Alabama · Hiking · Sipsey Wilderness

Mitchell Ridge Trail

14.1 mi
round trip
1,399 ft
climb
963 ft
high point
Out and back
route
Feb–May, Sep–Nov
best months

Is Mitchell Ridge Trail open right now?

Closure in the area

There's a closure order in National Forests in Alabama. It doesn't name Mitchell Ridge Trail, so check the source for the area it covers (2 listed).

As of · Source: USFS · National Forests in Alabama. Agencies don't list every closure — check before you go.

Mitchell Ridge Trail is a 14.1-mile out-and-back hike in the Sipsey Wilderness, part of the Bankhead Ranger District of the National Forests in Alabama. The Forest Service manages the land, and the trail lies entirely within designated wilderness. The route starts at about 683 feet and climbs to a high point of 963 feet, with a total gain of 1,399 feet over the round trip. The steepest stretch comes within the first 0.06 miles, where the grade reaches about 13%. The trail is natural-surface and does not allow bikes or horses. Spring and fall are the most comfortable times to go. Typical averages from a nearby weather station in Moulton show October highs around 74°F with lows near 48°F, and April highs around 72°F. That station sits about 340 feet lower than the trail's high point, so temperatures on the ridge run a bit cooler. Several other trails lie within a few miles, including Bunyan Hill Wild Hiking Trail, Lookout Wild Hiking Trail and Braziel Creek Wild Hiking. Paddlers can find Thompson Creek about 3.6 miles away.

  • Best time to go · Feb–May, Sep–Nov

    Best time to visit Mitchell Ridge Trail

    Best months: February–May and September–November. Best months have typical highs of 55–85 °F, lows of 30 °F or warmer (32 °F where the station doesn't record snow), at most one snowy day and no more than 12 wet days.

    1. Jan

      51° / 30°

      12 wet

    2. Feb

      55° / 33°

      11 wet

    3. Mar

      63° / 40°

      12 wet

    4. Apr

      72° / 49°

      10 wet

    5. May

      79° / 57°

      10 wet

    6. Jun

      86° / 65°

      11 wet

    7. Jul

      88° / 68°

      11 wet

    8. Aug

      88° / 67°

      10 wet

    9. Sep

      84° / 61°

      8 wet

    10. Oct

      74° / 48°

      8 wet

    11. Nov

      62° / 38°

      9 wet

    12. Dec

      53° / 33°

      12 wet

    Typical high / low (°F) and days with rain or snow, 1991–2020. Measured at Moulton 2, AL, 11.6 mi away at 622 ft. Source: NOAA NCEI U.S. Climate Normals 1991–2020.