Sipsey Wilderness, AL

[squidbilly]

Man, I wished I could have had that route today on the return.

We took 206 from Thompson and camped in the last camp on the other side of Shiprock. Then hoofed it to the big tree after we rose, then yo yo'd back on the same official trail all the way back to our car at Thompson TH. Toted a 40lb pack almost the whole way. Bee Branch kicked out butts with the "interesting" terrain. I saw that "unofficial" one fork out right past the first creek crossing near Thompson TH. Wondered where that went. now I know.

That's it. You just have to be careful dropping into West Bee. More "interesting" terrain: rocks,steep,slick,waterfalls etc,etc.

[squidbilly]

Anyone interested in a dayhike to Big Tree this Friday or Sunday?

[abc]

I'm going to try my hardest to make it. About what times are we thinking because I have work that morning till 3.

[Gingersquatch]

How about this route from Thompson Trailhead ? - either direction. Get to see Big Tree/East bee Falls, Saltpeter Cave, Shiprock , Auburn Falls.

This is the exact route we're taking this weekend. Question: should we come down 206 or over on 208 to start the trip?

[FlySubCompact]

That's it. You just have to be careful dropping into West Bee. More "interesting" terrain: rocks,steep,slick,waterfalls etc,etc.

Thanks, Squid. I prefer loops, not yo-yo'ing. If I can make it back there that loop with that unofficial trail will be the way.

[squidbilly]

I'm going to try my hardest to make it. About what times are we thinking because I have work that morning till 3.

Which morning? 'Cause that wouldn't be good: up all night, hike all day followed by a two hour drive home. Unless...you bring your hammock and take a nap!

[Squirrel]

A friend and myself are hoping to do a two nightwear sometime in early March

[squidbilly]

This is the exact route we're taking this weekend. Question: should we come down 206 or over on 208 to start the trip?

If you start on 206 and end on 208, you will walk mostly downhill all the way to 204A. Then you climb up and out behind Big Tree. After that, it's relatively level and easy hiking all the way to 208, where you begin a long descent back to the trailhead. So, you start downhill and end downhill that way. Just make sure you have water for the hike out before you leave East Bee Falls. If the falls is running, you can wait till you climb out, but that's the last water source on your route without bushwhacking.

http://www.sipseywilderness.org/maps/204_206.pdf

[squidbilly]

Either weekend great for us, we would just like to meet some local hangers.

Right now, it's looking like Feb 8-9 and March 8-9 for me.

[Bammacker]

Right now, it's looking like Feb 8-9 and March 8-9 for me.

March 8-9 looks like it would be a good time for us.