Activity

The Walls of Jericho

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Author

ar_kayaker
200 31 193
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Trail stats

Distance
8.84 mi
Elevation gain
1,683 ft
Technical difficulty
Moderate
Elevation loss
1,699 ft
Max elevation
1,817 ft
TrailRank 
27
Min elevation
739 ft
Trail type
One Way
Time
7 hours 18 minutes
Coordinates
1037
Uploaded
May 16, 2012
Recorded
May 2012
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near Jericho, Alabama (United States)

Viewed 2942 times, downloaded 14 times

Itinerary description

The Walls of Jericho is a 100’ wide limestone canyon with sheer rock walls reaching over 150’ straight up. At the head of the canyon is the bowl-like “Cathedral” area and Grotto Falls where Turkey Creek disappears into the cave system under the bluffs.
The Walls can be accessed from two main trailheads, one in Tennessee and the other in Alabama. From the Tennessee trailhead it is 4.9 miles one-way to the Cathedral, from the Alabama trailhead it is only 3.5 miles each way but has the same elevation change making for a steeper path. There is also a spur trail that climbs up on the south rim to see the Walls from above that adds 1.4 additional miles (round-trip).
Combined this makes for a 8.8 mile shuttle-supported hike, though with the shuttle being a nearly level 2.2 miles along lightly traveled highway it is easy to self shuttle by bicycle.
There are also two other notable trails nearby, specifically the 3.6 mile Mill Creek Loop from the Tennessee trailhead and the Bear Den Loop that crosses the highway from the Alabama trailhead.

Waypoints

PictographCar park Altitude 0 ft

Alabama TH

Large gravel parking area with chemical toilets at one end. Also the jump-off point for the Bear Den Loop trail.

PictographWaypoint Altitude 0 ft

Bridge

One of two log bridges, a single log with a handrail.

PictographWaypoint Altitude 763 ft

creek

A wet-weather stream crossing

PictographPhoto Altitude 920 ft

Cathedral Bowl

The lower bowl where part of Turkey Creek re-emerges from a cave creating a scenic cascade.

PictographWaypoint Altitude 1,211 ft

End of the South Rim Trail

PictographPhoto Altitude 0 ft

Grotto Falls

Or at least a grotto. When there is water in the upper part of Turkey Creek is drops about 35' off the bluff into the cavern system below.

PictographWaypoint Altitude 747 ft

LOGBRG

One of two log bridges, a single log with a handrail.

PictographWaypoint Altitude 1,134 ft

Mill Creek Return

The second intersection with the Mill Creek Trail, turn left and stick with the white blazes to go the The Walls of Jericho.

PictographWaypoint Altitude 0 ft

Mill Creek Trail

If you aren't up to the longer hike you can turn right here and take the 3.6 mile Mill Creek Loop.

PictographWaypoint Altitude 1,646 ft

ROAD

The path crosses an atv trail here, the trail re-enters the woods just a few feet to the left.

PictographWaypoint Altitude 1,420 ft

ROAD2

Crossing point with and atv/horse trail.

PictographWaypoint Altitude 0 ft

Seasoal waterfall

Immediately after a good rain water falls from the bluff above.

PictographWaypoint Altitude 1,041 ft

Sinkhole

Characteristic of this type of karast terrain.

PictographWaypoint Altitude 749 ft

Spring

A samll spring comes out from under the trail.

PictographCar park Altitude 0 ft

Tennessee Trailhead

A large gravel parking area with trailheads for the Walls of Jericho and the Mill Creek Loop.

Comments  (1)

  • MussSyke Feb 6, 2022

    Thanks for taking the time to write in all the good information.

    I love this band!

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