>>2464677Did a large loop around the Sipsey Wilderness, a little over 30 miles, spread out over a long weekend. One of the trails I did was a very winding, rarely used route, I think it’s called the Mitchel Ridge Trail for anyone familiar with the area.
That particular trail was pretty terrible. It runs along the side of a series of hills rather than following a ridge. In spots there’s a steep valley to the right. Nearly the whole length (about 7 miles) leans drastically toward the valley. I don’t know if it was flatter at one time or if I’m just remembering things differently, but I certainly don’t remember that much sideways grade. You walk with you’re ankles in a really weird position, leaning to the left. Very strange.
Several spots are completely washed out. I don’t mean a landslide or anything (though there is some of that); the trail is just the same grade as the side of the hill it follows.
The SE end of the trail is really cool, having been destroyed in a small landslide, so there’s just a little scrambling to find the trail. It also follows a really neat cliff face for a short distance after the washout (or before it, if you start in the SE).
The rest of the area is fantastic; waterfalls, creeks, feral hogs. Lots of people but I’m not a sperg so I’m ok with it.
