Bankhead National Forest, AL

Our nearest National Forest! It's a great place to spend all day driving around in (Read as: yours truly got lost in it last time!) Yes, do be sure to read your topo maps properly. You did remember to bring your topos, didn't you? In that case, You'll want to keep them handy.

The northern part Bankhead NF lies just south of Wren, Alabama, being bisected by Highway 33. You'll know you've arrived as you climb up the side of Penitentiary Mountain, with Cheatham Knob off to the right. You'll find no dramatic overlooks along the roadside however, as it is all tree-lined and undeveloped; as a national forest should be. With those auspicious names behind you, it's a very gradual decline in elevation as you proceed towards the small town of Double Springs in the southern part of the forest. At Double Springs, you'll also find the East-to-West-running Highway 278.

Directions:

From Huntsville and Decatur:

Take Hwy 24 west from Decatur till you get to Hwy 33 in Moulton. Turn left onto Hwy 33 and go straight through Wren. Continue on down Hwy 33 to get to Bankhead National Forest. Alternatively, you can get to the southern part quicker by heading south on I-65 and turning right (west) on Hwy 278 towards Double Springs.

I'll finish up the map here soon...