Bankhead National Forest — Attraction in Double Springs

I have lived on the edge of Bankhead all my life and love it. It's more tourist friendly spots are never crowded, so you can enjoy the forest like it was meant to be. Places that are just a little off the beaten track like little natural bridge in Houston are well maintained but not so well that it destroys the reason I love the forest. There and Brushy are great places to go when you need some peace from this hectic world. Brushy Creek camping grounds are perfect for a family who wants to camp and fish with a trail and bathroom but not so worked on that you might as well be camping in a parking lot. I suggest anyone who wants a sight that will stay with you forever to go up there after a good rain and a full moon. The water cascading over the dam under the full moon will be something that will stay with you forever. I suggest doing it alone or only with people who mean a lot to you. There's a beginner level cave that's good enough for nearly anyone. There are so many waterfalls that you can't count them, waterfalls of all heights and with 2 or 3 levels. Sipsy River is perfect for the whole family to float down, it has towering bluffs on one side or the other most of the way down it. Also Indians have walked that forest and you can retrace their steps and imagine a simpler time. I could ramble on about the beauty, sights and history of this forest for hours so I'm gonna stop now. If you go please respect it so everyone can enjoy it. Thanks and maybe I'll see you...

I've been to Sipsey Wilderness three times this year and done five of the trails. Two of my trips were an overnighter. You can have a lot of fun in this area if you're prepared. And by "prepared", I mean bring a GPS with the trail maps loaded onto it. "AllTrails" is a great app you can install on your phone and let's you download maps of the various trails. Once you're on whatever trail you choose to take, CHECK IT OFTEN! There are many undocumented trails that branch off the main trails, and in many cases the undocumented trail looks like the way you're supposed to go. It's very easy to get lost here. But don't let this scare you away. There's countless fascinating rock formations, waterfalls and other picture opportunities. Along the creeks and rivers there are numerous primitive campsites. Most are fine for a tent or hammock setup, but I did see a couple campsites along "Thompson Creek Trail 206" that are very small and would be a challenge to set up your tarp if you also plan on having a campfire. Most of the campsites are located directly next to, or even on the trail. So if it's a busy weekend, be prepared to have other hikers walking right by your campsite, or in some cases right thru the middle of it. Hope this small review helps someone enjoy themselves a...

This is a beautiful area but based on reading other articles and reviews we were expecting better. We were slightly before season (late March), so things were not really geared up. We started at the Ranger Station and got our maps and advice, and set off to visit Kinlock Falls and the Sipsey River Recreation Area. First, the road to Kinlock Falls is a doozy. Take you time and be careful of hazards and potholes. I do not recommend for low road clearance cars. Kinlock Falls is attractive (but not awesome), and the short trail from the road down to the falls is steep and challenging-not for those with any mobility or nimbleness challenges. At Sipsey River Rec Area, I was expecting more interesting trails and views. My wife and I walked along the river on a trail that did not seem to be well maintained-it was nice but we've been on much nicer trails. Finally, we tried stopping in at one of the other Recreation Areas that had a campground and day use area. Maybe because it was before start of season, there was little to do and the staff was not exactly friendly. I don't regret visiting but my expectations...