Watching your videos made me want to go see the big tree and I did a couple of weeks ago for the first time its a beautiful hike. we took the long way in and the shortcut out, next time I think I would rather stay a night than just a make day trip.
About 25 years ago I used to run with a group that frequently ran out and back to the big tree. I never ran with them but I assumed the trail was wider and more developed back then? Is that true?
The old road (Bunyan Hill Rd) we hiked in on was closed in 1988. So, I’m sure it was in better condition 25 years ago. Some of the rest of the trails we hiked were impacted by the big tornado outbreak of 2011. And then there were fresh trees down from the hurricanes earlier this fall. Finally, since this is a Federal Wilderness area there is no official trail maintenance. The only maintenance is by volunteers with hand tools.
Sounds like you mean the Big Tree Shortcut Trail (which can be done as an out and back in a day). My favorite electronic map is GaiaGPS. But I have created my own maps for printing out, you can find them here: drive.google.com/drive/folders/1eD0rMfe5MfF4lMiyd55A4o0KMjIsaIKW?usp=sharing
Nice little hike thanks for taking us along I hiked the AT years ago and really enjoyed the south
Glad you enjoyed it. Thanks for watching and commenting!
Nice backpacking trip. Have a great day and a wonderful upcoming week 😊
Thank you! You have a great day and week too!
Watching your videos made me want to go see the big tree and I did a couple of weeks ago for the first time its a beautiful hike. we took the long way in and the shortcut out, next time I think I would rather stay a night than just a make day trip.
That is awesome! Glad you were able to see it. I also would much rather stay the night whenever I can.
Love the Sipsey! Hoping to make it back out there mid month 🍂🏕️🥾🍁
I hope to get back out there this month too. Maybe I'll run into you. Thanks for commenting!
Cool!
Thanks for watching!
About 25 years ago I used to run with a group that frequently ran out and back to the big tree. I never ran with them but I assumed the trail was wider and more developed back then? Is that true?
The old road (Bunyan Hill Rd) we hiked in on was closed in 1988. So, I’m sure it was in better condition 25 years ago. Some of the rest of the trails we hiked were impacted by the big tornado outbreak of 2011. And then there were fresh trees down from the hurricanes earlier this fall. Finally, since this is a Federal Wilderness area there is no official trail maintenance. The only maintenance is by volunteers with hand tools.
Taking 18 scouts this weekend. We are doing the big tree trail which I think is out and back. What’s the best map you found?
Sounds like you mean the Big Tree Shortcut Trail (which can be done as an out and back in a day). My favorite electronic map is GaiaGPS. But I have created my own maps for printing out, you can find them here: drive.google.com/drive/folders/1eD0rMfe5MfF4lMiyd55A4o0KMjIsaIKW?usp=sharing
Oh! And another thing. Group sizes are limited to 10 or less in the Sipsey Wilderness: www.fs.usda.gov/detail/alabama/specialplaces/?cid=fseprd548972