Fire at Big Tree in the Sipsey Wilderness

The Forest Service has a closed trails in the Sipsey Wilderness because of a wildfire.
For the latest information, check here. Forest Service officials have not, as of yet, determined the cause of the blaze.
Ominously, they are calling this "The Big Tree Fire." The closed trails are in the vicinity of East Bee Branch Canyon and the "Big Tree," which is reputed to be the tallest tree in Alabama. This is a holy cathedral of Alabama wilderness.

The Big Tree, Summer 2014 

As of Monday, Oct. 19, 258 acres had burned. Check the Forest Service link above for updates and trail closures. The Sipsey River Trail (209) and the trail through the canyon (204) are closed for now.