| Hike for kids and families in Bankhead NF, May 1 |
 |
 |
|
Saturday, May 1, 2010
9:30 a.m.
Holmes Chapel Falls and Brushy Creek
 Holmes Chapel Falls
Rating: Moderately easy
All ages welcome
This will be a 2-part adventure on the eastern side of the Bankhead National Forest. Holmes Chapel Falls is a beautiful waterfall on a tributary of Rush Creek. The 1/2 mile or less hike to the falls follows a small stream through a forest of mature Eastern hemlock and hardwoods. There is no trail, but the terrain is fairly uncomplicated. As in any rocky canyon area, uneven ground, blown-down trees, a few briars and some brief stretches of steep uphill climbing can be expected. we will also explore the top of the waterfall, which is a wide expanse of sandstone in a glade-like area.
Next, we will drive about 3 miles to Brushy Lake, have a picnic lunch, then hike the trail on the west side of the lake that will take us along the base of some very dramatic sandstone bluffs. From the old CCC dam, we will follow Brushy Creek downstream, enjoying the scenery, flowers and the aqua-critters that live in the shallow creek water. This hike will be about 1 1/4 miles roundtrip, with the option to stop and hang out for those who want to sit and bask (we'll catch you on the way back). There is a $3.00 per carload fee at Brushy Lake
Hikers must
This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it
in advance. Please include your phone number in your e-mail message.
After signing up, meet at the Warrior Mountains Trading Company 11312 AL Hwy. 33, Moulton, AL no later than 9:30 a.m. Park on the south end of the building and come into the store. There will be sign-in sheets and a donation bucket on the table in the center of the store. This is where we will gather at 9:30 before we head up into the forest.
Bring lunch (backpack or picnic: There are picnic tables at Brushy Lake where we will eat lunch), snacks, plenty of drinking water. Also, you may want a camera, binoculars, field guides, bandana, tick repellent, Epi-Pen if serious reaction to insect bites or stings is a concern.
Dress comfortably for hiking. Long pants and closed-toe shoes are recommended. Footwear should be sturdy boots or shoes or sneakers with good, heavy tread. No slick-soled shoes! Pack rain gear if rain is in the forecast.
There is no charge for this hike, but your donation will be gratefully accepted. All donations collected from hikers directly support Wild South's volunteer projects in the Bankhead National Forest.
Wild South's Alabama office: 11312 AL Hwy 33, #1 Moulton, AL 35650 256-974-6166 
|