By Marla Ballard
Reporter
The British call it tramping, Germans call it volksmarching, the military call it rucking, Australians say bushwalking, and here in the United States, it is known as hiking or for longer hikes, backpacking.
“In 2021 58.7 million people in the U.S. went hiking and 10.3 million went backpacking. The highest figure recorded since 2010 and represents a growth of 80.4 percent,” according to the 2022 Outdoor Participation Trends Report from the Outdoor Foundation. “Hiking is now the fourth most-popular outdoor activity in the U.S., after running, fishing, and biking. The biggest jump in participation came between 2015 and 2016.”
Seasoned hikers will want to visit the Walls of Jericho, (WOJ) located in the northern part of Jackson County. It is one of the most remote areas to hike in north Alabama. The 21,453-acre WOJ wilderness and recreation area is part of two wildlife management areas which include Bear Hollow Mountain Wildlife Management Area and James D. Martin-Skyline Wildlife Management Area.
The 6-mile trek is strenuous and hikers should be in good physical shape and take plenty of water to traverse the trail that descends over 1,000 feet. Most hikers should allow for 5 to 6 hours, and fast hikers allow for 3 to 4 hours.
The WOJ serves as site #41 on the Northeast Loop of the North Alabama Birding Trail. This is the only place in the state to see the ruffed grouse. This bird is generally not seen below 1,500 feet in elevation in the southeast portion of their range.
Two hiking trails start from the northern parking area on Hwy 79. Visitors will see steep rocky streams, creeks, waterfalls, seasonal wildflowers, big hardwoods, and evergreens. For most hikers, the main attraction is the tall limestone walls in the narrow canyon.
Recreational opportunities also include horseback riding and primitive camping. Two primitive camping areas on the WOJ hiking trail are first come first served. The first area is on the north end of the hiking parking lot and the second is located on Hurricane Creek next to the Clark Cemetery. Both sites can only accommodate eight tents.
The horseback riding trail is 11 miles and starts from the southern parking area on Highway 79. Following the trail around will take riders down John Gifford Hollow into the valley of Hurricane Creek and along the banks until the confluence of Turkey Creek. Horses do not go all the way to the actual “walls.”
Hunting is available on the WOJ tract as part of the James D. Martin-Skyline Wildlife Management Area. Hunters must have a valid hunting license, a WMA license, and a free map/permit.
For trail maps, directions, and more information visit: alabamaforeverwild.com; alltrails.com; southernoutings.com; or search Walls of Jericho online. “Walking is a man’s best medicine.” – Hippocrates