100% of travelers recommend this experience. Its all here at Glamping Hub for your very next vacation. And I, about 30 years ago, witnessed seeing one in the Bankhead Forest. [5][6] In 1959, Executive Order 10850 removed land from the forest's boundaries. Swimming & Wading is allowed in Laurel Creek and in the West Fork of Little River, which runs through DeSoto State Park. Barrett leads hikes exploring the wilderness's caves and ridges all year. "Forest service map." Includes table/index of recreation sites, vicinity map, and index to topographic maps. William Bankhead National Forest (Double Springs) - All You Need to Know BEFORE You Go. Some common foods are berries, grasses, insects, nuts, acorns, corn, and sometimes small mammals (Rogers 1976, McDonald and Fuller 2005, Elowe and Dodge 2007, Tri et al. Combining his love of hiking and writing, Joe has penned eight outdoor recreation guides including Hiking Alabama, Paddling Alabama, and his latest, Hiking Waterfalls of Alabama. Location data obtained from GPS-collared black bears can provide insight into where black bears are traveling and potentially predict where current populations may expand to in future generations. Black bears are opportunistic omnivores, meaning that they eat almost any type of food. It started out as suppose to be a super fun Memorial Day wkend!! The William B. Bankhead National Forest is one of Alabama's four National Forests, covering 181,230 acres (733km2). If they tell you to stay out of the water, stay out of it. This Franklin County, Alabama state location article is a stub. All of these waterfalls can be found year-round except for one; but remember, even a year-round waterfall can disappear during extended dry periods. This 13.1 km loop offers a pleasant ride through varied terrain and a chance to stop at the area's popular sightseeing locations of Bankhead, Two Jack Lake, Lake Minnewanka and Cascade Ponds. Brushy Lake Recreation Area Campground--Bankhead National Forest. He told my uncle (who had two young kids then) to keep watch of his kids while there out playing because they live only 230 yards from where he saw the large cat.All these reports are either near Bear Creek, or right above the pottsville rock bluff formations.---------- Another rare sight I've seen is a cinnamon colored American black bear (Ursus americanus) trotting away from me in the Bank Bankhead National Forest (When I went hiking one day about a year ago), it had shaggy fur (like any black bear picture you would see, except cinnamon colored). I highly recommend OnX maps. AN ACT To change the name of the Black Warrior National Forest to the William B. Bankhead National Forest. That type of wildlife is alligators. I believe the Ranger Station is located on Hwy 33 in Double Springs. It is located in northwestern Alabama, around the town of Double Springs. There are so many natural wonders in Alabama! We had been to this campground several times before this just this yr. We had noticed the camp host Deb was not super good at her position but we overlooked her. Camping opportunities range from primitive, dispersed camping (found throughout the Forest) to the full hook- up, RV-focused Corinth campground located on Lewis Smith Lake near Double Springs, AL. It was about 40 or 50 yards away. I spoke with a friend who works for the forestry service. You can enjoy hiking, bicycle and horseback riding, and a trail for your All-Terrain Vehicle. Can you hike in Bankhead National Forest? (ANABAS) (2.5L) KFM-2500 : 29.80 cm : 30.40 cm : 41.40 cm : 5.26 kg For several generations, the only black bears that remained in Alabama were around the Mobile River Basin. Harms said there are three known bear populations in the state, areas that are known to have breeding females. Sure, this river may seem calm at first, but once the rapids become wild, you had better hold on. Potentially, these differences in cub survival may be driven by differences in den habitat and structure. Female bears (called sows) are bred by male bears (called boars) between about May and July. Smith Lake Rentals & Sales - BEAR BRANCH ESCAPE - Great location . 33 south 5.3 miles to Pine Torch Church Historic Site and County Rt. Joe has produced a number of humorous short story podcasts, Joe Cuhajs Shorts, that can be heard on his website Joe-Cuhaj.com. Black Warrior Wildlife Management Area is southwest of McDougal Ridge. Deb runs down my wife and acts crazy and treats my wife like a criminal. We rank these restaurants and attractions by balancing reviews from our members with how close they are to this location. The same folks also deny there are black bears, alligators, and ugly yankee . Dens in the northern Alabama population, especially around Little River Canyon, provide structure in the form of rock crevices, tree cavities, or brush piles. There's no denying that Alabama is a nature lover's dream. The first tenth of a mile of the hike is easy enough and allows you to view Mize Mill Falls from the top of a bluff. The 25,002-acre Sipsey Wilderness in the Bankhead National Forest, is the second largest wilderness area east of the Mississippi. However, it's also one of the state's most dangerous. President Woodrow Wilson. There is only the remotest chance that an escaped black panther is on the loose anywhere in the whole Southeast at this moment. on Hwy. Get more stories delivered right to your email. William B. Bankhead National Forest Area 181,230 acres (733.4 km 2 ) Established January 15, 1918 Named for William B. Bankhead Governing body U.S. Forest Service. Hunting in one of the five wildlife management areas in the national forests requires a hunting license, special permit and management area license. Year Round Waterfront Lakehouse - Whitt's End, "Lake Life" Beautiful House On Smith Lake in Double Springs, 4BR, 2BA, Loft Area. All the sites are improved with electricity, water, and picnic tables, and many have full RV hookups. 256 845-9605 36 and 33, take Rt. CAMPGROUND NAME: Brushy Lake VISIT DATE: 04/24/97 UPDATE DATE: 1/27/2017 STATE: Alabama REGION: Southern RANGER DISTRICT: Bankhead NEAREST CITY/TOWN: Wren RESERVATIONS: No DIRECTIONS: In Wren, AL, at the intersection of State Rts. It is named in honor of William B. Bankhead, a longtime U.S. Representative from Alabama.[3]. The forest is headquartered in Montgomery, as are all four of Alabamas National Forests. [2] It is home to Alabama's only National Wild and Scenic River, the Sipsey Fork. Its more than 180,000 acres of protected national forestland encompass a multitude of lakes, streams, and waterfalls, plus excellent hiking, fishing, and paddling opportunities, that beckon adventure-minded visitors from all over. Would it be convenient to tent camp at Bankhead National Forest and rock climb at Yellow Bluff? The forest is headquartered in Montgomery, as are all four of Alabama's National Forests. Two of the three campgrounds, Corinth and Clear Creek, offers camping units with electrical and water hookups. There are 13 miles of trails in the Sipsey Wilderness designated for horses. You can camp primitive anywhere with a permit from the ranger station and there's a $5 primitive campground close to double springs as well (we didn't see it though). There is not an official trail to the falls, but it is an easy enough walk along a path that has been well-worn over the years to view the cascade from a bluff. Braziel Creek Falls is a seasonal waterfall, which means you cant expect to find it if you plan on hiking in the heat of summer. In the fall, bears enter a period called hyperphagia. During hyperphagia, bears can spend up to 20 hours a day feeding in order to prepare for winter hibernation. 92% of travelers recommend this experience. Logging practices of the 19th century had left much of the watersheds of the great waterways in the eastern United States cut-over, resulting in frequent flooding . Alright, lets lace up the old boots and take a hike through the Land of a Thousand Waterfalls. The waterfall is an easy one-mile hike (two-miles total out and back) from the narrow parking area on Winston County Road 2 down a long-forgotten dirt road that eventually turns into a narrow dirt footpath and heads moderately downhill into the gorge to view the falls. One such exception is the Talladega National Forest in Alabama. Bankhead National Forest Carefully pack the singing bowls and meditation mats before heading out to the Brushy Lake Recreation Area in the William Bankhead National Forest in Alabama. Learn more and make your reservations at Recreation.Gov. The William B. Bankhead National Forest is a protected region that's located in the northwestern part of the US state of Alabama. Hikers may also use these trails. Emphasis will be placed on maintaining forest and plant community types not abundant on private lands. Is It Safe To Hike Bankhead National Forest. 6 Fantastic Experiences In Beautiful Dalkey, Ireland, 6 Amazing Things To Do In Beautiful Winter Park, Florida, 8 Beautiful Winter Hikes To Explore In Alabama, 8 Fantastic Spots For Delicious Comfort Food In Alabama, 5 Historic Ghost Towns To Explore In Alabama, 10 Beautiful Dauphin Island Vacation Homes On The Beach, For details on Quillt's privacy and cookie policies, please visit our, 10 Fantastic Outdoor Experiences In Gulf Shores, Best Wildlife To See Along Alabamas Gulf Coast, 8 Stunning Must-See Waterfalls In Tennessee. The beautiful Bankhead National Forest features roughly 150 miles or multi-use trails and plenty of recreational opportunities. This number is based on the percentage of all Tripadvisor reviews for this product that have a bubble rating of 4 or higher. William B. Bankhead National Forest Area 181,230 acres (733.4 km 2 ) Established January 15, 1918 Named for William B. Bankhead Governing body U.S. Forest Service. Is there dispersed camping in Los Padres National Forest? Recently, however, black bears from the north Georgia population have begun naturally recolonizing northern Alabama (Draper et al. Bankhead National Forest, 1942 Scope and Contents From the Collection: This collection consists of approximately 2,500 black-and-white photographs taken by amateur photographer, Leslie Porch Kerlin, in Alabama and the Southeast United States, depicting well-known landmarks and natural settings from the 1920s through the 1960s. It was too tall and long for a yote. The hike is an 11.3-mile out-and-back that winds through impressive boulder-strewn landscapes, past tall and moody green moss-covered bluffs, and culminates with a visit to Bee Branch Falls, a gorgeous 70-foot-tall ribbon plunge. Get William B. Bankhead National Forest vacation rental deals on homes, cabins, beach houses, cottages, villa, condos, hotels and more. Black bears ( Ursus americanus) are historically native throughout the entire state of Alabama (Cowan 1970, Edwards 2002, Scheick and McCown 2014). You can help Wikipedia by expanding it. Beautiful nature, we visited in June 2020, hiked in sipsey river , stayed in Corinth recreation area in yellow hammer loop. Only a short 90-minute drive northwest of Birmingham, Alabama there is an incredible wonderland the Bankhead National Forest. Near the Sipsey River, you can find Mize Mill Falls and Turkeyfoot Falls. . She has never heard of Yellow Bluff. The mother will give birth to cubs in the den in January or February. You can hike to the Kinlock and Payne Creek waterfalls, which are some of the most beautiful falls in the state. Six House and Boat Rentals on Smith Lake, Alabama. True, I don't believe in black panthers (in Alabama), but I didn't say I don't believe in black CATS of a non-housecat variety. William Bankhead National Forest 4.5 53 #1 of 3 things to do in Double Springs National Parks Forests Visit website Call Write a review About This unique ecosystem is perfect for winter hiking. Planning on visiting over Labor Day weekend. Local officials and private landowners work in partnership to provide public access to this area. The oak leaf hydrangeas were at their peak and the weather was great. Sougahoagdee Falls is arguably one of the most beloved waterfalls in the Bankhead and Sipsey Wilderness. If it would be more convenient to meet the group at the trailhead or somewhere along the way, please let us know when signing up and directions will be provided. Intersections between trails are marked with wooden signs showing the names of the trails and directions. If you're a fan of whitewater rafting or kayaking, this is the perfect river for you. These are just some of the thinks I can think off the top of my head, you can tell I like nature. These three campgrounds are open April through October. Always watch your step while hiking the Sipsey Wilderness. Does Bankhead National Forest have cabins? There were picnic areas with grills and concrete tables. Last edited by SpentShaft; 11/27/17 04:07 AM . Privacy Policy. Went to Caney Creek Falls (an easy 1.5 mile hike) and Kinlock Falls (right by windy dirt road) both gorgeous but someone needs to adopt-a-waterfall and clean up Kinlock falls, apparently locals trash it. They are helpful once you do. Mobile,Alabama. The first small drop is what I call the jacuzzi as it goes to my waist and jacuzzi size. After eating Go back up 195 North to find the Y intersection to 257 North to Macedonia. Home Travel Is It Safe To Hike Bankhead National Forest. Anecdotal evidence suggests that cubs in the Mobile River Basin population are not surviving, which means they are not being recruited into the population, and the population isnt growing (Draper et al. It was approx 20 feet from my car. 05-Aug-11. I called the Ranger Station but no answer. Most of it is found in the western United States. Before heading out on your own to explore, visit the non-profit Sipsey Wilderness Hiking Clubs website for detailed trail information including maps, directions to trailheads, detailed trail descriptions, and additional safety tips. This is near where Hwy. This is where you will need to kick off your boots, roll up your pants legs, and get your feet wet as you ford the sandy bottom creek to pick up the trail again on the other side, a wonderful respite in the heat of summer. In addition to cub survival, one of the research goals is to look at how and where the current populations could expand. I also find it interesting that Harmes said the following: "Whenever he started to take another step I kicked at him and he got my leg." I used to live 2 hours west from bankhead, I'm out in Colorado now and sure there's mountains and beautiful acenery abound.. The hike itself takes about 2.5 hours. Park admission may be paid at the store if the park gate is closed. It went through my coveralls." Once a female has been bred, she goes through a process called delayed implantation, in which the fertilized embryo stops developing (Rogers 1976). This is one hike where you should bring your GPS but also have some knowledge of orienteering (using a map and compass) and bring the basics with you. It is named in honor of William B. Bankhead, a longtime U.S. Representative from Alabama. By rejecting non-essential cookies, Reddit may still use certain cookies to ensure the proper functionality of our platform. As a matter of fact, a record-breaking alligator was pulled from Lake Eufaula in August 2015 that weighed in at 920 pounds. Gold is found in lode form and most is recovered by the cyanide heap leaching. There have been two reports of a Cougar (Puma concolor) I know of here in Franklin county, AL. All homes new in 2014, they are fully furnished and equipped allowing your holiday on the water to be one of wet memories and contented sighs. Canyon camping in Bankhead National Forest, Alabama. There are 13.3 miles of trails in the wilderness that offer riders solitude and isolation as part of the wilderness experience. When we rounded a curve, the, I call it a panther, was in the road.It was jet black and very large. Re: Bankhead National Forest [ Re: beeline08 ] #2307900. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews. It stepped onto the trail about 80 to 100yds away, stopped, saw me and took off. I won't go in the woods without the dogs and a sidearm now. , A must-see when visiting the Bankhead National Forest is the spectacular Kinlock Falls, a sparkling 25-foot-wide, 15-foot-tall cascade that is only a short quarter-mile walk from the shoulder parking area on Kinlock Road in Winston County. Hibernation is when bears spend winter months in a state of dormancy, usually inside of a den such as a rock crevice, tree cavity, brush pile, or rootball from a blowdown. Yellowhammer has boat ramp and a lookout to a lake view. Question: Where To Hike In The Deschutes National Forest, Question: Where Is Redwood National Forest Located, Question: Can You Hike With Dog In Boone National Forest, Quick Answer: Where To Stay Petrified Forest National Park, Where Is The Petrified Forest National Park, Question: Is September A Good Time To Hike Allegheny National Forest, Quick Answer: Where Can I Hike To Water At Tonto National Forest, What Is The Difference Between A National Park And A National Forest, Quick Answer: When Was The Petrified Forest National Park Established, Is It Safe To Hike In Glacier National Park, Is It Safe To Hike Alone In Glacier National Park. Kinlock Falls is a favorite among the locals. 49. So beautiful everywhere and we didn't run into one other person anywhere outside of town or our campground--no crowding here! I was in Bankhead over the weekend and saw a very large dog in the Sipsey Area, 2 or 3 miles from the nearest road. There is quite a bit of paddling along Borden Creek, but nothing overly complicated. Moreover, its among the 100 longest caves in the U.S. Cheaha, located near Delta, Alabama, has an elevation of 2,411 feet, making it Alabama's highest natural point. The falls are flat at top. Further southwest on Cranal Road, you can head north of the road down Eagle Creek to see Eagle Creek Falls. It's about 45 min from the ranger station in Double Springs which is a MUST for figuring out where you're headed--don't try to figure it out through the Internet alone, we tried and failed and should have just made time to go there sooner instead of wasting time. The following spring, the mother will encourage the cubs to disperse so that she can come into estrous and be bred again. On our backpacking trip we saw a copperhead, a water moccasin, and a CORAL SNAKE! What do I need to hunt Talladega National Forest? As you hike one of the 90 miles of recreational trails past tall moss-covered bluffs, beneath deep rock shelters, and alongside the many rivers and streams that vein through the land carving out an incredible canyon, it literally looks like there is a cascade tumbling down the sandstone walls around every bend. Be sure to share your thoughts with us in the comments below wed love to hear from you! Hiking Named for its namesake creek, Feather Hawk is a stunning 70-foot waterfall that plunges down a towering sandstone channel, crashing to a halt on its boulder-strewn base. I have visited this waterfall many times in the last 20 years. I suggest that you start with the southern official "Sipsey Trail Head" and head north on the 202 and river cross (ankle deep usually) at the 209. He became one of those Yankees who fell in love with the Southern states rich biodiversity and landscapes and never went home. This number is based on the percentage of all Tripadvisor reviews for this product that have a bubble rating of 4 or higher. Love Alabama? 70 signs. With that in mind, you should still carry a GPS with you and have a little knowledge of how to use a map and compass (and bring them with you) as a backup. This 4.6-mile out-and-back hike begins at the Borden Creek Trailhead on and uses a short quarter-mile section of Trail 203 (the Lookout Trail), where its time to get your feet wet again and cross Borden Creek so you can pick Trail 207 (the Braziel Creek Trail) up on the other side. To fully experience the wonders of the forest, you should plan on making a full day of it, but remember, you will be far removed from the nearest town. My husband and I took our two dogs and hiked across a bridge and along a river. The hike with time to linger in the spray of the falls takes about three hours for the average hiker. Pursuant to 16 USC 551 and 36 CFR 261.50(b), and to provide for public safety, the following act is prohibited within the Los Padres National Forest, Santa Lucia Ranger District. I have been looking at my maps recently looking for places to explore outside of the normally used areas in Sipsey Wilderness/Bankhead Forest. Generally considered an easy route, it takes an average of 13 min to complete. The oldest and most established is in the upper part of the Mobile Tensaw Delta,. Can you swim at Bankhead National Forest? This waterfall-fed pool is one of Alabama's most beautiful swimming holes. Geography Geology Ecology It is located in northwestern Alabama, around the town of Double Springs. Due to numerous sandstone cliffs, this area can become very dangerous--especially when these cliffs become slippery. Known as the Land of 1,000 Waterfalls, the Sipsey Wilderness is loaded with falling water features ranging from 20-100 feet high. One of the research goals is to investigate differences in cub survival between the two populations- the Mobile River Basin population and the northern Alabama population. Learn more about, The Coosa River is, without a doubt, one of Alabama's most beautiful rivers. The rock ledge is deep and tall enough for you to walk behind the curtain of water. A Brief History of the William B. Bankhead National Forest. Within the forest lies the Sipsey Wilderness, with a host of wildlife and an abundance of swift streams, limestone bluffs, and waterfalls. The Sipsey Wilderness area is our favorite with its many waterfalls, Borden Creek perfect for wading, and even old growth forests. Four recreation areas are located throughout the forest offering endless opportunities of outdoor recreation. I was driving through Cornith Campground in Bankhead National Forest ,Alabama, and I was lucky enough to catch this beautiful creature, who appeared to be ou. Learn more about planning a kayaking trip on the, Lake Eufaula may be known as the "Bass Fishing Capital of the World," but there's another type of wildlife that's been discovered in and around the lake in recent years. . The Tongass National Forest (/ t s /) in Southeast Alaska is the largest U.S. National Forest at 16.7 million acres (26,100 sq mi; 6,800,000 ha; 68,000 km 2).Most of its area is temperate rain forest and is remote enough to be home to many species of endangered and rare flora and fauna. The forest encompasses 180,000-acres of mixed woodlands, 25,000 of which have been set aside as a true wilderness area called the Sipsey Wilderness. Upon entering Alabama's Turkey Creek Nature Preserve, the first area you'll come across is The Blue Hole. Theres more! This number is based on the percentage of all Tripadvisor reviews for this product that have a bubble rating of 4 or higher. All deer hunting is closed on Bankhead and Talladega (Talladega Division) National Forests on Tuesdays and Wednesdays of each week during the season, except deer hunting shall be allowed on Tuesday, November 20, Wednesday, November 21, Tuesday, December 25 and Wednesday, December 26. OnlyInYourState may earn compensation through affiliate links in this article. Unless the rules have changed there is no wilderness camping allowed in the forest. Table 6 - NFS Acreage by State, Congressional District and County, Map Highlighting the National Forest's Boundaries, Selma to Montgomery National Historic Trail, Alabama Department of Conservation and Natural Resources, https://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=William_B._Bankhead_National_Forest&oldid=1133663910, Protected areas of Franklin County, Alabama, Protected areas of Lawrence County, Alabama, Protected areas of Winston County, Alabama, Southern United States protected area stubs, Creative Commons Attribution-ShareAlike License 3.0, This page was last edited on 14 January 2023, at 23:08. The Bankheadwhich includes the Sipsey Wilderness is Janice Barrett's backyard. and our Bankhead National Forest and the Sipsey Wilderness are full of opportunities for hikes and waterfall viewing. The Bankhead National Forest is home to the scenic Sipsey Wilderness. While the trail uses three popular and well-worn trails Trail 202, Trail 209, and Trail 204A there are many game and social trails that branch off and could get you off track. Other natural wonders worth checking out include DeSoto Falls, Cathedral Caverns, Moundville Archaeological Park, Stephens Gap, Bon Secour National Wildlife Refuge, Rickwood Caverns, Dismals Canyon, William B. Bankhead National Forest, and Noccalulua Falls. He has also authored a guide to camping in the state Best Tent Camping Alabama. The challenge comes after that when you must clamber down a steep 50-foot rock wall to reach Turkey Creek. We want to inspire you to explore new destinations, discover new experiences and savor the journey. Sipsey is home to scenic creeks, waterfalls, and canyons. . Very scenic drive and all it cost was gas and lunch. There are three wilderness areas within the National Forests in Alabama that encompass more than 41,000 acres. John:Thanks for an interesting comment. Can you pan for gold in the Talladega National Forest? Next up on the list would be Russell Cave National Monument. If youd like to make it a longer stay, consider bringing the RV or tent and pitch camp at the beautiful Corinth Recreation Area on the south side of the forest. Hotels near William Bankhead National Forest: Restaurants near William Bankhead National Forest: Attractions near William Bankhead National Forest: William Bankhead National Forest, Double Springs: Address, Phone Number, William Bankhead National Forest Reviews: 4.5/5. Fishing in the Sipsey Learn more about planning your trip to the iconic, Cathedral Caverns Highway, Cathedral Caverns Hwy, Grant, AL, USA, Alabama's Gulf Coast is the state's top vacation destination. There are 13.3 miles of trails in the wilderness that offer riders solitude and isolation as part of the wilderness experience. The Bankhead is managed for multiple uses, including recreation, timber, wildlife and fish, water and soil, wilderness and range. Native American relics abound in Bankhead, one of the Southern United States's premier sites for petroglyphs, prehistoric drawings, and rock carvings, at sites such as the Kinlock Shelter. Located atop Lookout Mountain near Fort Payne, this 14,000-acre preserve is positively brimming with natural beauty. While on the beach, always keep a close eye on the water. I later told my dad on our way to work and he told me he's seen the same thing. Don't mind following the rules but everyone should have to. From there, continue up the creek and pay a visit to the twin cascades of Deer Skull Falls. One more black cat was seen by a man 2.4 miles NW of me probably like 7 years ago or so, it was clawing a tree behind his house. If youre someone whos fascinated by caves, this landmark wont disappoint. What days can you hunt Talladega National Forest? Head much larger than a puma. Instead he indicates.."I kicked at him and he got my leg. The Division of Wildlife and Freshwater Fisheries, Wildlife Section operates and maintains 35 Wildlife Management Areas (WMAs) across Alabama comprising 721,000 acres. Today, black bears can be found throughout Little River Canyon National Preserve. This article related to a protected area in Alabama is a stub. Easy 4.7 (95) William B Bankhead National Forest. Is cheaha open? The Pulpit Rock Trail, one of Mt. We visited specifically to see Kinlock Falls. Drive about one mile and look for the creek in the ravine on your right and trails leading down to the water. The Tongass, which is managed by the United States Forest Service, encompasses islands of the . Download the Motorcycle TraIl Brochure Bankhead National Forest and Sipsey Wilderness Both grizzly bears and black bears can be found in most of the Panhandle and people are encouraged to be aware and take appropriate precautions when recreating in bear country. The forest is headquartered in Montgomery, as are all four of Alabama's National Forests. Now, you can enjoy hiking, bicycle and horseback riding, and a trail for your all-terrain vehicle. 243 and Co. Rd. There are 28 named mountains in the forest with the tallest and most prominent being Eckerberger Mountain. For the more adventurous, a careful pick-your-own-way down to the base of the falls is rewarded with glorious swimming in the falls deep, cold pool, which has been a favorite with locals for as long as anyone can remember. This 2 hour window allows our staff adequate time to clean and maintain each site. Can you camp anywhere in Bankhead National Forest? Located in Bankhead National Forest, this particular region of Lewis Smith Lake can be accessed from the beautiful Corinth Recreation Area boat ramp (use fee required). The Bankhead National Forest features several scenic campgrounds such as, Houston and the newly renovated Corinth and Clear Creek Campgrounds. Their lines are accurate to the tree in most cases. You'll receive your first newsletter soon! You will love it here! Exploring Bankhead National Forest: The Land Of 1,000 Waterfalls. We have not seen a rattlesnake, but I believe they are there as well. The area was proclaimed the Alabama National Forest by President Woodrow Wilson on January 15, 1918.