The Forever Wild Walls of Jericho Trail System

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Headwaters of the Paint Rock River (Turkey Creek). Photo by State Lands Employee

Lower Turkey Creek

Footbridge over Hurricane Creek

Walls of Jericho Amphitheater

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The Walls of Jericho Trail System is located within the Forever Wild Walls of Jericho Tract in Jackson County, AL which consists of 12,510 acres bordering Tennessee, which were purchased in partnership with The Alabama Chapter of The Nature Conservancy. The tract is comprised of mountainous and wooded terrain, hosting caves, springs, rocky bluffs, steep canyon walls, and portions of the headwaters of the Paint Rock River. The tract is part of the J.D Martin Skyline Wildlife Management Area and is adjacent to the Post-Oak Flat Tract and the Henshaw-Cove Tract.

As with all Forever Wild Acquisitions, the land protected serves as a base for traditional forms of conservation-related recreation, following the principles of multiple-use. Bird watching, backpacking, hiking, horseback riding, hunting, stream fishing, and wildflower viewing are all accommodated on Alabama's Walls of Jericho Tract. All of these activities are best assessed by improved public access parking areas along Hwy 79. There are separate parking areas for horseback riding access and hiking access.

There are currently 3 hiking trails available. Both the Walls of Jericho Trail (6 miles round-trip) and the Bear Den Point Loop (4.7 miles round-trip) leave from the hiking trail parking lot. The South Rim Trail (1-mile round-trip) leaves from the Clark Cemetery Campsite located along the Walls of Jericho Trail. The Walls of Jericho Trail leads down through the box canyon known as the Walls of Jericho into the breathtaking Limestone Cathedral.

A horseback riding trail (8.3 miles one-way) leads down to the Clark Cemetery Campsite. No horses are allowed beyond the Clark Cemetery Campsite, foot traffic only. Horse riders can tie up their horses at the campsite and hike the remaining 1/2 mile into the Walls of Jericho Canyon.

There are three primitive campsites available. One is located near the hiking trailhead parking lot and the second is located at Clark Cemetery in the valley. The third campsite is located at the horseback riding trailhead. Posted signs will direct you to the campsites.

The Alabama Department of Conservation and Natural Resources promotes wise stewardship, management, and enjoyment of Alabama's natural resources through five divisions: Marine Police, Marine Resources, State Lands, State Parks, and Wildlife and Freshwater Fisheries. To learn more about ADCNR, visit www.outdooralabama.com.

Allowed Uses:

Other Activities

• Camping
• Fishing
• Hunting
• Wildlife viewing / observation

• Certified as an NRT
  May 29, 2012