Over 250-miles in length, the Pinhoti Trail is a premier Southeastern long path that travels from Alabama into Georgia. From high, rocky ridges to beautiful lush valleys, hollows, and gorges, the path provides an outstanding wilderness backpacking trip. The path is a lynchpin for the Eastern Continental Trail and Great Eastern Trails.The Pinhoti National Recreation Trail is one of our nation's Millennium Legacy Trails.
On March 16, 2008, the Pinhoti was officially linked to the Appalachian Trail. Photos and video from that celebration will be uploaded soon.
Storms Close Section of Pinhoti (5/14/2008)
Some of you know that weekends storm did some damage in Heflin. Yesterday we discovered a expansive blow down along Highway 281. The Pinhoti along highway 281 is NOT accessible. The portion of the Pinhoti that we know has the most damage is were the Pinhoti crosses the scenic drive, between the two gas pipelines. We are posting this section of trail closed until further notice. Hikers can use highway 281 as an alternate route for this portion of trail. We do not know the total extent of the damage to the Forest in that area yet. I will keep you informed on this situation.
Lesley M. Hodge Natural Resource Specialist USDA- Talladega National Forest
Porter's Gap Trailhead Advisory
Due to the widening of Highway 77 at Porter's Gap, the Porter's Gap Trailhead parking area will be closed until further notice. According to members who recently visited the area, the trailhead is still accessible but you will not be able to park a car there. You can be dropped off or picked up. AHTS will let you know as soon as the parking area is reopened.
** Remember ** The Pinhoti Trail travels through wilderness areas and as such needs to be re-routed at times. Published maps may not be accurate at the time you plan to hike! It is best to contact the US Forest Service / Talladega NF .
Upcoming AHTS Work Days
November 2008 - Dates TBA: Pinhoti Trail Work Week The fall session of our semi-annual trail maintenance on the Pinhoti will be in November (dates to be announced.) We'll be there for a week. You can spend a day, or two, or more, whatever you like. We'll clear trail of fallen trees, paint blazes, and remove overgrown shrubbery. There may even be a backpack trip or two into the wilderness. Contact Rick Guhse' for details at 603-209-2441 or rgushe@hotmail.com.
Notices:
A guide to hiking the Eastern Continental Trail / Great Eastern Trail in Alabama is available through AHTS which also provides information on thru-hiking the Pinhoti . The guide is FREE (see above to download.)
Trail Maintenance
The Pinhoti Trail is maintained by several hiking clubs and civic organizations. If you notice any section in need of maintenance on your trek, please report it to one of the following groups:
Organization
Miles
Section Maintained
Various Groups
18
Bull's Gap-Porter's Gap (No map currently available but it is fully blazed)
Point-to Point although there are many opportunities for creating loop trips
Trailheads
New trail is being constructed south of Porter's Gap and a new trailhead will be established soon.
Southern Terminus: Bull's Gap / AL 148. 11-miles east of Oxford, AL, on AL 148.
Northern Terminus: Benton MacKaye Trail, Georgia.
Blazes
Two types of blazing are used: Light blue paint blazes (about the size of a dollar bill) or silver metal or white plastic diamond markers with the famous Pinhoti turkey foot logo.
Off-set blazes (one over the other) indicates a turn in the trail. The top blaze dictates the direction of the turn. If the top blaze is to the left of the bottom, the trail turns left and visa versa.
Rock cairns will be found mark the trail in some areas. Be aware that while hiking in the Dugger Mountain and Cheaha Wilderness, blazes may be few and far between.
Shelters
(South to North)
Blue Mt Shelter Mile 46.9
Lower Shoal Shelter Mile 79.7
Laurel Shelter Mile 90.1
Choccolocco Cr Shelter Mile 100.4
N.Dugger Mt Shelter Mile 110.9
Oakey Mt Shelter Mile 117.0
Davis Mt Shelter Mile 128.8
Camping
Hunting Season
Maps
Pinhoti Trail Maps (5 in all) are available through the National Forest Service office. Visit their online store, the Forest Place, at http://theforestplace.com/ to order them. Maps are also available at the camp store at Cheaha State Park.
Other Links
Georgia Pinhoti Trail Association (GPTA) - The Pinhoti continues into Georgia and eventually connects with the Benton MacKaye Trail. For information about the Georgia Pinhoti, visit the GPTA website.
History
Read a brief history of how the P.T. came into being written by Michael Leonard in the July and September issues of Alabama Hiker.
Alabama Hiking Trail Society, PO Box 231164, Montgomery, AL 36123
