Exploring the wild animals of Alabama’s Bankhead National Forest
Nestled in the northwestern corner of Alabama, Bankhead National Forest spans approximately 73,000 hectares (180,000 acres) across Lawrence, Winston, and Franklin counties. This expansive wilderness, part of the Cumberland Plateau, features a mosaic of habitats including dense hardwood forests, pine stands, steep gorges, cascading waterfalls, and the meandering Sipsey Fork—Alabama’s only designated Wild and Scenic River. These varied environments foster an extraordinary level of biodiversity, supporting around 850 species of birds, mammals, reptiles, amphibians, and fish. The forest’s Sipsey Wilderness, covering 10,000 hectares (25,000 acres), preserves ancient hardwoods and undisturbed ecosystems that are crucial for wildlife. While the area … Continue