Bankhead National Forest / Sipsey Wilderness

The land of 1000 waterfalls.

Situated in north west Alabama the Sipsey wilderness is off the beaten path and calls for exploration. The nickname says it all….. There is literally water coming from everywhere. Lush green ferns, dense forests, and emerald green streams. There’s not a ton of marked trails in the Sipsey, most of them are just well worn paths leading to some of the most beautiful spots in Alabama. Here’s some pictures of some of the hikes I have done and info on the hikes.

White Creek Falls

A group of us started at the Randolph trailhead and hiked to white creek falls and upper white creek falls.

Upper White Creek Falls

Deer Skull Falls

One of my favorite places in Alabama. This dual waterfall nestled in small canyon has a very peaceful feeling to it. Parking is a small pull off and a well worn path leads down the hill nearly 2 miles towards eagle creek falls. You’ll cross a few small streams before coming upon a nice clear dispersed camping area on eagle creek. Follow that creek downstream to eagle creek falls…. you’ll follow the path along eagle creek and pass many small waterfalls along the way. Deer skull is found by following one of the larger tributaries coming in from the left a few hundred yards. Once back on Eagle Creek you follow it downstream to hemlock falls.

I followed the general trail info on alltrails for deer skull hemlock loop but turned around and retraced my steps once I got to hemlock. There is NO cell service and the trails are not maintained or blazed. Have maps and know where you are going BEFORE you get to Bankhead.