William B Bankhead National Forest
Trails
The newly expanded trail system in the Bankhead National Forest added 82 miles of recreational trails to the 71 miles already in the Forest. Now, you can enjoy hiking, bicycle and horseback riding, and a trail for your all-terrain vehicle.
Horse Area
Riders have a choice of horseback riding in the Sipsey Wilderness or the general forest area. There are 13.3 miles of trails in the wilderness that offer riders solitude and isolation as part of the wilderness experience. Hikers may also use these trails.
Take a leisurely day ride and explore the northeastern portion of the Bankhead National Forest. The 25-mile Black Warrior Horse Trail provide an opportunity to see the beautiful waterfalls, sandstone cliffs, deep gorges, majestic hardwood trees, wildflowers, and an abundance of birds and animals.
History of the Area
The National Forests in Alabama began with the Alabama Purchase Unit, established by the National Forest Commission in Fiscal Year 1914. The area was proclaimed the Alabama National Forest by President Woodrow Wilson on January 15, 1918.
The first forest was located in Franklin, Lawrence and Winston Counties. Land acquisition files show that much of the ridge tops had been cut-over and approximately 40-percent of the land was cut-over, cultivated and vacated farmland. The virgin timber must have been located in the deep gorges and on public domain land.
On June 19, 1936, by proclamation of President Franklin D. Roosevelt, the Alabama National Forest was renamed the Black Warrior National Forest. About six years later on June 17, 1942, the name was changed, by an Act of Congress, to the William B. Bankhead National Forest.
Camping
The Bankhead National Forest features several scenic campgrounds such as, Houston and the newly renovated Corinth and Clear Creek Campgrounds. These three campgrounds are open April through October. Two of the three campgrounds, Corinth and Clear Creek, offers camping units with electrical and water hookups.
the hunting is good when 1 million people ant walking in the woods
Bankhead forest is Beautiful,I was raised there and still spen all my free time in the forest
I spend many days in this forest hiking, swimming, and camping. I get some amazing photos and it has to be the best place around here to have fun.
one of the best in southeast
best state park alabama has
July 4, by Anthony Poston
This is my favorite place in the world. If I could live here I would. Off course I feel a very close conection to nature so that makes a lot of difference. If you are looking for a nice place for photography, hiking, camping, swimming, or a family picnic this is it in North Alabama. The park also contains the Sipsey Wilderness Area, this is a pristen pure environment. There is not only a large number of hiking trails, and waterfalls, there are also various kinds of rare plants. This a very enjoyable place to come to, you will not be disappointed.
September 11, by cmartinez
some of the best nature and light hiking trails any where. the water in the sypsie is always cold and feels great after a long day hike
January 26, by Ben Kingsley
I love this place! Beautiful waterfalls and awesome canoeing or kayaking if you catch the river right.
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