The Coldwater Mountain tract

Sunday, January 31, 2010

On Sunday, January 31, Phil Martin will lead a hike for Wild South on Forever Wild land on Coldwater Mountain near Oxford and Anniston, Alabama.  In 2012, the Forever Wild Program will expire unless it is reauthorized by the Alabama State Legislature.  This hike will be a great opportunity to visit a beautiful and unique Forever Wild site and to learn more about this very successful land conservation program.

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Date:  Sunday, January 31, 2010

Meet-up time:  1:30 p.m.

Leader:  Phil Martin

Distance:  2 to 3 miles

Rating:  Moderate, for all ages

Description:  There are some very interesting geological features on this mountain property, including 2 sinks, Big Sink and Little Sink.  Little Sink is 200 feet deep and a quarter mile wide.  Wildflowers are abundant here in the springtime.   The hike will begin by following a stream through a hollow, then onto an old road on the ridge between the two sinks.  There will be shallow stream crossings of the rock-hopping sort.  If the water is high at the time, Phil will lead an alternate, drier, route.

The hike will be a liesurely 2 or 3 hours.  Be prepared for the stream crossings and rocky terrain by wearing sturdy boots or shoes with good tread.  A walking stick may be helpful.  Bring rain gear if there is rain in the forecast.  Dress in layers for warmth.

Bring snacks and drinking water. Lunch, too, if you don't eat before you get there.

We will meet up the road from Phil's house (811 Cecile Drive, Oxford, AL for Google Mappers) by following these directions:

Coming from Birmingham on I-20, take the Coldwater/Munford exit, #179.

At the top of the ramp, take a left.  At the first traffic light, turn right.

Take the first left into Coldwater Park.

Cross the bridge on Cecile Drive.  Go about 1/2 mile to the green house on the left.

Turn left onto the dirt/gravel driveway and go .7 mile to Phil's house (811 Cecile Dr.)  NOTE:  On top of the first hill the road forks to the right;  STAY LEFT, don't take the right fork.  The driveway is bumpy and you will ford a small stream.  SUV's and trucks do best, but cars do fine;  just go slow and you'll have no problems.

Phil Martin, our hike leader, owns the land that is bordered on 3 sides by the Coldwater Mountain tract.  It has been in his family since the 1930's.  Phil is a registered nurse, a member of the American Hiking Society and the Alabama Hiking Trails Society and is a supporter of Forever Wild.