Hammocks

Hammocks

Hammocks have to be the most comfortable thing I’ve added to my camping gear. They are a fantastic summertime option when it is hot outside. Hammocks are comfortable, can be put up anywhere you have 2 sturdy trees, and most importantly, incredibly light. I prefer hammock camping to tent camping every time as long as the weather cooperates.

Hammocks are great when it’s warm and sunny. There are plenty of people who say they can work in winter, but I am not one of them. I don’t typically camp in a hammock if the low is below 60. Rain can also be a damper on camping in a hammock. Rain flies do work, but when you mix rain with the wind sometimes it will find its way under the rain fly regardless. I typically camp in a tent when rain is in the forecast. It’s worth noting if you’re hiking during the warm season, bring a bug net!

The best part? Over summer, I’ll pack a hammock and a light sheet. No sleeping bag!

Times to camp in a hammock:
Warm weather (70F+) with no rain
Heavily wooded woods

Times it is OK to camp in a hammock:
Cooler weather (50F+ but Bring a great sleeping bag)
Light rain (bring a rain fly)

Never camp in a hammock:
Cold nights (below 40F)
Bad weather or heavy rain
Areas that aren’t wooded (If you’re taking a trip out west to the plains or the dessert)

We suggest the Eno:
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Absolutely the hammock of choice. Enos are lightweight, comfortable, and decently priced.
Pros: These are easy to find and have been tested by users around the world. They are very light and can easily be put up anywhere.
Cons: They are not super durable. These will wear out after a few years (depending on how often you use it) and you’ll have to just replace it.
We suggest getting the extended straps for those hard-to-reach trees, bug net, and rain fly with your hammock!

Make sure you get the right hammock for you. If you are smaller (maybe under 175lbs) you can get away with the single nest. If you’re larger like me, you should grab a double nest.

You will need a hammock and straps. I also suggest grabbing a rain fly and bug net! (I have it all and it works incredibly well together!)

Natural Bridge

Natural Bridge

Difficulty: Easy
Distance: 0.25 mile
Cost: $3.50 for adults, $2.50 for children

Natural Bridge is a beautiful large natural bridge located in Natural Bridge, AL. It is a short easy hike and despite not being located in Bankhead National Forest, it will give you a taste of the forest.

You can likely get to the natural bridge with a cane or walker.

Your underwear is keeping you hot. Find a better pair.

Natural Bridge is located 1.75 hrs southwest of Huntsville (West of Bankhead National Forest). 

Google Maps Natural Bridge Park or click on our map above!

Parking

There is plenty of parking spot available (I didn’t get a picture but click the picture and it will take you to the google photosphere). Proceed to the shop to pay for your visit. The entrance is on the other side of the shop.

Natural Bridge

There honestly isn’t a ton to this park, but the main attraction (the natural bridge) is a wonder itself. There are some interesting rock formations and a long trail included, so back your bags and explore!

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Fall Creek Falls

Fall Creek Falls

Difficulty: Moderate
Distance: 1-mile round trip
Entry Cost: Free

Fall Creek Falls is a beautiful waterfall in Tennessee. Fall Creek Falls is the tallest free-falling waterfall east of the Mississippi.

Most comfortable camping gear I have added to my pack.

Fall Creek Falls is located a little over 2 hours Northeast of Huntsville.

Google Fall Creek Falls or click the map above!

Parking Lot / Trailhead / Pavilion

There are plenty of parking spots. The parking lot itself holds a few dozen cars. There is a pavilion available as well as picnic tables and a bathroom.

Overview/Handicap Accessible

The overview is arguably the best view available. It is accessible by wheelchair and is a short walk from the parking lot.

Trail down to the Bottom

The trail down to the bottom is moderate. It is slick in some spots and steep in others. The trail is well maintained, but you will be walking down less than ideal slopes and will need to be careful with your footing. The hike back up is technically easier, but more difficult cardiovascularly!

Bottom of the Falls

The waterfall is over 200′ drop and is absolutely beautiful. There is plenty to see at the bottom. When you are done, hike back up the way you came down.

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Blevin’s Gap

Blevin’s Gap

Difficulty: Moderate
Distance: 3 miles total
Entry Fee: Free (Donation Box Available)

Blevins Gap is the saddle between Huntsville Mountain (The Ledges) and Green Mountain. The land is owned by the Land Trust of North Alabama. The main trailhead parking lot is located on Cecil Ashburn where the highway is passing over the mountain.

Hammocks – when should you use them?

Alum Hollow Trail is a 1.5 mile each way (3 miles return) hike to an eastward and westward scenic view. This trail is well marked. Follow the signs that read “Bill & Marion Certain Trail” or “Certain Trail”. 

Google Map Blevin’s Gap or look at our map above!

Bill & Marion Certain Trail

This is a moderate hike to the view. It varies between flat and hilly. The trail is well marked except for after making it almost to the top of the hill before it becomes flat again. There is an unmarked fork in the trail that leads to nowhere that veers off to the left. It will feel like you are going in the opposite direction of your end destination (for those of you directionally inclined). You should follow the trail to the right uphill. In the winter, you have a beautiful view of the surrounding mountains.

West Loop Trial/Certain Trail

There is a split in Certain Trail and West Rim Trail. This is a loop. I suggest taking 1 trail there and the other trail back!

Power Line Trail

The Power line trail connects Certain Trail and West Rim Trail and the views on the west side of the mountain and the east side of the mountain. Both are spectacular! When you are done, finish the loop and follow Certain Trail back to the parking lot.

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