I am putting this out there because as I have traveled, I have used the internet extensively to plan trips. Unfortunately, I have run across a lot of info that was incorrect or incomplete. Its my goal with this blog to provide good pictures of destinations as well as maps and great directions. A word of caution... I like the gray lines on the maps. No need to worry most of the time... everything can be done in a 4x4 jeep.
I went here with my dad a LONG time ago when I was a kid and when I found out that my wife and I would be visiting family, I jumped at the chance to work this into the plans.
This was a very neat place to go and once you get to the main attraction it will put you in a state of awe!
The sandstone arch spans 148 feet long and 60 feet high over scenic areas of the forest. There is a huge pit at the bottom of this thing. There is also a muddy path that hugs the interior of the cavern. There is water dripping all around you and I almost slipped and busted my face. On the way back, don't forget to check out the Indian Head.. pretty cool. Also, be sure to grab a drink from the well over by the gift shop.
First off, the name of the park is Mike Roess Gold Head Branch State Park. This was one of Teddy's projects back in the day to give people jobs with the CCC in the 1920's. If you are looking for a different side of FL... this is it. At times I thought I was back in NC!
The trail is short and well marked. After the decent down the numerous flights of concrete stairs into ravine you are met with a choice. Left or right. Left will take you on a .2 mile loop through a deciduous tropical paradise where springs flow out of the hillside. After passing back by the stairs, continue on the 1.1 mile hike to the mill site. After you cross the spring for the final time we find a hill. Descent elevation gain through oak and magnolia hammocks. I even spotted some Mountain Laural and wild Azaleas. Once on the top rim you will pick up the Florida trail for a short bit until you get to the Mill site which is were we stopped and turned around. The location of the pic of the trees with the water rushing over the roots can be heard from the trail. A short walk down a water run will bring you to a tight little area where you can sit back a lisen to the stream.
This was a nice little morning hike and a great park! We stayed here for 2 nights at one of the tent sites. Number 31 to be specific and it was very nice. Plenty of room for 2 big tents.
Overall, great hike. Check out my other Gold Head Park trip for general park pics and info separate from this hike.
This was a super cool fall! If you find yourself in the area, it is a must! On the top of the falls, not shown in the pictures, there are two holes that you can swim in. I don't mean calm water on the top, rather holes dug into the rocks that are like hot tubs minus the hot! Super cool and fun on a hot summer day. I don't know if these were a result of the construction of the old mill no longer there or what but really nice to play in. Below the falls awaits a very nice, large pool of water with a sand bar in the middle. There is a nice spot to jump from on the left, looking at the falls. About a 10 foot drop into about 8 foot of water.
This falls is just inside the Sipsey Wilderness which is a small portion of Bankhead National forest. This area offers ATV, horse and hiking trails. Hunting permits can also be purchased. In regards to how to get there... My best advice is use my mp and back out. The trail on Everytrail is our journey down what becomes Fire Service Rd 210. You will not find Kinlock Rd on any map. Directions from the ranger station in Bankhead; Hwy 33 South Right on Hwy 278 Right on Hwy 195 (North) Right on CR 23 in Rabbittown. This road becomes FS 210. This road becomes a dirt road but we did fine in my wife's car. Continue down, down and further down. After a sharp left, you will see random "Alcohol Prohibited" signs on the right. You have arrived. If you cross a bridge over a stream, turn round..
This is a great place to hang out and soak up this awesome place, however be super careful up top. We met a girl who talked about how another girl recently slipped on the moss and jacked her jaw.
Dismals Canyon is an extra special place and is a must even if you are remotely close to the area. I am gonna be extremely lazy and copy a little text from dismalscanyon.com...
Dismals Canyon - located in Northwest Alabama - is an 85 acre Natural Conservatory privately owned and operated. It is NOT a State Park or National Park.
Through the heart of the canyon flows "Dismals Branch", a winding stream that enters the canyon with a roar through "Rainbow Falls".
A 1.5 mile hiking trail on the canyon floor follows the stream through sky reaching boulders, past thundering waterfalls, into a secret world of mossy-green and pearl gray filled with ferns and giant trees.
Summertime finds Dismals Canyon cool and inviting. The temperature on the canyon floor runs some 14 degrees below Alabama's summer average. There are no mosquitoes, flies, or poison oak.
At night the place gets really cool! This is what separates this place..
Colloquially known as Dismalites, they are the larvae stage of a unique, native, and endemic species of insect (North American Orfelia fultoni) that emits a bright blue-green light to attract food, in the form of other flying insects.
It requires a select habitat to survive: humidity to prevent it from drying out; hanging surfaces to allow it to build sticky webs to trap the food; an adequate food supply of insects; a still atmosphere to prevent lines from tangling; and darkness to allow it to show a light.
Dismals Canyon provides the perfect habitat for these unique insects to survive.
When looking up at the moss covered canyon walls it's hard to tell where the Dismalites stop and the stars begin.
off US-43 / AL-17 between Russellville and Hamilton
on Hwy. 8
You may see Dismals Canyon labeled as "Dismals Wonder Gardens" on some maps and road atlases. That's the old name from many years ago, but it's the same place.
