Bite Size Hikes: 2016

February 28th

Yesterday we went on a fun hike with the "Runner's of the Wild" group. Five of our friends went and we decided to hike and not run. Thanks to Zach the leader for getting the Oak Mountain State Park earlier than normal, so we could enjoy the views.

So let's just say waking at 4 a.m. on the weekend is not usually on the top of the list. But, today was the most awesome experience. We started the hike in the pitch black at 5:15 and got to King's Chair about 10 min. before the sunrise at 6:20. What a magnificent reward!!! Pictures DO NOT do it justice, because it truly was an amazing experience. Maybe it's all the climbing and the pace we went that made it that much more rewarding. Glad we went and even more awesome was that Ashley brought coffee for us to all enjoy while watching it. :)

To do this same hike there are two ways from the North Trailhead that I would recommend. When you park at the North Trailhead, cross over the main road that goes through the park and hit the red trail (this will be a red dirt trail that has rocks and ruts and will cross over a culvert that will have water in it from time to time) and go about .4 miles then take a left on the red/blue connector. This will wind up the hill (steep at times) until you intersect with the blue trail. Go right and the trail will flatten out a bit. Be sure to check out the Shackleford Overlook and try not to be to tempted by the Eagles Nest trail (Eagles Nest is another trail with a great view and huge boulder. The hike is strenuous, but worth it). We did not have time for it today. Continuing on the blue trail it will go down a bit and walk along a creek bed. Don't get to used to flat. It will start climbing again, but much shorter than the first climb. Trail is well marked, but when you get to the top of the hill that has the rope to pull yourself up (not necessarily needed on a dry day) you will follow the trail left. Here again it's relatively flat and has a small pond at the top. Just after the pond you will see your first overlook of the valley below. Take in the view and then continue on about another tenth of a mile. Then climb the rocks to the King's Chair.

Another route (which we took coming back) is once you cross over from the parking lot, turn left on the blue trail just behind the trail map kiosk. This trail will have some rolling hills and will eventually intersect with the red/blue connector as indicated above.

Lake in the valley below.

February 7, 2015

One of our favorite things to do on a weekend is wake up early and not have a clue as to what we are going to do for the day. This has resulted in some amazingly fun days and many laughs of shenanigans that most people would consider "trips gone wrong". But, to us these are the most memorable trips!!!!

There is one distinct day we waited a little later than normal to get on the road for one of these such adventures. With it being daylight savings and Winter it gets dark EARLY. So when you leave after 10 to go on a 2.5 hour road trip, have a random stop at the "Unclaimed Baggage" store for longer then the intended 20 minutes and are going to do a 6 mile hike with 1,000 feet of elevation change in which, deciding to take a trail detour seems like it could be shorter. Well you know what happens? You hike in an isolated forest after dark. This trip was fantastic and the pure definition of spontaneous. Not only did we get to explore one of the prettiest remote areas of Alabama; we also got to shop in the much talked about Unclaimed Baggage store. This is where all the airline luggage that goes "missing" some how ends up here. We also stayed at what is now my favorite campground area to visit, Desoto State Park. This day included 200 miles/4 + hours of driving, 8.6 miles of hiking w/ 2,173 elevation gain (detour!) I believe we exited the area around 6:30 or 7. Not bad for starting at 1:30 or 2:00.

Walls of Jericho Trail is a 6 mile roundtrip trail located near Estillfork, AL. When I say remote I mean REMOTE!! There was very little light pollution in this area which was great for some after dark photography and the complete need for some high power flashlights. The trail is considered difficult. There is a 1,000 elevation change. And the sign entering the trailhead can be quite intimidating "participants should be in good physical health and allow for 6 hours for enjoyable completion of the hike". Hmmmmmmm, Greg it's almost 2:00???

The trail is great going down, but a long and winding uphill. I did mention it is well worth it!!!!! The forest is most unique with its creaking trees and random shapes. We enjoyed these sounds during the daylight hours, but not so much after dark. Poor Orthos, our dog was spooked coming out from all the random noises in this forest. Being that it was a spontaneous day we took a "shortcut" going down to try to cut out the 6 hours. LOL! Of course when we finally met up with the trail after the winding back and forth from our "shortcut" we were worried we didn't turn the right way on the trail to get to the actual Walls of Jericho. Luckily, we had and easily met up with the intended hiking trail. This could have been "epic fail" of a hiking trip if not.

The top half of the trail starts like a regular hard packed trail with some rock, gravel, and roots with some pretty boulder out croppings scattered around. Then it turns to red clay where some areas of the trail have washed and can be slick if it has rained recently. Once you get to the bottom flat area there is a nice creek running where you turn left and start looking for a footbridge that crosses Hurricane Creek. Footbridge meaning a log and a rope to hold on to. Almost better to just balance and walk because the rope makes you sway! Once you survive this lovely moment the trail meanders through an old forrest and out on to a field, which would be a great place to camp and several people were taking advantage of it this day. You will then come to the Clark Cemetery which is marked off with barb wire fencing (be careful here) here is another footbridge crossing Turkey Creek. After crossing turn back right and head to the Walls. As you approach the towering walls of the gorge on the left there will be some steep inclines that have some rather slick and narrow paths. Be sure you are wearing appropriate shoes. From the upper vantage point you will see white rocks and the stream will appear blue/green. I'm guessing this is where the river that flows through the Walls of Jericho gets the name Paint Rock River. When you get to the pool of water at the end of the trail you will see a waterfall on the other side and just behind it there is a crevice in the rock wall that a stream comes through the rock section. Make sure you cross over and take a closer look. Stunningly beautiful!! If we had time we have continued on over the next wall area and explored some more. At this point we were losing daylight fast and decided to turn back.

Hiking back out we were booking it through the first section of the trail until we hit the "climb". I'm guessing because it was dark and cool it didn't seem as bad as anticipated, but it did seem to last forever with it being night and quite creepy. Once we got back to the car, got warm we had a little fun with photography and then hit the road headed back towards I65 and Desoto State Park (2 hours away). Stay tuned for the Desoto Adventure.