Headed to the Walls of Jericho this Frid ay

“Taking a guy from work and his dog. Prolly arrive at the TH around 4:30-5:00pm and heading out sometime Saturday afternoon.

Anyone else going to be there or interested in joining us?”

“You better cross before that front comes through and the water rises. Remember what happened to me when I tried to cross at high water!”

“There is a bridge about 1/4 to a 1/2 mile upstream. It was put in last week sometime. I believe the trail going to this bridge is coming off of the main trail. I have not followed the trail to the bridge, but have knowledge that it is there. I have been coming in from Tennessee lately so I have not had a chance to check out the trail, but I have seen the bridge.”

“Thanks dayhiker...I have been keeping my eye on the weather.

Not sure how I feel about a bridge...the area is already showing signs of overuse and easier access could mean trouble.”

“Crossing wouldn't have been a problem last time if it hadn't of been so cold. I was less worried about getting wet than I was about what would happen after getting wet. That won't be as big a deal this Friday.

I agree on the bridge. That creek sort of acts like a filter to keep the masses at bay. It's a shame you don't have to go uphill first instead of on the way out. The folks who'd cause trouble are likely the same ones that would wuss out on the hike in.

Did they helicopter in the dignitaries last weekend?”

“Yes they did.”

“According to Greg Lein (the grant writer) from Alabama Land Division, no new trails until another enviromental study is completed on proposed routes. Too late for the study this year, but will do one this time next year. Trail blazing to begin shortly after for an easier but longer access to the campground. He did state that a priority for this year will be a facility at the campground for nature calls. My daughter and I assisted a slightly intoxicated and ill-prepared man out Saturday. Both legs in severe cramps. We supplied him one banana and 24oz of water. Even provided my walking stick. Got him to the horse trail where the state provided him transportation out. The dummy was down there in his wingtips which doubled as his water crossing shoes. Don't think he'll be back. Trillium in full bloom.”

“Ya, bridge...great idea.

Permit time?”

“waterdog - Nice pics of you and the Gov. Did y'all have a good conversation?”

“Prolly bumping this trip until Saturday. Weatherman just reported the front will hit B'ham late Friday night with potential straight line winds. Walls will be alot cooler with the extra water anyway...”

“Made a half hearted attempt to find the bridge that waterdog mentioned but stopped after the creekside trail petered out after just a few yards. There is a new trail marked by blue ribbons maybe a quarter mile up the bluff from the traditional crossing which cuts off to the right and could possibly end upstream at a bridge but we didn't explore it.

Everytime I go out there the shortcuts that people are making to avoid switchbacks get worse and worse and this time they looked almost official they were so well traveled. Somebody has gone to the effort of throwing some deadfall on a lot of the 'junctions' so hopefully that will help some.

Granted it was probably a little wetter than normal due to the previous night's rain, but the trail between the cemetary and the Walls is in absolutely terrible shape. I've said it before but it deserves saying again after seeing it this weekend: Someone could get seriously injured on that trail if they haven't already.

In light of all the gloom and doom though :), we pretty much had the place to ourselves (only 1 other couple camping) and had a great time.

”

“That location is one of America's best week end backpacking destinations. The entire river flowing out of a large hole in the canyon wall just upstream of the campsite is tops.”

“yes, toph follow the blue ribbon trail. That area of the creek, which you took that photo of is a favorite spot of mine.
last edited: 5/01/05 8:35:24 PM”

“will check it out next trip. Where does the trail go after crossing the bridge?

I kind of expected the water to be much higher due to all the rain we had this week but there was only slightly more than on my previous trips :(”

“the trail goes away from the creek, kinda in a northwest direction up to the mountain side then follows a trail to the south reaching the creek across from the graveyard.”

“It looked like there was a trail right on the other side of the gate by the cemetary so that's what I figured. Thanks.”

“thats a pretty picture also, the area is so green and different looking than in the winter time”

“Pictures are wonderful. Planning to come up this weekend to take some of my own but could use some details about exactly where trailhead and camping are (coming from Bhm) as well as idea of time for novice hiker to get in and out. Would someone please email me with info? Thanks a million!”

“I'm surprised at just how different the whole area looks with full vegetation. It looked so different in Jan.”

“get to scottsboro the best way you can, and on the west side of town is highway 79. Take that road north up to Skyline mountain. Keep going on this road for maybe 30 minutes and the trail head parking lot will be on the left. If you get to the Tennessee state line turn around and go back almost two miles and the parking lot will be on your right. After you start on the trail you should be at the campsite in 1 to 1.5 hours, soon as your cross the creek you will see a open area. The campsites are up next to the foot of the mountain. If for some reason you happen to take the newly made trail, which supposely has blue ribbons tied to trees, you will go across a log bridge and come across a smaller creek and then up the embankment to the main campsite next to the graveyard. This is the entrance to the walls also. Just follow that creek up into the walls. There is a trail on the south western side of the gorge that will take you up ito the walls but the creek is a better route.”