Bankhead National Forest, Alabama

Saturday, October 3, 2009 9:30 a.m.

Distance: 4 miles, roundtrip

Rating: Moderate

Leaders: Janice Barrett and Jackie Tipper

Open to all ages. Suitable for children who are able to walk 4 miles on terrain with short stretches of moderate steepness.

Meet-up directions follow hike description.

Description: Sougahoagdee Falls is one of the most beautiful waterfalls in the Bankhead. The hike will begin on Hickory Grove Road at the Brushy Creek bridge. We will follow Brushy Creek upstream on an old logging road that is now an unofficial trail through a forest of hemlock and beech trees, passing tall sandstone bluffs and enormous boulders. The steady rainfall of the past 2 weeks will ensure plenty of waterfall action! Count on a couple of narrow creek crossings, so feet will briefly be in the water at times.

Group size will be limited, so This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it soon! Families with at least one child or young person will have priority on the list. Please include your phone number in case of last minute changes.

Bring: Backpack lunch, snacks, drinking water; rain gear if rain is still in the forecast; camera, walking stick, field guides; tick repellent; if allergies to bites and stings are an issue, remember antihistamine or Epi-Pen.

Wear: Clothes comfortable for hiking and suitable for the temperature/weather. There will be poison ivy, so wear long pants and closed-toe shoes if allergic. Shoes should be sturdy with good tread for slippery rocks and steep banks and general wetness.

Sign-up and meet-up directions: Sign up by This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it or calling 256-974-6166. These also work for asking questions.

Meet at Warrior Mountains Trading Company in Wren, Alabama (11312 Alabama Highway 33, Moulton, AL) at the intersection of Highways 33 and 36, a couple of miles south of Moulton. Fresh Air Family members coming from the Birmingham area may follow Fresh Air Family meet-up directions.

Time: 9:30 a.m. at Warrior Mountains Trading Co. Park on the south side of the building and come into the store. There will be sign-in sheets, etc. on the tables in the back of the store. We will meet there at 9:30 for a little chat before caravanning to our trailhead.