The Walls of Jericho are a unique natural formation located in northern Alabama, approximately 25 miles northwest of Scottsboro.
A narrow gorge with 200 foot high limestone cliffs opens up into a 150 foot wide bowl-shaped amphitheater.
Local legend claims that a traveling minister in the late 1800s was so struck by the formation's cathedral-like beauty that he thought it should have a Biblical name.
The area has impressed many other people as well, and more recent visitors have called the Walls of Jericho the "Grand Canyon of the South".
The gorge is part of a tract of land containing over 21,000 acres, with over 12,000 acres in Alabama and almost 9,000 acres in Tennessee.
The best public access is from the Alabama side in Jackson County, although an access point in Tennessee connects with the Alabama trail.
Work on the property has been a joint effort between the Tennessee and Alabama Chapters of the Nature Conservancy and the Alabama Department of Conservation and Natural Resources.
The area protects the headwaters of Paint Rock River.
After a heavy rain water shoots out of holes and cracks in the Wall.
Visitors can observe a diverse variety of wildlife in the area, including several endangered species of fish and mussels, the rare Tennessee cave salamander, and a number of types of birds.
There are approximately ten miles of developed trails.
A 100-mile trail system is being planned.
Trails provide access to the Walls and some waterfalls.
The hike to the gorge is strenuous, and hikers should allow about six hours for the round trip.
Hikers will need to cross several streams that are usually shallow, but can contain considerably more water after a heavy rain.
There is also an eight mile horse trail leading to the gorge.
Beyond the Walls visitors will see many bluffs, large rock outcroppings, caves, and sinkholes.
The Walls of Jericho have been one of Alabama's most popular parks since the area opened to the public in 2004.
Many hikers, horseback riders, cave explorers, and bird watchers enjoy visiting this unique area.
In May 2010 an additional 535 acres were added to the Alabama portion of the Walls of Jericho tract.
This acquisition helps ensure public access to the trail system, and opens up additional areas for conservation and recreation.