ROle of the USDA Forest service National forests are America's great outdoors. The job of EN)O""< Forest Service managers is to help people share and enjoy the forest, while conserving the resources for generations to come. Each forest has a land management plan depicting the multiple uses of the forest and planned sustainability for resources like water, , plants, wildlife, wood and in recreation. Wilderness areas are highly protected for their wilderness natural state with reduced human influence. 's wilderness areas are located on the Bankhead, Alabama's National Forests Talladega and Shoal Creek Districts. Contact a Forest Service Nestled within a national forest, wilderness areas are district office or visit the website at www.fs.usda.gov/alabama some of the most natural and undisturbed places in for additional information. Visitors can also enjoy developed Ecological Treasures America. Your journey into the wilderness is an campgrounds, swimming areas, and recreational opportunities at Your Fingertips escape like none other. You won't see motorized throughout Alabama's four national forests- Bankhead, Conecuh,Talladega and Tuskegee. Maps can be purchased vehicles or modern campsites. Wilderness online or at a district office. is a serene place where visitors go to see and experience the quiet solitude of nature. Bankhead Rancer District Office• I070 Highway 33 I Double Springs,AL 35553 I (205) 489-5111 You will be in a remote location where the land is Shoal Creek Raneer District Office• untouched by human activity. Congress has 45 Highway 281 I Heflln,AL 36264 I (256) 463-2272 Talladeea Ranter District Office• permanently protected these wilderness areas in I 00 I North Street (Hwy 21 North) I Talladega.AL 35160 I (256) 362-2909 an enduring and uniquely American way- by Conecuh Rancer District Office creating a National Wilderness Preservation System 2+481 Alabama Hwy 55 1 Andalusia.AL 36420 334-222-2555 that includes some I 07 million untouched areas. Oakmulcee Raneer District Office By entering a wilderness in Alabama, you agree to 990 I Hi&flway 5 1 Brent.AL 35034 I 205-926-9765 help preserve a wild place that is uniquely American Tuskecee Ranpr District Office 125 National Forest Road 949 I Tuskegee,Al36083 and integral to the heritage of our nation. 334-727-2652

USDA IS an equal opportunity prov1dcr and employer. ~ctivities PERMITTED

• Be aware that a wilderness area is remote. • Hunting, fishing and trapping in accordance with • Select sturdy surfaces (existing trails and campsites) state regulations and camp dispersedly to prevent the creation of • Hiking, backpacking, horse riding on designated trails (camping with stock animals not allowed), use of Hiking in a wilderness takes you into a unique and new campsites and trails. Dispersed camping is a anywhere in the national wheelchairs (including electric), use of small primitive environment. Each wilderness is filled term used when camping forest outside of designated campgrounds. Contact electronic equipment can with ecological treasures that only nature a district office for dispersed camping rules. • Special uses, if they are determined to be consistent provide. To enjoy your experience, you should • Minimize campfire impacts by using a lightweight and compatible with the goals and objectives of each plan carefully, carry proper gear and know stove when possible. Build a fire ring with rocks, Wilderness area (such as outfitter/guides, and the rules and regulations. ensuring when you leave, the fire is completely out scientific research) and scatter the rocks. Restore the area to a natural • Overnight camping with permit required during • Dugger Mountain is 9,200 acres in the Talladega National state. hunting season Forest - Shoal Creek District. It became the Forest • Concentrate on having as little impact as possible • Pets that are restrained or on a leash Service's third wilderness area that was designated in on the wilderness resources. Take only pictures and • Visitors can expect to see Forest Service managers December 1999. Known for its picturesque views, Dugger leave only footprints. Make sure you restore the controlling non-native invasive species, such as Mountain has an elevation of 2,140 feet, which makes it the area to Its natural state and pack out everything cogongrass, to prevent invasive plants from second highest peak in the Talladega National Forest. Hikers in. threatening other species. terrain and enjoy you pack can experience rugged and mountainous • To protect the area from wildfires, Forest Service the Pinhoti Trail System. • Dispose of waste properly. If camping In upland forests, dispose of solid waste by digging a cat hole managers will use wildfire suppression methods like • is 25,002 acres located in the 6 to 8 inches deep located at least 200 feet from hand tools. Use of chainsaws and other motorized Bankhead National Forest. It is the second largest water or campsite. or mechanized equipment may be approved. designated wilderness east of the . The • Listen for weather forecasts and be prepared. by natural events. area is remote and the forest is shaped • Wear an orange vest or hat during the hunting The wilderness is home to dozens of beautiful waterfalls. Activities PROHIBITED season for safety purposes. A 55-mile trail system provides the only access into the heart of this primitive area. • For more tips on how you can ~r. • Use of motorized and mechanized equipment, including help protect our wilderness, ~ bicycles, except as authorized for the emergency • visit the "Leave No Trace" site protection of life or property outside Wilderness is 7,245 acres in the at http://lnt.org. leave no trace· Talladega National • Illegal drugs or alcohol Forest - Talladega • All commercial activities District. The area • Mineral leasing or mining, offers high elevations If you Become Lost except for valid claims prior with numerous to Wilderness designation. overlooks for • Use of fireworks and other • Pay close attention to your surroundings and panoramic views of explosives east-central Alabama. landmarks, and relate this to your location on a map. • Unique restrictions in the North of Cheaha • Stay calm if you get lost. Panic is your greatest Sipsey Wilderness: Wilderness is enemy. Try to remember how you got to your camping longer than 7 days Cheaha Mountain - present location. • No • No groups larger than I 0 people the highest point • Trust your map and compass, and do not walk a prominent • No possession of fireworks and aimlessly. If you are on a trail, don't leave it. landmark in Alabama off-trail use of stock animals injured or if you • No that rises to a • Stay put if it is nightfall, if you are height of 2,407 feet. are near exhaustion. Hikers can enjoy • As a last resort, follow a drainage or stream the Pmhot1 Tra11 - downhill. This can be hard going. but will often lead Alabama's largest to a trail or road. trail system that passes through Cheaha Wilderness.