Eye of the Needle and Ship Rock: Natural Wonders of Bankhead National Forest
Discover the majestic Eye of the Needle and Ship Rock in Alabama's Bankhead National Forest for hiking, camping, and stunning natural beauty.
Eye of the Needle and Ship Rock are iconic natural landmarks in Alabama's Bankhead National Forest, offering scenic beauty and hiking adventures. Ship Rock, resembling a ship's bow, and Eye of the Needle, a natural archway, attract hikers and nature enthusiasts to the Sipsey Wilderness near Mt. Hope, Alabama.
A brief summary to Eye of the Needle / Ship Rock
- Mt Hope, Alabama, 35651, US
Local tips
- Wear sturdy hiking boots, as the trails can be rocky and uneven.
- Bring plenty of water and snacks, as there are no facilities within the Sipsey Wilderness.
- Practice Leave No Trace principles by packing out all trash and minimizing your impact on the environment.
- Be prepared for creek crossings, especially during the rainy season.
Getting There
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Driving
From Mt. Hope, Alabama, navigate towards the Sipsey Wilderness Area. Look for signs directing you to the Thompson Creek Trailhead, the primary access point for Eye of the Needle and Ship Rock. Be aware that Northwest Road leading to the trailhead is a forest service road and can be rough in sections. Parking is available at the trailhead. There are no fees for parking.
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Hiking
From the Thompson Creek Trailhead, follow Trail 206 for approximately 2.6 miles to Eye of the Needle and Ship Rock. The trail is well-marked but can be rocky in places. Follow the signs towards Ship Rock and the Eye of the Needle. There are several stream crossings along the way. After crossing the bridge at the trailhead, veer to the right twice, once at a creek crossing and once at the only other fork on the trail. Both are usually marked, though the signs are not EXACTLY at the trail junctions.
Discover more about Eye of the Needle / Ship Rock
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