Sipsey Wilderness Hiking on Randolph Trail

Blake, Tyler, and I visited the Sipsey Wilderness again on Sunday afternoon. Rather than taking FT 201 again in search of the possibly mythical Big Tree, we embarked on FT 202 (also called "Randolph Trail," trail map), which passed between two older but well-maintained cemeteries, collectively known as Johnson Cemetery.

The season has begun to change at the Sipsey Wilderness :: Panasonic LX3

The trail then proceeded down and past some bluffs, and eventually intersects the Sipsey River, where it dead ends into FT 209 (trail map). After going off trail a bit coming down toward the Sipsey, we crossed and hopped on 209, and followed it a ways in an attempt to locate Little Ugly Branch, which is home to a couple nice waterfalls. But by that point the trail miles and approaching late hour had more-or-less sapped our cavalier spirit (that I almost simultaneously sprained my ankle and was stung by a hornet, no small feat, I assure you).

Most surprising siting: Bison. We spotted them at a farm on the way home.

For any of you using Apple devices that are not Flash enabled and thus cannot view the slideshow, you can find the gallery containing the slideshow's photos here.

Sipsey Wilderness :: A Bit of Bouldering

If ever there were a time when I'd rather be the subject of a photo than the photographer, it's definitely in shots like those below, of Tyler and Callie at the Sipsey Wilderness on Friday morning.

For those of you looking to hike the Sipsey Wilderness, I have located very detailed and helpful trail map. For reference to the photos here, we hiked trails 201 and 209.

Sipsey Wilderness :: Impressionist Reflections

For those of you looking to hike the Sipsey Wilderness, I have located very detailed and helpful trail map. For reference to the photos here, we hiked trails 201 and 209.

Sipsey Wilderness, Randolph Trail

This morning, Tyler, Callie (Tyler's dog), and I went for a hike on the Randolph Trail at the Sipsey Wilderness in the Bankhead National Forest. We walked for a long time and never reached our goal, the Big Tree. Perhaps another time. But we did see some very nice countryside...

Sipsey Wilderness, Sipsey River

Sipsey Wilderness, Sipsey River

Sipsey Wilderness, Sipsey River

...and even some local wildlife.

Grey Tree Frog on Orange Bracket Fungus

For those of you looking to hike the Sipsey Wilderness, I have located very detailed and helpful trail map. It's about 34" x 44", though so good luck printing it out. For reference to the photos here, we hiked trails 201 and 209.