Saturday, the Land Trust of Huntsville and North Alabama is venturing north for a six-hour hike within the Walls of Jericho as part of its Spring Burst Guided Hike Series.
Land Trust board member Mike Dalen will lead the outing, which will include information on how preserving the site, the former hunting grounds of Davy Crockett, also protects the headwaters of the Paint Rock River in North Alabama.
The trail climbs 1,000 feet in elevation in one mile. It is considered difficult and appropriate only for hikers in good physical condition.
Organizers recommend that participants bring a sack lunch, camera and insect repellent. The outing will be canceled in case of inclement weather.
The Land Trust group will leave Gurley, Ala., at 9 a.m. CDT, but hikers from this area may arrange to meet the other participants when they arrive on-site. The Walls are in Jackson County, about 25 miles northwest of Scottsboro off Highway 79.
For more information, call 256-534-5263.
On your own
Ten miles of trails provide access to the Walls of Jericho and its waterfalls. Getting started is easy, says the Alabama Department of Conservation and Natural Resources. For 2.5 miles, the trail descends to Clarke Cemetery, with an additional half-mile remaining to travel to the Walls.
"That means the walk back will be mostly uphill and strenuous," according to www.alapark.com. "Hikers should plan on a minimum of six hours to make the round-trip, which includes a two-hour stay in the gorge."
Rainy days will take hikers longer, as trails may hold the additional hazards of swift currents or mud.