Follow the North Alabama Sierra Club Online
On our website: http://alabama.sierraclub.org/na.html
On Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/groups/254833822112/
Outings
Hike Ratings
Easy - Less than 5 miles, no serious elevation changes, no trail obstacles.
Moderate - 5 to 10 miles, some elevation changes or rough trail (rock hopping), or trail obstacles such as creek crossings.
Strenuous - Over 10 miles, substantial elevation change, rocky, obstructed or nonexistent trail.
Exploratory - any event where the leader has not experienced the event; may fit any class above.
Note. Participants of Sierra Club outings are required to sign a waiver.
Sunday, February 3 - Walls of Jericho Hike. Strenuous.
One of Alabama’s most popular hiking trails, the Walls of Jericho trail leads hikers 1100’ down into a canyon and along a beautiful creek. Can be slippery (mud and rocks) at the bottom. Easy hike in and a challenging hike out. 8 miles total. Dress for the weather, including sturdy shoes. Bring a camera, water, snacks/lunch, trekking poles. Leashed dogs welcome, but it might be challenging for them to cross a single-log bridge over a large stream. Rain cancels this hike. Meet at 9:00am at Walls of Jericho Hikers Parking Lot. The trailhead is about 4.5 miles north of Hytop, AL on the west side of Hwy 79. Look for the Hikers Parking Lot (the second lot heading north). Alabama Hwy 79 is in Jackson County, about 25 miles north of US-72. Questions, contact Aaron at sctrailevents@gmail.com
Saturday, February 9 - Chapman Mountain Hike. Easy.
Join us for a Rain or Shine hike on Chapman Mountain. This will be a relatively easy 4-mile hike with about 300 ft elevation gain over uneven and rocky terrain. Dress for the weather, including sturdy shoes. Bring water, snacks, and a camera. Leashed dogs are welcome. While this is a rain or shine hike, thunderstorms will cancel this hike. It can be tricky to find the trailhead, so we will meet at 9:00am in the parking lot of Wendy's, 1624 Hwy 72 E, Huntsville, AL, 35811, and then caravan over to the trailhead less than a 1/2 mile away. Any questions contact Aaron at sctrailevents@gmail.com
Saturday, February 9 - Hike to the Pinnacle at Camp Jackson. Moderate.
We will hike to the top of the Pinnacle near Scottsboro, AL to get some great views of the Tennessee River from the bluff line. The hike is 4.4 miles round trip with a 708 foot elevation gain. We will meet at the Piggly Wiggly in Gurley at 9:00am. Bring hydration and snack. There will be an optional trip to a good local pizzeria afterwards. The hike is limited to 20 people. For information and to RSVP, contact Steve at covecrawler@gmail.com
Saturday, Februry 23 - Backpacking/Camping 101. Easy.
This is the first event in a series this spring to get people who might be interested in camping and backpacking up to speed and ready for a backpacking or camping adventure. On Saturday, February 23, the Sierra Club of North Alabama will lead a Backpacking/Camping 101 class where we will discuss what to expect on a backpacking trip - the gear needed, preparations and how to either get started camping/backpacking or to help people wanting to transition from camping to backpacking. This will be a discussion on the basics and include some show and tell of equipment. You will be provided a list of equipment you will need to camp/backpack safely. This will be an outdoor event so dress for the weather. Folding chairs may be helpful. Meet at 1:00pm at the Land Trust Trailhead Parking Lot - 2442-2528 Bankhead Pkwy NE, Huntsville, AL. Questions or comments, email Aaron at sctrailevents@gmail.com
Additionally, there will be two follow-up events. Look for more information in future newsletters.
Sat-Sun, March 30-31 - The North Alabama Sierra Club will host an overnight camp-out in the Monte Sano State Park to give people a chance to try out any new camping gear or techniques in a fun, safe environment, close to home, with experienced campers ready to help with camp/tent set-up. We are planning to have a camp cooking demonstration and a social bonfire.
Sat-Sun, May 11-12 - The North Alabama Sierra Club will host an overnight backpacking trip at the Cathedral Caverns State Park to allow people to have a fun, low risk backpacking experience. The hike to the campsite is about 1 mile from the trailhead. Again we will have experienced backpackers to help with camp/tent set up.