The Sipsey Wilderness protects the upper watershed of the Sipsey Fork, a federally designated Wild and Scenic river. Small caves and sinkholes add variation to the sandstone bluffs that the Sipsey and its tributaries have cut over time through the western end of the Appalachian Plateau.

Pine-oak woodlands dominate the ridgetops, and moisture-loving species such as umbrella magnolia, beech and sycamore thrive in the wetter canyons, along with ferns. In recent years, added trails in Syspey have brought the total to 47 miles. One rewarding hike starts at the end of Bunyan Hill Road and heads down Borden Creek on Forest Trail 200 for 2.7 to the Sipsey and FT 209. Head up the Sipsey River on FT 209, eventually looping around via FT 224, Bunyan Hill Trail, after heading up either Bee Branch or Thompson Creek. There are enough routes and variations here for several days of backpacking, just bring a good map.