Less than a half mile from the mouth, past some good campsites on the east side of Quillen Creek, you will reach a side stream tumbling in from your right. Go ahead, investigate. These steep-sided, serpentine side canyons are one of Quillen′s most remarkable features. They remind some of the sinuous small canyons on the Mongollon Rim in the Southwest, but Quillen′s are wetter and more verdant most of the time. This first one hides one of the Sipsey′s most photographed waterfalls at its head.
Count on several creek crossings. You can rock-hop most of them, but prepare yourself for shallow wading at least a couple of times. Watch for overhang shelters at the lower edge of the bluff lines. A volunteer trail can be discerned in places, but mostly you will be off trail and picking your own way.
Follow the creek about two miles to where it forks. Take the left fork if you want to continue northwest toward the Kinlock Road, the right (larger) fork toward FS Road 208. Look for an old jeep road heading uphill to your right from the forks of Quillen Creek. It takes you to the FS 208 Road across from a private road with power lines, etc. This jeep path is the best way into the upper Quillen watershed.
To reach Quillen Creek from Parker Branch, walk downstream from the mouth of Parker. Look for a large foot log across Hubbard Creek as you go. You can reach the Quillen side via this log at most water levels. But it is barely above the water, so it will not be an option at higher levels. Remember the canoe access route when Hubbard is floatable. Or you could hike up from King′s Cove.
Your topographic reference will be Bee Branch. I don′t recommend hiking this place alone as ankle sprains and other types of incapacitating injuries could occur. Agility and perseverance are the main requirements.