As the number of websites on the Sipsey increased for a while and then fell off, so did the number of maps. When I first started hiking the wilderness three years ago there was no reliable map of the trails, then three years ago there were 3 topo maps all of which include reliable trail information, and then the USGS topo. Currently, I think only one of the trail maps is still being produced, although two may be available.  Carto-Craft puts out a large one of the Bankhead National Forest which is one inch to 1.6 miles and has 20 meter contour lines (doesn't say what the scale is, maybe 1:100,000 ?). This map is nice because it shows all the roads, but it doesn't provide enough detail to follow the trails, in my opinion. The second map I got of the area was the USGS Bee Branch Topo. This topo map includes most but not all of the wilderness. It has all the normal features of the USGS maps, but it doesn't include reliable or in most cases any indication of the trails. Carto-Craft Maps has just recently come out with another Sipsey that is very detailed, has all the trails listed except the Bee Branch trail, included Latitude and Longitude grids, and also include locations of 50 sites for GPS users. The map is printed on plastic which is another big plus. And the map is printed on both sides so it includes all of the Sipsey and the Wildlife Mangement Area, Brushy Creek and the new horse and all purpose trails as well. Trial mileages are indicated. The problem with it is that it isn't 1:24,000 scale, it doesn't give a scale but there are 2 1/8 inches per mile rather than 2 and 5/8 inches in the USGS maps. Also, I find it somewhat difficult to read the trails on this map as compared to the Backcountry Survey's map.

The best map of the area I think is the Backcountry Survey's map.  [As of 2003 I believe this map is not available, no information can be found on the web on Backcountry Survey's.]  It is 1:24,000 scale, the USGS scale that well all know and love, with 20 foot contour intervals. This map also has indicators of water falls, cascades, and old growth sections off trail. I found the map to be easy to read. Best of all, the trails are all mapped and appear to be reliable and trail mileages are indicated. The problem with this map is that the contours end at the edge of the wilderness and it doesn't give latitude and longitude info, but you can combine it with the USGS Bee Branch Quadrangle. There was also another set of maps on plastic by Eyrye, I love the plastic maps they are very durable and you don't have to worry about them getting wet. [This map may or may not be currently avaliable, I can find no information on the company anymore.]  Eyrye has a map of the Sipsey trails and maps of the canoe routes and other multi-use trails in the forest. The Eyrye maps is nice in that it rates the waterfalls from 1st rank to 3rd rank. It also includes all the trails. However, I still find it difficult to read in comparison to the Backcountry Survey map.

The maps are available in Birmingham at Alabama Outdoors on 280 in Homewood, or at Carto-Craft Maps (738 Shakes Mountain Plaza) which has the most reasonable prices and is heaven for us map lovers. Carto-Craft will send you maps as well if you aren’t from here (800 444-4095).

For the purposes of this trail guide and mileages I will be using the Backcountry Survey Map.