Turkey Foot Falls and Mize Mill in the Sipsey Wilderness

Story goes as far as I know this old 1936 Ford wrecked off what was the old run that ran near what we know as Cranal Road now. I don't believe anyone died but I could be wrong. I can't believe this thing is still here. Kenadi tells me this is one of her favorite spots in the forest. So today she had a long weekend at school so we came to eat lunch at Turkey Foot Falls and see Mize Mill Falls along the way too. 

It's always good when you can get your family out there with you! My nana is almost 68 I believe and she still loves coming out here. 

Turkey Foot Falls

A cascade along Turkey Creek that runs into the Sipsey River

Mize Mill Falls

Apparently most people have no idea these are carved above the old Mize mill site on both sides of the creek. 

Pictures don't do it justice until you hike yourself into the wilderness and see whats left of this old 1936 Ford that is buried there! 

Drove through an are where they did a controlled burn on the way home. 

Bigfoot or nah?

After exploring Eagle Creek, since it still hadn't rained we drove to a different part of Bankhead- I'm not naming names on this one because sometimes you just know others cannot appreciate things like you can! After reading up on a blog I follow we all decided to explore, bushwhack and walk the bluff line off a creek that flows into Brushy Creek. We knew it would be rough but did not quite prepare ourselves for this trip! We park empty out our backpacks (because who wants to carry unnecessary weight in your pack when you're not camping?! We get down to the creek and decide to cross it- after doing so we immediately regretted the decision. We stopped and grabbed some lunch and decided that we would need to cross the creek again because the terrain was getting unbearable. Before crossing we walk up a stream that empties into the creek we are following. We were surprised by beautiful waterfall.

It's one thing to cross a creek to the other side but when that creek is moving and about 5 foot deep in some places it really changes the game. Sometimes you just gotta make the best of the situation and play the cards you got so we took our shoes off said screw it and started walking up the creek. We like to thank Leroy for that bright idea. After walking up the creek a ways looking for shallower water, I walk by a massive print that stopped me and made me turn back around- I motioned everyone toward me and asked them if they saw what I did? We always joke about Bigfoot and how bad we would like to find proof of him by seeing him for ourselves. We believe we have found a possible bigfoot print! Look at the picture and decide for yourselves. 

Thomas' foot beside it is a size 13...not the greatest picture but it's definitely like nothing we have ever seen! 

Who knows what it is but in this forest there is no telling what is deep inside of it! But we will keep exploring and loving this beautiful place. 

Sipsey Wilderness

The Sipsey Wilderness is an area within the Bankhead National Forest that is some 24,900 acres in size. Our Destination: The above waterfalls starting at Eagle Creek. We don't like the trails :) 

Eagle Creek Falls

We parked off of Cranal Road and went in a little over half a mile into Eagle Creek, following a stream most of the way. About half way in there was a rattlesnake carved into one of the trees. We made it to the top of Eagle Creek Falls which was our destination to set up camp. There was a big chance for rain that night- but loving the outdoors as much as me and my camping buddies we could have cared less. We were prepared- most of us anyway- Leroy...good ole Leroy is rarely prepared for anything- bless him. I wouldn't say we have a group that goes every time but usually it's me- my boyfriend Thomas- his brother Justin and their good friend Leroy. I feel like I just had to familiarize you with some names because they're pretty important in all of my significant trips in the Bankhead. Long story short: Any of the good shit I post on here usually involves them! Back to the trip- We prepared for rain by setting up "tarp city" with our hammocks hanging under them- Justin however brought his tent to set up. After setting up camp we gathered firewood and discovered some really old barbed wire growing out of three different trees across the creek. We set out down Eagle Creek Falls and into the canyon. The terrain in this area is pretty rough and rocky. We seen so many beautiful waterfalls, I'm terrified of heights and didn't climb up this massive waterfall but the boys did- they discovered in a n old chelter bluff behind the waterfall an old tea pot, and remnants of a possible whiskey still. There are A LOT of old whiskey stills lying around the forest- rusting away and full of holes from axes made by the "revenuers." Each one of them still fascinates me even though they may all look the same; each one has its own story. We continue along the creek- crossing it- climbing up to shelter bluffs and then back down- waterproof hiking boots saved my life.) The hikes get tough sometimes but they are so worth it! We come up to Deer Skull Falls- this is a really pretty waterfall because two different ones are right next to each other! 

 Deer Skull Falls A- the other waterfall is to the right of this one.

Second Deer Skull Falls

A really tall waterfall I snapped a picture of on our way back to camp. It started getting dark on us and we we had walked about 2 1/2 miles to walk back to camp and a night hike in this terrain isn't really what you want to have to do (unless you're wanting to night hike of course.) Crossing the creek on the way back- we literally climbed up a rock to get out of the middle of the creek because it got deep- I slipped into the water and submerged one of my boots up to my shin. It's February so the water was freezing! Luckily the temp was in the 60s and weren't expected to get below the upper 40s that night. We made it back to camp right before dark. I was able to dry out my shoes and pants! That night it never even rained- go figure- we were so prepared for it!! Oh well it definitely made the hike out to the truck a lot more pleasant the next day.

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