Overview
Mountains, woods, springs, hosting caves, rocky bluffs, grass coves and riparian forests greet visitors to the Walls of Jericho in Jackson County by the headwaters of the Paint Rock River. The over 25,000 acres of tract acquisitions are an addition to the James D. Martin - Skyline Wildlife Management Area and physically link Skyline and Crow Creek Wildlife Management Areas together along Coon Creek.

Through partnerships with The Alabama Chapter of The Nature Conservancy, the Alabama Forestry Commission and the Alabama Forest Resource Center, these tracts were acquired in part with funds provided by the U.S. Forest Service Forest Legacy grant program.

Recreational opportunities abound and include horseback riding, hiking, camping, hunting and wildlife observation.

Article on the Walls of Jericho

Birding and Wildlife Viewing
The Walls of Jericho serves as an addition to the Skyline Wildlife Management Area, which is site #41 on the Northeast Loop of the North Alabama Birding Trail. Watchers have the opportunity to view many different species and this is the only place in the state to see ruffed grouse. Hurricane Creek is the only location in the world to find the pale lilliput and Alabama lampshell mussels. It is also home to three imperiled fish species.

Camping
There are two primitive camping areas on the Walls of Jericho hiking trail. The first area is on the north end of the hiking parking lot and has room for six to eight tent sites. The second is located on Hurricane Creek next to Clark Cemetery and has room for eight tent sites. Both locations are free of charge and are available on a first-come, first- served basis. Fires are allowed but must be extinguished before leaving and all trash must be removed.

Hiking
The Walls of Jericho has two hiking trails that start from the northern parking area on HWY 79. The Bear Den Point Trail heads east from the parking area and circles 4.7 miles around Bear Den Point. The Walls of Jericho trail heads west from the parking area down to Hurricane Creek then follows Turkey Creek into the Walls of Jericho. At Clark Cemetery hikers are given the option of an upper and lower trail taking them above or into the amphitheater respectively. This trip is 6 miles round trip and is considered a difficult hike. Download map

Horseback Riding
The Walls of Jericho has a 11-mile riding trail that starts from the southern parking area on HWY 79. Following the trail around will take riders down John Gifford Hollow into the valley of Hurricane Creek and along its banks until the confluence of Turkey Creek. Download map

Hunting
Hunting is available on the Walls of Jericho tract as part of the James D. Martin - Skyline Wildlife Management Area. Hunters must possess a valid hunting license, a WMA license and a free map/permit. Permits and other WMA information may be downloaded from the Wildlife Management Areas webpage.

Location
See this tract on an interactive map.

Directions
Directions for Horseback Trail Parking:
From Scottsboro, take US 72 West approximately 4.8 miles to AL-79. Turn right on to AL- 79 and travel north approximately 25 miles to the horseback riding trail parking lot.
N 34.963198
W -86.088628

Directions to Hiking Trail Parking:
From Scottsboro, take US 72 West approximately 4.8 miles to AL-79. Turn right on to AL- 79 and travel north approximately 26 miles to the hiking trail parking lot (you will pass horseback trail parking lot).
N 34.976624
W -86.080372

Directions to Henshaw Cove parking lot:
From Scottsboro, take AL-35 North approximately 4 miles. Turn right onto AL-79 and travel north for 12 miles. Turn left onto AL-146, then turn right onto Jackson Co. Rd. 9. The road to the parking lot will be 2.4 miles ahead on the right.
N 34.892818
W -86.173446