Bankhead National Forest

The Bankhead National Forest, which spans more than 181,000 acres in northwest Alabama, contains six recreation zones, each of which offers a distinct experience and a variety of activities.

The forest includes the Sipsey Wilderness, the state's biggest wilderness area, and one of Alabama's top attractions for visitors looking to get away from city life.

The Sipsey Fork of the Black Warrior River flows through the wilderness; the Sipsey Fork is Alabama's sole designated National Wild and Scenic River.

A plethora of hiking, bicycling, and horseback-riding routes run past waterfalls, gorges, sandstone cliffs, and wildflowers. With so many different settings to explore, it's no surprise that many visitors opt to camp overnight.