Finally did a backpacking trip in the Sipsey Wilderness which is in Bankhead National Forest, Alabama. It was me and my buddy. Talked to my grandpa about the trip beforehand, he said in the 50s he used to go Turkey hunting and Deer hunting all over those hills and canyons that are now the Sipsey. Back then there were several roads that went all through the wilderness area, some of which are now horse trails like the 208 and 224. Picrel is the route we took and I wanted to share some about our experience.
The hike in was pleasant, started at the Gum Pond trailhead and quickly got off on the 207 heading south down into the Braziel Canyon. That was a remarkable place with very striking bluffs and a peculiar feeling inside. While hiking down the 207 somehow we got on the other side of the river (trail is on the east side of river but we were hiking on west side, must have been old trail that isn't in use). Eventually we realized and crossed the river and there was the maintained defined trail. We had been wading through brush and thought no one must hike this place.
Started at 1:30pm and by 5:30pm we made it to the yellow X and pitched our camp. I was tarp camping for the first time after using a hammock for years. Best night of sleep I've gotten innawoods yet. We rose early and scarfed down some oatmeal and coffee and started on our 'deathmarch'. We hiked through the canyon and then westward onto the 209 following the Sipsey Fork, which was a beautiful route with many scenic bluffs and waterfalls which were barely dripping because it is so dry.