1st Time Sipsey Trip

**JAF** · 05-19-2015, 16:58

Hi,
I'm new to hanging and to hiking in Sipsey. I usually go to the Smokey's to hike and have used tents until now. A couple of us are planning a trip to Sipsey to try out our hammocks. Do you have some recommendations for a first time trip? We're looking to go for 3 days/2 nights. What should we make certain to see/do? Any trails that we should definitely hike or stay off?

thanks,

JAF

**Bad Biscuit** · 05-19-2015, 18:08

Any of the main trails should be pretty easy to follow. Only the junctions are marked - there are no blazes on the trail. There's too much to see it all in three days, but 209/204 is a good start. www,sipseywilderness.org has lots of info.

**MississipVol** · 05-20-2015, 12:00

A lot of my hiking was in the Smokies too before I found the Sipsey. Just be aware that the Sipsey is a wilderness area so there is not the plethora of signage that you would have in the Smokies. Some of the sites and trailheads are difficult to find as a result. Take a map and a compass so you don't get lost. But on the other hand, you have the freedom to camp anywhere so you never have to worry about reserving a site or taking a chance it will be open.

For 3 days, 2 nights, I would use Randolph trailhead and take 202 to 209. You would see the old cemetery and Feather Hawk falls on 202. Take 209 west to 204 and take 204 up the bluff and around to Bee Branch falls. You will have walked by some great campsites before getting to the falls that would make a good 1st night's camp imo. The next day you could take the 204A (not maintained trail) down to see the big tree and then all the way back to 209. Just be aware there are several downed trees along this trail so it will take a lot more time.

Then take 209 west along the river. I believe it technically crosses the river at some point but if you continue along that same trail it reaches ship rock and the eye of the needle (rock formations). Then if you retrace your way back and cross the river you can take a left on a no-name trail right after crossing the river and see another waterfall up the first stream you come to. That (or somewhere else along the river) may make a good 2nd night campsite before heading up the trail to 201 and back to the Randolph trailhead.

That's just my suggestion for a good loop but there are a lot of people on this forum with a TON more experience than me out there. Good luck!

**Gingersquatch** · 05-20-2015, 13:20

Originally Posted by MississipVol

For 3 days, 2 nights, I would use Randolph trailhead and take 202 to 209. You would see the old cemetery and Feather Hawk falls on 202. Take 209 west to 204 and take 204 up the bluff and around to Bee Branch falls. You will have walked by some great campsites before getting to the falls that would make a good 1st night's camp imo. The next day you could take the 204A (not maintained trail) down to see the big tree and then all the way back to 209. Just be aware there are several downed trees along this trail so it will take a lot more time.

Then take 209 west along the river. I believe it technically crosses the river at some point but if you continue along that same trail it reaches ship rock and the eye of the needle (rock formations). Then if you retrace your way back and cross the river you can take a left on a no-name trail right after crossing the river and see another waterfall up the first stream you come to. That (or somewhere else along the river) may make a good 2nd night campsite before heading up the trail to 201 and back to the Randolph trailhead.

This is a good loop. You'll get to see a lot of the high points of the Sipsey. I'm taking a small group from our church youth group on a similar loop the last weekend in May. Enjoy!

**tdecell** · 05-20-2015, 17:50

I've been looking for somewhere to hike / hang this coming weekend. This post just may have made up my mind, how long a hike is the above mentioned post? I was looking at somewhere in AR around the Buffalo River, but this sounds like a plan.

**squidbilly** · 05-20-2015, 20:15

http://www.sipseywilderness.org/index.html

http://www.sipseywilderness.org/trails/index.html click on each of the trails for a descripton and a downloadable map.

**Tim_807** · 05-20-2015, 20:44

I'm kind of curious too I was trying to find a nice 30mile loop for the weekend. All my usual hiking buddies have other plans.

**Drybones** · 05-20-2015, 21:17

I'm 2 hours from the Sipsey and looking for some trail time to try some new gear, if you would like some company keep us posted as to when.

**MississipVol** · 05-20-2015, 21:20

Originally Posted by tdecell

I've been looking for somewhere to hike / hang this coming weekend. This post just may have made up my mind, how long a hike is the above mentioned post? I was looking at somewhere in AR around the Buffalo River, but this sounds like a plan.

I think this would only be around 10-11 miles. I did this hike in the fall but I'm not sure on the distance of 204A since its not an official trail.

**JAF** · 05-20-2015, 21:36

Thanks for all the info. We're going the last weekend of May as well. Plan to get there late Thursday & come out on Sunday morning.

MSVol, that looks good but a little short. How would it work to continue up 204 to 224-208-206-201 & back to Thompson?

Ginger, what church are you with in Oxford? I'm a member at North Oxford.