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Walls of Jericho: A Natural Amphitheater

Hike into a natural wonder: Explore towering limestone walls, cascading waterfalls, and rich biodiversity at Alabama's Walls of Jericho.

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The Walls of Jericho Trailhead in Estillfork, Alabama, provides access to a stunning 6-mile roundtrip hike into a box canyon showcasing the diverse landscapes of the Cumberland Plateau [4, 12]. Descend over 1,000 feet into a natural amphitheater carved by Turkey Creek, surrounded by towering limestone walls, caves, and cascading waterfalls [6, 12].

A brief summary to Walls of Jericho Alabama Trailhead

Local tips

  • Wear sturdy hiking boots, as the trail is steep and rocky in sections [10].
  • Bring plenty of water and snacks, especially for the uphill return [9].
  • Be aware of your surroundings and watch out for snakes and poison ivy [4, 12].
  • Visit during the cooler months or spring for the best waterfall flow and comfortable hiking temperatures [6, 8].
  • There is no cell phone reception on the trail, so plan accordingly and inform someone of your hiking plans [9].
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Getting There

  • Driving

    The Walls of Jericho Trailhead is located off Highway 79, approximately 25 miles north of Scottsboro, Alabama [4, 5, 9]. From Scottsboro, take US 72 West for about 4.8 miles to AL-79. Turn right onto AL-79 and travel north for approximately 26 miles to the hiking trail parking lot [4]. The parking lot is on the left [5]. Parking is free [8]. Be sure to park in the hiker's parking lot, as there is a separate lot for horse trailers [10, 12]. Limited parking is available, especially on weekends [13]. No mandatory access fees are required.

  • Walking

    From the parking lot, the trailhead is clearly marked in the back left corner [10]. Follow the red blazes to stay on the Walls of Jericho Trail [12]. The trail descends steadily, with switchbacks, for approximately 3 miles to Hurricane Creek [10, 17]. After crossing the creek, continue straight, following the trail to Turkey Creek and the Walls of Jericho [7, 10]. The hike to the Walls is strenuous due to the elevation change [12]. Allow approximately 6 hours for the round trip [9, 12].

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Discover more about Walls of Jericho Alabama Trailhead

The Walls of Jericho Trailhead welcomes adventurers to a unique geological formation straddling the Alabama/Tennessee border [7]. This natural area, managed by Alabama's Forever Wild program, offers a moderately difficult 6-mile roundtrip hike that descends into a captivating canyon [4, 7, 12]. The trail begins atop the Cumberland Plateau, winding down switchbacks through a diverse forest [7, 12]. As you descend, keep an eye out for local wildlife, including various bird species and signs of deer [4, 6]. The trail crosses Hurricane Creek and Turkey Creek, with the final stretch leading into the heart of the "Walls" [6, 7]. The main attraction is a large, bowl-shaped amphitheater enclosed by 200-foot-tall limestone walls [16]. Waterfalls cascade over the rocks, and small caves dot the landscape [6, 7]. The area is known for its rich biodiversity, including unique mussel and fish species in the Paint Rock River watershed [4, 15]. The Walls of Jericho area was once hunted by Davy Crockett and was later acquired by the Nature Conservancy and the Forever Wild Land Trust to ensure public access and conservation [9, 12]. Be prepared for a strenuous climb on the return trip, as the trail ascends over 1,000 feet back to the trailhead [7, 12].

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