Sipsey Wilderness, Alabama 10-7-2010

**jbiddle** · 10-14-2010, 15:37

I'm heading out there tomorrow. I'm hoping that there will be some water somewhere along Thompson Creek or at least where it intersects with Sipsey River and Parker Branch.

**Hetairoi** · 10-14-2010, 15:51

Nice report on Blowdown National Forest

Hopefully some of the rain that came through this week hit that area. Needs plenty more though.

**Bankheadboy** · 10-14-2010, 22:19

At last years Sipsey Hang on Oct 31. The creeks where running out of its banks. You could cross only at the bridges. Hopefully the rain will be back soon.

**treenester** · 10-18-2010, 16:41

Just got back Saturday from an overnighter with the wife on trail 200, just past Fall Creek Falls.
NOTE: I noticed a few groups with campfires, and, seems I got a notice for no burn until the end of October. Sure wouldn't want a $5k fine. May do a trip report later. Really fun time.

**Poppabear** · 10-19-2010, 17:39

Nice report and pictures.

**Verduretiger** · 10-19-2010, 18:48

I overnighted a couple of weeks ago at the east bee branch trailhead on 209. When I got up to the Big Tree nothing was flowing but it was still a great place to be. Rain is supposed to come in this week and next week. Things could get better in a hurry.

**foolhardy** · 10-26-2010, 11:26

jbiddle, I and another friend went to Sipsey two weeks ago. We also saw plenty of campfires Sunday when we were hiking out. I have a friend who's brother volunteers for maintenance in Sipsey and he said that last week they ticketed each of a three person party $5000/each.

Does anyone know if the rain earlier this week lifted the fire ban or if the coming rain later this week should?

Also, where can one find the up-to-date status on the fire ban in Sipsey?

**Hetairoi** · 10-26-2010, 13:34

the fire ban is state wide. Link

I can't find anything about lifting it at the forestry site or at ADEM

Hope we continue to get rain.

**defsquad** · 10-27-2010, 16:00

reading this post, seems to indicate that designated camp spots (and i'm assuming designated fire rings) are safe to set up a fire? responsible fire building and maintaining is key here. am i just reading that in a totally optimistic way?

**BillyBob58** · 10-27-2010, 16:15

Originally Posted by defsquad

reading this post, seems to indicate that designated camp spots (and i'm assuming designated fire rings) are safe to set up a fire? responsible fire building and maintaining is key here. am i just reading that in a totally optimistic way?

That appears to be what it says, though I am surprised. A "designated" fire ring does not assure that sparks won't be carried on the wind to the dry trees, does it?