacky too once your in it”

“Stove Stomper,
I have to agree that this way is difficult in the day time and would be dangerous at night, especially solo. I went to the Big Tree twice using this route last November and it was tough. I'd suggest waiting until you can go through there in the day light so you can enjoy the scenery, which is some of the prettiest in the forest. There are two canyons, (well, more than that but two that I have used), you can drop off of from Trail 205 and dayhiker described one of them and bama mentioned the other. I believe dayhiker's way is a little tougher to get down into the canyon but has a beautiful waterfall to the far right once you get down. Opie is correct that the bluff is dangerous and it would be easy to walk off of it in the dark. Be careful. Bama mentioned the aluminum band around a tree. I put that band there probably 8 years ago once I found an easier way than the one dayhiker described. After you reach trail 205, turn left and after approx 1/4 mile look on the left side of Trail 205, which is an old logging road or fire lane, and the aluminum band is about 7 feet high around a small tree. When you see the band, turn right and follow the drainage to the bottom of the hollow. You'll come to a waterfall and will be able to see the faint trail to the left that works its way down the bluff. Once down, I follow the bluff line until it turns back left and then I turn right going downhill to the small branch. There is a footlog across the branch and a good camping spot to the right that the branch almost encircles. From here to East Bee Branch is tough due to blowdowns and etc. The bluff line is spectacular and most of the time the trail is about half way between the bluff line and the branch. You'll come out about half way between Sipsey River and the Big Tree, having to cross the east Bee Branch to the altenate trail 204. There is a dead hemlock or pine tree at this junction that had an eagle head carved in the tree for years. It was called the Totem Tree but time has made it almost unrecognizable now. This canyon is the only place I have ever seen a cougar track in the Sipsey Wilderness. Again, I recommend doing this hike when you can enjoy it's beauty.”

“Bitpusher,
Here's the way I go in to Quillen Creek. On FS Road 208W heading toward the Thompson Creek Trailhead watch for the power line to leave the main road. There is a road, I believe numbered 208A that turns left. If you look right you'll see the typical trailhead sign probably 30 yards or so off the road. Follow the old road bed and you'll reach Quillen Creek. But the best and most scenic route is to continue on FS Road 208W for maybe 1/2 mile or just before the road drops off the ridge toward Thompson Creek trailhead. Just before that sharp, going downhill curve there is a small parking area with a big pine tree laying across the clearing used for parking. Park there and don't follow the trail that stays on the ridge top but immediately drop off into the hollow to the left of the trail and follow the drainage downstream. Not far down the drainage you'll intersect with the main drainage which finally ends up emptying into Quillen Creek. It would be a good idea to mark this spot if you intend on coming back out this way because there are several hollows that feed this drainage before reaching Quillen and they all look alike on the way out (speaking from experience!) While there is no "trail" to speak of there is one you can follow. As you follow the drainage, notice the old whiskey still pot hole dug into the bank of the drainage. After the whiskey still site, pay careful attention to each Beech tree along the drainage. One of them has a carving of the upper torso of a man with his arms stretched out and raised. Local legend has it a Mr. J. A. Riddle was caught at this tree running from the sheriff who surprised him at the still mentioned earlier. It is called the "J. A. Riddle hands up tree". It is faded but you can still make out the carving. Chalk would help. There are several two and three feet high waterfalls and the drainage grows and becomes a branch. After about 30 minutes or so you'll reach the first "big" waterfall with a small "pond". A good place to camp or have a picnic with the family. Continue following the branch and cross it when you have to avoid going back up the ridge above the next waterfall, which is about 25 feet and very pretty at high water runoff. Continue following this trail and the branch will empty into Quillen. If you turn right you can make about a 3 mile loop back to the old logging road and to the trailhead I mentioned first. Be prepared for wet feet. You'll have to cross the creek three or four times and climb up some rocks to continue but the cascades in the creek and scenery is well worth the effort. Enjoy!”

“Thanks guys, that is some of the best trail instructions I have ever heard. I've been up white oak and over to bee branch and the bluff line IS very dangerous.
I was hopeing there was a easy way down into bee branch. Nighttime solo is no time to be messing with those bluffs.”

“Thanks for the directions, Uncle Wayne! I'll have to follow them sometime soon and get a good look at the Quillen area.”

“Uncle Wayne, thanks for the directions and history. It has been many a year since I got up into Quillen, but you've convinced me to get back there soon.

You know, speaking of still sites, have you ever found the one that is over in the N. "new" Wilderness area on(I think)Braziel Creek? I have a picture of it somewhere. It is only, really, a nice stack of dressed stone, very skillful work, and a double row of stone that might have supported a cooker. It may not even be a still, but it has that look. Whatever it was, somebody spent a goodly amount of time building it. I poked around it and found no jar lids, barrell hoops or anything else that would seem to date it as 1900's. I did find the head of hoe, very rusted, but obviously hand forged, which I left there. I suppose that if it were a still they raked mash or stirred with it.

Very nice place. This was back in the late 80's and I doubt that even now it is on any trail.”

“OPIE - the way I mentioned is not the same as you did last year. This one is "easier" though it's all relative.

SS - the way I mention is fairly slow going. If it's wet and dark you would have to be dang careful, but it's a maximum of a 6' drop. The trail leads to a "kink" in the bluff line.

BTW - My 60 year old dad who's diabetic and has had a stroke did this route last July 6 in the heat.”

“dayhiker,,,is this the trail your dog did not complete?”

“yes and no. When my dog died I dead ended into 205. I didn't even know there were any trails in there. Looking at the map it looks alot shorter so I thought I'd try a bushwhack. I was pleasantly surprised to find the first trail at White Oak Hollow. When I hit 205 I kept on my compass bearing and wound up at the campground area I've told you about which is one hollow to the S of the one I'm describing to SS. This hollow has an 80' falls so I went 1 more hollow S again and found a way down. This is where my dog went off the falls.”

“note to self: refrain from taking dayhiker's shortcuts”

“chili - where's your sense of adventure?”

“somewhere short of a rock to the head.....”

“I'll be off the remainder of that week. I have a pruning saw and Pulaski. It would be a sin for me not to participate.

Pencil me in.”

“will do gojo - it will be good to finally do some trail work with you”

“This is looking like a good trip. I am ready to get some clearing done in the Sipsey.”

“What is the county road number that you turn onto from Highway 195? My Gazetteer map lists it as a FS road. The road sign actually lists a CR number.

Thanks”

“The map I'm looking at lists it as Kinlock Rd, but it may also be FS210. It also seems to turn into "303" at some point, not sure if that is a county number or FS number.”

“My map says 210 as well. The sign on the road says something totally different. I'm giving someone directions from Dble Springs. I could just say it's about 8-10 miles outside Dble Springs and look for the big brown Sipsey sign. If you go until the intersection of 195 and 243 then you've gone about 2 mile too far.”

“My map (mapquest) shows the right intersection at Rabbittown, so that might be helpful too, dunno...”

“I came up with the same thing. I guess I'll just go with the directions I can recite.”

“I wouldn't sweat it too much, the first time I went there, I found it no problem. I was coming from 6/60/Cranal Rd., but still, it's not too hard.”

“The first time I ever went to Sipsey my directions said the take Cty Road 6 to the left off of 33. About 3 miles out of Dbl Springs I came to WINSTON Cty Rd 6 and took it. It came out, predictably, at 195. I backtracked and then continued on 33. I later came to Lawrence Cty Rd 6 and then easily found the 202/201 trailhead and dayhiked the 201/209/202 loop and was instantly spellbound by Sipsey. This would have been February '00 or so. My earlier mentioned lab and I had a blast. She loved swimming in that cold river.”

“Don't ever listen to dayhiker's directions. Next thing you know you'll be lost bushwacking in the rain!”

“If you are coming from Double Springs on Highway 195, you'll turn right onto Winston County Road 23 at Rabbit town. This will carry you by Shiloh Missionary Baptist church and after about a mile on the right you'll pass the road that goes by the Sipsey Recreation Area. Continue straight on CR 23 and it will eventually turn to gravel. Somewhere in this area the number changes to a FS # and it may be 210 but I'm not sure. Anyway this will carry you by Kinlock Falls and Macedonia Baptist Church and onto FS 203 from which you'll turn right onto FS 208w to reach The Thompson Creek trailhead. I believe there is a sign on highway 195 saying "Ash Ridge." CR 23 is not far on down the road from that sign. There may also be a "Shiloh Missionary Baptist Church" sign at CR 23 junction with higway 195 but again I'm not sure. Dayhiker is right, if you see the intersection of 195 and 243 you've gone too far.”