The hike in is not difficult. You do have to cross a stream, which was not as difficult for my 6’2 husband as it was for me at 5’2. The water was clear. The waterfall was beautiful and we found a quiet spot up the creek to camp.
Campground Review:
Sipsey is one of the real jewels of Alabama for backpacking and you really feel like you are in another world while wandering though these woods. There are so many different trail loops and through each you can see lots of different streams and waterfalls. The major advantage to backpacking in Sipsey is that there are tons and tons of campgrounds. You hike along the river and almost every quarter mile you come across a set up campground and each is more beautiful than the last. We did a backpacking trip with friends here in the middle of the summer and it sure was hot. Luckily though the rivers made for a great way to cool off. Just make sure to check the weather in advance cause the rivers can be dried up the wrong time of year or you can get heavy rain. The weather in Alabama can change at any moment.
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Product Review:
As a Ranger for The Dyrt, I get to test products. At this campground, I tested the Tentsile Connect Tree Tent. I got it as a graduation gift and it is one of the coolest tents I have ever used.
After using it both car camping and backpacking my favorite things about the tent are:
- Coolness factor: I mean who can say they never dreamed of living in a tree house! This is definitely the adult version of that dream. Every time I set up the tent I get tons of questions from people who are interested. It is such a cool experience to sleep off the ground while not being cramped up in a traditional hammock.
- Location flexibility: Because the tent can be setup anywhere you find 3 trees that are spaced far enough apart you don't have to worry about the ground not being flat. This is also useful if rain is in the forecast because we had no issues with ground water. Although it can be a challenge at first to learn the setup process after a few years with the tent it gets much easier. The key is just getting everything level and balanced.
- Comfort: When you get the tent set up right it is one of the most comfortable ways to camp. My wife and I each have our side of the tent and you don't have to worry about rocky ground.
In the Sipsey wilderness, specifically on Thompson’s Creek Trail 206, there are several absolutely gorgeous campsites. As the trail follows Thompson’s Creek, it is next to all of the campsites. Water levels tend to be higher during the winter. The water is a beautiful turquoise. Most of the campsites have giant moss covered boulders all around, and cliffs in the background opposite the river. Most of the campsites have fire pits, and a few have some hand-made benches, usually from woven branches. So much to see.
About 3 miles from Thompson Trailhead is the exquisite campground number 4. This campground has about enough space for 2-3 tents or hammocks. Theres a beautiful large boulder rock that overlooks Thompson Creek you can relax on or have meals on. Easy access to the river for clean drinking water and so quiet! Not to mention you can see some beautiful stars from the large rock right next to the campground!
This is a huge campground. Right across the river about 3/4 mile from the trailhead. Easily accessible to fresh water. Has nice logs around a campfire pit if you plan on having a nice campfire. Plenty of space to set up a tent, or a hammock. Very quiet, you will not hear any neighboring campers.
