The Walls of Jericho is and interesting cut in the limestone mountains of North Alabama. The Paint Rock river bubbles out of a cave surrounded by limestone cliffs called the Walls of Jericho.
The cove is accessed from Hwy 79 just north of Hytop, Al and just south of the Tennessee line. There is a nice gravel parking area and primitive camping area just off the highway.
The trail descends in to the canyon sometime gradually and sometimes rather steeply. There are many interesting rock formations along the way. There are also numerous chimneys and sinkholes to explore and to beware of.
About two miles in the is a large sinkhole that you can explore. There appears to be a cave entrance here.
After passing the Clark cemetery the trail becomes very narrow and slick. This is the entrance in to the canyon as well.
After another half mile of narrow slippery trails, you get to the real beauty of the Walls of Jericho.
There is a very pretty water fall at what looks like the end of the canyon. However, you have to go around the bend. Just around the bend, is where the Paint Rock river flows out of a cut in the rock wall. There is also a huge rock overhang.
The hike back out was very tiring. It is up hill all the way. And who knew Smash had a little trick up his sleeve?
For Smash’s addition to the adventure, see my-dog-smash.blogspot.com