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
Iconic landmarks you can’t miss
Warrior Mountain Historic Marker
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William B. Bankhead National Forest
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Historic Freeman House
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Crooked Creek Civil War Museum
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Chuck E. Cheese
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Matt Sandlin Mountain
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Tuscumbia Historic District
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Fame Recording Studios
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Helen Keller Birthplace
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Wilson Morgan Park
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Muscle Shoals National Heritage Area
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The Moody Crab
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Unmissable attractions to see
Thompson Trailhead
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Bee Branch Scenic Area
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Sipsey Wilderness
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Trailhead for Parker Falls
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Randolph Trail Head Parking, Bankhead National Forest
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KinlockShelter
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Eagle Creek Falls
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Wolfpen Hunt Camp
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Fall Creek Falls
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Braziel Trailhead
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Black Warrior Wildlife Management Area
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Gum Pond Trailhead
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Mize Mill Falls
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Borden Trailhead
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Essential places to dine
Jack's
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Lakeshore Inn Restaurant
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The Grille at Trident Marina
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Chili's Grill & Bar
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Logan's Roadhouse
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Applebee's Grill + Bar
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L Patron Mexican Grill and Cantina
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Chow King Grill & Buffet
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Smokey C's Bar-B-Que & Wings
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Wings and seafood
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Serrano's Mexican
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Alfonso's Pizza & Italian Restaurant
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Cracker Barrel Old Country Store
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Markets, malls and hidden boutiques
Wood For You Furniture Outlet & Gifts
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Dollar General
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Walmart Supercenter
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Dollar Tree
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Something More ECC311
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The Darling Daisy
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Farmers Home Furniture | Haleyville, AL
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Goar's Supermarket
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Haley House
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Elliott True Value
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Unique Apparel
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Mays Wholesale Flowers
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Jolly Dans Hardware & General Store
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PARKVIEW CABINETS
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Mill Creek Lumber Products Inc.
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Essential bars & hidden hideouts
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Burger King
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Guthries
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B and J Cafe
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Cazadores Grill
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Restaurante Guatemex
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Don Jose’s Pizza
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El Paso Bar & Grill
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McDonald's
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Nightclubs & after hour spots
Stagger Lee's Lounge
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Waynes World
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Club Explosions
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Midnight Special Incorporated
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Alabama Distillery Co.
60.4 km
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The Barn At Lake Catoma
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J & S Karaoke Place
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Jack Aces clubhouse
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Reflections Lounge & Entertainment
77.4 km
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Vintage Cigar Lounge
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Cat & Mouse Club
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HHK The Spot
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