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Section 1 / NorthboundHike infoDISTANCE ~ 20.8ELEVATION: L 545' ~ H 1037'WOODS TRAIL ~ 0.0 ~ 5.7 / 10.1 ~ 17.1ROAD WALK ~ 5.7 ~ 10.1 / 17.1 ~ 20.8LANDMARK ~ FLAGG MTN TOWERLOCAL TOWN ~ WEOGUFKAHike servicesCS ~ CONVENIENCE STORE ~ 6.6TT ~ TRAIL TOWN ~ 6.6, 20.8PO ~ POST OFFICE ~ 6.6, 20.8TS ~ TRAIL SHELTER ~ 2.5SW ~ SEASONAL WATER ~ 2.2, 4.3, 14.8RW ~ RELIABLE WATER ~ 0.9, 2.5, 2.7, 5.1, 6.6. 11.9, 15.1, 16.8, 20.3, 20.6, 20.8SOUTHERN TERMINUS ~ BEGIN HIKE 0.0 ~ FLAGG MOUNTAIN TRAILHEADFrom the AL 21 Trailhead, turn right on CR 41 / CR 155. Go 0.2 miles to the stop sign. Turn left on CR 41.Go 6.4 miles to the 4 way stop sign in Weogufka, AL. CR 41 changed to CR 29 just before reaching the downtown area.Go straight through the 4 way for 5.2 miles to CR 16. Turn right.Go 0.1 miles and cross an old one lane creek bridge with no guardrails.Go 0.5 miles to a dirt road on the right. This is the CCC road to the top of Flagg Mtn.Go 1.7 miles to Flagg Mtn. Trailhead, on right.NORTHERN TERMINUS ~ FINISH HIKE20.8 ~ AL 21 TRAILHEADBegin from the old downtown district of Sylacauga, AL at the intersection of AL 21 andAL 148.Go south on AL 21 for 6.0 miles to the Trailhead at the intersection of AL 21 andCR 41 / CR 155.Day or overnight parking may be available at Dollar General.Hike guideSOUTHERN TERMINUS / START HIKEBEGIN FLAGG HIGHLANDS0.0 ~ FLAGG MOUNTAIN TRAILHEAD ~ 780'0.1 ~ WHITE TRAIL ~ 762The trail turns left here.0.9 ~ FLAGG MOUNTAIN TOWER / CABINS ~ RW ~ 1037’1.0 ~ HOST CABIN ~ 1008’2.2 ~ SEASONAL WATER ~ 683’END FLAGG HIGHLANDSBEGIN FLAGG LOWLANDS2.5 ~ FLAGG MTN. SHELTER ~ TS, RW ~ 556'2.7 ~ RELIABLE WATER ~ 545’4.3 ~ SEASONAL WATER ~ 653’5.1 ~ FINIKOCHICA CREEK FOOTBRIDGE ~ RW ~ 644’5.7 ~ CR56 ~ 671’The trail turns right on CR 56.END FLAGG LOWLANDSBEGIN ALABAMA ROADWALK ~ #16.6 ~ WEOGUFKA ~ CS, PO, RW ~ 647’The Pinhoti continues straight through this intersection for 3.5 miles.CS ~ Capertons Old South store is on the left.PO ~ The Post Office is on the right.END ALABAMA ROAD WALK ~ #1BEGIN TERRAPIN HIGHLANDS10.1 ~ TERRAPIN HILL ~ 816’The Pinhoti leaves the road here. Go back in the woods on the left.11.3 ~ CLEARING ~ 694’11.9 ~ RELIABLE WATER ~ 726’14.8 ~ SEASONAL WATER ~ 858’15.1 ~ RELIABLE WATER ~ 840’15.6 ~ FIRE ROAD ~ 953’15.8 ~ LOGGING ROAD ~ 977’16.8 ~ MILL CREEK ~ RW ~ 855’17.1 ~ CR 56 - 940’Turn right.END TERRAPIN HIGHLANDSBEGIN ALABAMA ROAD WALK #220.3 ~ WEOGUFKA CREEK BRIDGE ~ RW ~ 669’20.6 ~ STEWARTVILLE CAF? ~ RW ~ 698’20.8 ~ AL 21 TRAILHEAD?~ CS, RW, TT, HS ~ 728'CS, RW ~ Dollar General is across the 4 lane.TT, HS ~ go left on al 21 for 6.0 miles to Sylacauga.NORTHERN TERMINUS / FINISH HIKE?Section 2 / NorthboundHike servicesCS ~ CONVENIENCE STORE ~ 0.0, 5.3TT ~ TRAIL TOWN ~ 5.3SW ~ SEASONAL WATER ~ 4.0RW ~ RELIABLE WATER ~ 0.0, 4.4HS ~ HOT SHOWER ~ 5.3Hike directionsDISTANCE ~ 7.1CUMULATIVE ~ 12.6 ~ 19.7ELEVATION ~ L 728’ ~ H 945’ROAD WALK ~ EASYLANDMARK ~ JOY LAKELOCAL TOWN ~ SYLACAUGASOUTHERN TERMINUS ~ BEGIN HIKE0.0 ~ AL 21 TRAILHEADFrom the Trammel Trailhead parking area, go 0.6 miles back out to FS 603. Turn left.Go 1.9 miles to CR 511. Turn left.Go 2.3 miles to CR 41 (no sign!). Turn right.Go 5.5 miles to the AL 21 Trailhead.You should ask for permission about parking at the Dollar General.NORTHERN TERMINUS ~ FINISH HIKE7.1 ~ TRAMMEL TRAILHEADBegin from the old downtown district of Sylacauga, AL at the intersection of AL 21 and AL 148.Go south on AL 21 for 1.9 miles to CR 41/CR 511. Turn left.Go 3.3 miles to Trammel Motorway / FS 603. Turn left.Go 1.4 miles to FS 603A. Turn right. When you come to the fork in the road, with a yellow FS gate at the left fork, go right for 350’ to the trailhead parking area.CONTINUE ALABAMA ROAD WALK0.0 ~ AL 21 TRAILHEAD ~ CS, RW?~ 728’The north trail goes straight across AL 21 on CR 41.CS, RW ~ Dollar General0.6?~ PASS HIGH TENSION POWER LINE ~ 748’1.0 ~ PASS COOSA CO. 681.9?~ US 280 CROSSING ~ 745’Go straight across this 4 lane highway.3.3?~ ROCKHOUSE ROAD / HOLMAN CROSSROADS / CR 66 ~ 793’Turn left here. 3.5 ~?PASS VICTORY HARBOUR LIGHTHOUSE CHURCH4.0 ~?CROSS ONE LANE BRIDGE ~ SW ~ 747’4.1 ~?TURN RIGHT ON REDBUD ROAD ~ 750’4.3 ~?TURN RIGHT ON AZALEA LANE ~ 811’4.4 ~?TURN RIGHT AT JOY LAKE ON AZALEA ROAD ~ RWThis is a Private Lake Community.4.6 ~?TURN RIGHT ON GRAVEL ROADAfter a little bit, look for a really sharp curve to the left. There is a good blaze at the end of the sharp curve. There is a gravel road / driveway (?) here at the beginning of?the?curve that makes it kind of look like the road / trail goes straight. It does not :) 5.3 ~?CR 511 CROSSING ~?CS, TT, HS ~ 825’Go straight across CR?511 onto Trammel Motorway.5.4?~ CROSS OVER NORFOLK SOUTHERN RR TRACKS5.6 ~ PASS?HIGH TENSION POWER LINESListen for a local Red Cockaded Woodpecker here.6.0 ~?PAVED ROAD ENDS / (NOW FS 603)BEGIN TALLADEGA NATIONAL FOREST6.5 ~?FS603ATurn right.7.0 ~?FORK / LONG LEAF PINE RESTORATION AREATake the right fork and continue on FS603A. The left fork is gated. There are lots?of new growth Long Leaf Pines on right in the open field. 7.1 ~ TRAMMEL TRAILHEAD ~ 945’Look for the?gravel parking area on the right with?4 parking slots.END OF ALABAMA ROAD WALKSection?3 / NorthboundHike servicesCS ~ CONVENIENCE STORE ~ 11.3TT ~ TRAIL TOWN ~ 11.3SW ~ SEASONAL WATER ~ 0.4, 1.1RW ~ RELIABLE WATER ~ 11.3HS ~ HOT SHOWER ~ 11.3Hike directionsDISTANCE ~ 11.4CUMULATIVE ~ 19.7 ~ 31.1ELEVATION: L 945' ~ H 1241'WOODS TRAIL ~ DIFFICULTLANDMARK ~ RCW NESTING AREALOCAL TOWN ~ SYLACAUGASOUTHERN TERMINUS ~ BEGIN HIKE0.0 ~ TRAMMEL TRAILHEADFrom the Bull Gap Trailhead parking area, go back out to AL 148. Turn Right.Go 7.5 miles to FS 603. Turn left. You'll see a FS 603 sign on the right after you make the turn.Go 2.6 miles to FS 603A. Turn left.When you come to the fork in the road, with a yellow FS gate at the left fork, go right for 350’ to the trailhead parking area.NORTHERN TERMINUS ~ FINISH HIKE11.4 ~ BULLS GAP TRAILHEADFrom the intersection of AL 21 and AL 148 in downtown Sylacauga, AL, go east on AL 148 for 10.5 miles to the top of the ridge, just past the 11 mile marker. There are two dirt roads here on the left that are about 50' apart. Turn left on the first dirt road, FS 607 / Old Rocky Mountain Road.Go appx. 50 yards to the trailhead parking area, on the left.BEGIN TALLADEGA RANGER DISTRICTBEGIN HOLLINS WILDLIFE MGT. AREABEGIN SOUTH TALLADEGA HIGHLANDSBEGIN REBECCA MOUNTAIN0.0 ~ TRAMMEL TRAILHEAD ~ 945'Turn right from the Trailhead Parking Area and go 175 feet. The trail goes into the woods on the left.0.1?~ INFO BOARDThere are a lot of switchbacks ahead?so keep a sharp eye out for blazes. Go left at the Info Board.0.4?~ BOGG AREA ~ SWThere is a patch of creek reeds down on the left with a good seasonal spring running through it.0.6 ~ FS ROADYou’ll see a good FS gravel road running parallel to the trail, down the hill to the left.1.1?~ SPRING ~ SWSW ~ Down the hill to your left.1.3?~ RED COCKADED WOODPECKER NESTING AREA1.6?~ RCW HILLCREST1.9?~ FS 6752.4?~ FS 675 AND FS 603B JUNCTION2.5?~ MACHINE DUG TRAIL2.6?~ FS BOUNDARY MARKER3.2?~ TRAIL NEARS RIDGELINE3.4?~ SWITCHBACK3.5?~ SWITCHBACK4.2?~ MACHINE DUG TRAIL ENDS AT ROADBED 5.4?~ JUNCTION ROADBED / WEST TOWER?ROAD5.7?~ CONCRETE WEST TOWER ROAD / SAGE GAP6.7?~ CROSS RIDGE ROAD IN GAP EAST OF SAGE GAP8.3?~ CROSS RIDGE ROAD WEST OF WHITE GAP8.7?~ TRAIL CROSSES WHITE GAP ROAD9.7?~ HAND DUG TRAIL BEGINS9.9?~ JUNCTION NEW SPRING TRAIL AT DEEP GAP10.0?~ HIGH POINT ROCK OVERLOOK10.1?~ BROAD GAP11.3?~ AL 148 CROSSING ~ CS, TT, RW, HS?~ 1180’Go straight across to FS 607 (dirt road on the left)RW ~ go right on AL 148 1.0 miles to the Hatchet?Creek bridge.CS, TT, HS ~ Go left on AL 148 for 10.5 miles to Sylacauga.11.4?~ BULLS GAP TRAILHEAD / AL 148 ~ 1241'Follow FS 607 100 yards to the Trailhead parking area, on the left.END REBECCA MOUNTAINSection 4 / Northbound?Hike servicesCS ~ CONVENIENCE STORE ~ 18.0TT ~ TRAIL TOWN ~ 18.0SW ~ SEASONAL WATER ~ 0.4, 9.2, 11.8, 12.6, 15.1, 15.3, 15.5, 16.1, 17.2RW ~ RELIABLE WATER ~ 0.0, 14.4, 14.5, 14.7HS ~ HOT SHOWER ~ 18.0Hike directionsDISTANCE ~ 18.0CUMULATIVE ~ 31.1 ~ 49.1ELEVATION ~ L 1241' ~ H 1912'WOODS TRAIL ~ VERY DIFFICULTLANDMARK ~ HORN MOUNTAIN FIRE TOWERLOCAL TOWN ~ SYLACAUGASOUTHERN TERMINUS ~ BEGIN HIKE0.0 ~ BULLS GAP TRAILHEADFrom the Porter’s Gap Trailhead parking area, turn left on AL 77.Go 2.2 miles to the caution light at CR 7. Turn right.Go 2.3 miles to a creek crossing with guardrails. Turn right just past the crossing (you are still on CR 7).Go 5.2 miles to the stop sign at AL 148. Turn right.Go 0.8 miles to the top of the ridge. There are 2 dirt roads on the right about 50’ apart. Turn right on the second dirt road, Old Rocky Mountain Road – FS 607.Go appx. 50 yards to the Trailhead parking area, on the left. NORTHERN TERMINUS ~ FINISH HIKE18.0 ~ PORTERS GAP TRAILHEADBegin from the east side of downtown Talladega, AL on AL 77, at the Wal-Mart.Go south on AL 77 appx. 1.0 miles to the stop sign. Turn left (you are still on AL 77).Go 8.9 miles to the Porter’s Gap Trailhead parking area on the left, just past the 55 mile marker.CONTINUE TALLADEGA HIGHLANDSCONTINUE HOLLINS WILDLIFE MGT. AREABEGIN HORN MOUNTAIN0.0~ BULL GAP TRAILHEAD ~?AL 148 ~ RW ~ 1241'The north trail begins by going left from the parking area for about 20 yards and then goes into the woods on the right. From there, the trail gently winds its way up through a 100 or so acre plantation of young Long Leaf Pines until it reaches the top of the ridge at Bull Bluff. The first 1.1 miles of the trail are actually 3 long switchbacks that climb to the top of the ridge. Watch for the sharp right turn at mile 0.1 and the sharp left turn at mile 0.6.HWMA ~ you are inside the 29,400 acre Hollins Wildlife?Management Area and will be until mile 7.0.RW ~ Go east on AL 148 about 1 mile down the hill to the Hatchet Creek Bridge. The next reliable water source is at mile 14.4.0.4 ~ SPRING CROSSING ~ SW ~ 1382'Even as big as this spring looks, it dries up a day or two after a good rain.0.5 ~ LONG LEAF PINE PLANTATIONFrom here up to Bull Bluff you will be passing through a large Long Leaf Pine plantation.1.1 ~ BULL BLUFF ~ 1565'The trail goes a short distance above the top of this bluff. Be prepared to see one of the 5 best views on the Pinhoti, from the trail.2.2 ~ POWER LINE CROSSING ~ 1744'Here is a fair view of Rebecca Mountain, on the left, through the right of way. You can see one of her skinny signal towers up on a peak at 1523’.3.2 ~ FS 600 CROSSING ~ 1627'The trail goes diagonally, to the left, across the road to the east side of the ridge.3.7 ~ FS 600 CROSSINGThe trail goes straight across the road back to the west side of the ridge.6.5 ~ FARKLEBERRY ROCKAt the top of the switchbacks there is a head high rock overhang that's surrounded by several ancient Farkleberry bushes. Farkleberry wine is made from the?berries.6.6 ~ HIGH TENSION POWER LINE CROSSING ~ 1474’The trail crosses under these lines along the crest of?this rocky ridge, so there are large east and west views.END OF HOLLINS WILDLIFE MANAGEMENT AREA7.0 ~ NORTHERN BOUNDARY OF HOLLINS WILDLIFE MANAGEMENT?AREAYou are now leaving the 30,640(?) acre managed hunting area.7.5 ~ HEATH CLIFFS? ~ 1700'7.6 ~ SHERMAN CLIFFS ~ 1700’There is a great southern view of the Rebecca Mountain Ridge from here as she makes her way west toward Sylacauga. There are also views west and northwest toward Birmingham and Talladega.8.3 ~ ROADBEDThe trail turns left on this big, grassy old road and goes up the hill for about 800 yards.8.4 ~ ROADBED TURN OFF The trail turns off the roadbed to the right, just before it makes a sharp left turn.8.7 ~ ROCK BLUFFThere is a fair western view here through the tree tops.9.2 ~ ROCK HOUSE ~ SWLook for a 10' high overhanging rock on the right that hangs out over the trail. It's a good place to take a break but a bad place to camp if it's raining because the floor is so low.SW ~ Climb up on top of the rock and then go up the hill 20 yards to FS 600. Turn right on FS 600 and go to the end of the straightaway. Just before the road starts curving uphill to the left there is an old fire road on the left. The fire road is hard to spot because there are a few old logs blocking it. Climb down the bank and go about 50 yards to the spring crossing. If you are very desperate in dry weather, you will need to follow the spring bed much farther downhill to find water.9.3 ~ SOUTH HORN GAP ~ 1620’The trail goes straight through the gap. Look for a view of the tower through the trees.9.8 ~ HORN MOUNTAIN FIRE TOWER (standing) ~ 1912’When the Pinhoti comes to the power line right of way for the tower, turn left and go downhill 100', then the trail goes back in the woods on the right.TOWER ACCESS TRAIL ~ Once you leave the power line right of way and re-enter the woods, go 50 yards to the Tower Access Trail, on the right. The access trail is marked with white blazes and goes uphill 0.1 miles to the tower.There is also a large grove of Oriental bamboo and a stand of old spruce or White Pine trees just below the Tower.HISTORY 2006 ~ the picnic shelter has undergone a full, original CCC spec. restoration by several members the USFS. Yes, you are allowed to camp most anywhere in the National Forest. No, the FS is not encouraging this area to be used as a designated campsite. This is a very important CCC historic site and the USFS and the CCCA would like to restore and preserve it in its original, pristine state. If you do choose to stay here, I'm sure that some serious stealth camping would be greatly appreciated. Thanks!SUMMIT ~ Horn Mountain ~ 1912'#18 on the list of 100 highest named summits in Alabama.9.9 ~ NORTH HORN GAP ~ 1650'The trail goes straight through the gap.10.0 ~ 10 MILE MARKER ~ 1680'10.5 ~ SWITCHBACKS / DOWN11.1 ~ WORMY'S PULPIT (LOCAL NAME ~ SUNSET ROCK) ~ 1640'The trail continues?straight across the backside of the bluff. There is an unobstructed 50 mile view from the Pulpit. The Horn Mountain Fire Tower and Rebecca Mountain can be seen on the left and Sleeping Giant Mountain, the long ridge that runs behind Talladega, is out in front. The night time light show includes (from left to right) Sylacauga, Birmingham, Childersburg, Pell City and Talladega.11.3 ~ FS 600 CROSSING ~?MICROWAVE TOWER ~ 1585'There’s a great view of the Tower here. The trail goes straight across the road and follows?the tower driveway for 50' and then goes back in the woods on the right. The trail?circles around the east side of this mountain top where the Microwave Tower sits.? 11.8 ~ KENNY'S CAMP?~ SW ~ 1566'SW ~ there are small seasonal springs before and after the side trail. The best spring is about 50 yards before the side trail on the right. Bushwhack?about 100 yards downhill in a small patch of Mountain Laurel. If this spring is dry, then follow the spring bed down another 200 yards to a good creek. Be prepared for a really tough uphill climb back to the campsite.12.0 ~ FS 600 CROSSING ~ THE PINNACLE ~1583'The trail goes straight across FS 600 onto another dirt road. Follow this road 0.1 miles to the dead end and then the trail continues straight into the woods. The trail is now back on the west side of the ridge.12.1 ~ NORTH RIDGE SWITCHBACKS ~?DOWN ~ 1585'Here you will begin your descent off the Horn Mountain ridge with a series of 24 switchbacks.12.5 ~ UPPER ROCK SLIDE12.6 ~ LOWER ROCK SLIDE ~ SWSometimes there is water flowing out of the rocks and across the trail.13.2 ~ WIND RIDGE14.0 ~ WIND RIDGE ROAD ~ 14 MILE MARKER ~ 980’The trail turns right onto the road.14.2 ~ SCOTT LAKE VIEW ~ 760'Here the trail veers to the right, off Wind Ridge Road, and then skirts around the south side of the lake about 50' above the water.14.3 ~ WIND RIDGE ROADThe trail turns right on the road again. The trail ~?road turns right at the bottom of the hill when it reaches the creek and then follows the creek down to the crossing.14.4 ~ CREEK CROSSING ~ RW ~ 720’The trail ~?road crosses the creek and continues beside it down to the cascade.FORDING HAZARD ~ this creek is about 20' wide and 6" deep. There is room for it to spread out after a heavy rain so it will probably not be over knee high. Use caution.14.5 ~ SCOTT’S CASCADE ~?DRY CREEK ~ RW ~ 710’LOWEST ELEVATION ON THE ALABAMA PORTION OF THE PINHOTI TRAILThe two creeks merge?here at the cascade and the topo?maps call it?Dry Creek. When you reach the cascade, the trail turns right and crosses Dry Creek and then follows FS 621A up the hill.NEXT RW ~ 7.0 milesThe cascade is a large, broad (as opposed to tall) natural rock formation which serves as the spillway for?Scott Lake. Be sure to check out the root base of the old Sycamore tree in the middle of the creek at the cascade. Ever seen anything like that before?FORDING HAZARD ~ Dry Creek is about 20' wide and 1' deep and can be easily forded most times of the year, but after a heavy rain it will be over knee high and running very fast. The creek is moving slower downstream, but it's also MUCH deeper. I would not advise going downstream. If the water is too high and fast and you really don’t feel comfortable crossing at the dam (ME!), try going back to mile 45.3 / 14.2 ~ SCOTT LAKE VIEW, and bushwhack around the right side of the lake. The small feeder creek at the back of the lake will be easier to cross. Meanwhile, the Pinhoti is circling around the other side of the lake and is now coming toward you. Once you cross the feeder creek start looking for the trail as you bushwhack straight up the hill.14.7 ~ SCOTT LAKE ~ RW ~ 730'After the trail crosses Dry Creek, you will follow FS 621-A up the hill 0.1 miles to the first driveway on the right. Turn here and go 5 yards. The trail goes back in the woods on the left and continues around the lake.NEXT RW ~ 6.9 milesHISTORY ~ Years ago, this area was private property and there were 4 cabins on this side of the lake that were used by hunters. You can still see some of the old rock retaining walls and a few sets of steps. The original road to this place actually came up from the south and crossed Dry Creek down by the cascade.15.1 ~ SPRING CROSSING ~ SW ~ 866'15.3 ~ SPRING CROSSING ~?ROAD BED ~ SWGo straight onto the road after crossing the spring.15.5 ~ ROAD BED TURN OFF ~ SWThe trail turns right off of the road.16.1 ~ SPRING CROSSINGS ~ SWThere are 13 spring crossings between here and Porter's Gap.16.5 ~ ROAD BEDThe trail goes right on the road 5 yards and then back in the woods on the left.17.2 ~ FOUR YELLOW FS CULVERTS ~ SWHISTORY 2005 ~ There are 4 spring crossings between here and Porter's Gap with yellow plastic culverts across each of them that were provided by the FS and put in place by Trails Unlimited.17.3 ~ THE PINNACLE VIEW ON THE RIGHTThe Pinnacle?is the last peak on the north end of the Horn Mountain Ridge at Porter's Gap.SUMMIT ~ The Pinnacle ~ 1660' ~ #60 on the list of 100 highest named summits in Alabama.18.0 ~ PORTERS GAP TRAILHEAD ~?AL 77?~ CS, TT, HS ~ 956'the trailhead parking area is straight across AL 77.CS ~ Go left on AL 77 for 4.6 miles to a small store.CS ~ Go right 0.5 and 2.3?miles to?stores.TT ~ Go left on AL 77 for 8.9 miles to Talladega. Turn right at the intersection a little way past the High School and go 1 mile to Wal-Mart, motels, laundry and food.TT ~ Go right 13.4 miles to Ashland. Groceries, clean motel, laundry, food- slow and fast, laundry.?Hiker services are all in the town area.END HORN MOUNTAINSection?5 / NorthboundHike servicesSW ~ SEASONAL WATER ~ 5.2, 6.5, 6,6, 13.8, 13.9, 14.3, 14.4, 15.3RW ~ RELIABLE WATER ~ 3.4, 15.3hike directionsDISTANCE ~ 15.5CUMULATIVE ~ 49.1 ~ 64.6ELEVATION: L 843' ~ H 1870'WOODS TRAIL ~ VERY DIFFICULTLANDMARK ~ TALLADEGA CREEKLOCAL TOWN ~ TALLADEGASOUTHERN TERMINUS ~ BEGIN HIKE0.0 ~ PORTER’S GAP TRAILHEADFrom the Adams Gap Trailhead parking area, go across AL 281 to the small downhill paved road.Go 1.5 miles to the first paved road on the right, Blue Ridge Road. Turn right.Go 1.2 miles to the stop sign at CR 12. Turn right.Go 6.7 miles to the stop sign at CR 209. Turn right.Go 3.2 miles to the stop sign at AL 77. Turn right.Go 1.2 miles to the Porter’s Gap Trailhead parking area, on the right.NORTHERN TERMINUS ~ FINISH HIKE15.5 ~ ADAMS GAP TRAILHEADExit I-20 at US 431, east of Oxford, AL.Go south 3.4 miles to the second right turn past the overhead bridge at the top of the ridge. Turn right (there is a brown Cheaha State Park sign here).Go 0.4 miles to the stop sign at AL 281. Turn left.Go 17.9 miles to the end of the pavement. This is the Adams Gap Trailhead parking area.CONTINUE SOUTH TALLADEGA HIGHLANDSBEGIN TALLADEGA MOUNTAIN~ PORTERS GAP TRAILHEAD ~?AL 77 ~ 977' ~ CS, TTThe Pinhoti begins at the back of the parking area, to the right. Look for the blue blaze painted on a tree.CS ~ Go west on AL 77 for 4.6 miles to a small store.CS ~ Go east 2.3 miles to a store on the west side of the county line.TT ~ Go west on AL 77 for 8.9 miles to Talladega.TT ~ Go east 13.4 miles to Ashland.NEXT RW ~ 3.4 miles.1.3 ~ CHANDLER GAP ~ 1100’You will cross the old Gap Road here (it just looks like a gulley now). You may hear a lot of gunfire in this area at times. The USFS Shepard Branch Shooting Complex is way down in the valley to your left.2.3 ~ ROCKY TOP 1 ~ 1450'There are many special places along the Pinhoti and the Rocky Tops are at the top of my list. The trail may be hard to see in these areas, so keep an eye out for the blue blazes.2.7 ~ SWITCHBACKS ~ DOWNHILL?~ 1320'3.2 ~ SKYWAY ROAD ~ 858'When you get to the road, you will turn left and go 0.2 miles to the RR tracks and the bridge.3.4 ~ TALLADEGA CREEK BRIDGE?~ RW?~ 843'The trail crosses the bridge and goes straight on FS 600 for 0.2 miles, then goes back in the woods on the left.RW - You can turn left after the bridge and go a short distance for easy access to the creek.NEXT RW ~ 12.7 miles (this includes the 0.8 mile hike west on the Skyway Loop Trail to the creek).HISTORY - The Alice Springs Campground. The campground is no longer in operation.Look for the Alice Springs Campground on the right just before the bridge. The owners provided?campsites and firewood for $5 per night at the old CCC Campground and Day or overnight parking for a $2 donation. Trig and Alice were very hiker friendly!Alice Springs Campground600 Skyline DriveChandler Springs, AL256-362-2592HISTORY ~ this bridge was built in 1948 to replace the old one. You can still see the old bridge supports downstream. At one time these old crossings were an important link between the farms and towns. The campground is located at the north east corner of the bridge and during the 1930's this was a Civilian Conservation Corps camp for the crew that built FS 600 (-2) from Bull Gap to Mt. Cheaha, which at the time was the main south entrance road to the state park.3.6 ~ FS 600 TURNOFF ~ 870'This is where the trail goes back in the woods on the left, 0.2 miles after the bridge. There is a good sign post here.3.7 ~ SWITCHBACKS ~ UPHILL?~ 910'4.9 ~ FS 600 CROSSING ~ 1410'The trail goes straight across the road. As soon as you cross over, there is an old road bed on the right that goes downhill 100 yards to some thick pine straw covered flat spots. 5.1?~ SWITCHBACKS ~ DOWNHILL?~ 1200'5.2?~ CAMPSITE / SPRING CROSSING ~ SW6.1 ~ ROCKY TOP 2 ~ 1450'There is a rocky overlook on the right with a good view of the valley.6.3 ~ FS 600 CROSSING ~ 1480'The trail goes straight across the road.6.5 ~ SWITCHBACKS ~ DOWNHILL?~ SW ~ 1430'The first switchback goes to the left. As soon as you turn right on the second switchback there is a good spring down on your left.6.6 ~ SPRING CROSSING ~ SW ~ 1400'The water runs underground most of the time near the trail. You may have to follow the stream bed downhill a little to find a pool.6.8 ~ ROCK GARDEN ~ 1410'With the proper attitude adjustment, crossing these 14 rock fields is fun! Just go ahead and plan at least 2 hard hours for the next 1.9 miles, kick back and relax. The first half is very rugged and you really need to have your lightning reflexes dialed in. The going gets easier after the halfway point but you still have to pay constant attention to the loose rocks and holes.8.7 ~ DEAD CAR ~?POWER LINE CROSSING ~ 1360'This car found out there is a sharp curve on FS 600, which is right up above you. 8.8 ~ POWER LINE CROSSING ~ 1340'8.9 ~ CLAIRMONT GAP ~ 1356'The trail comes out on FS 600. Turn left and go 20 yards, cross Guntertown Road, then go another 10 yards on FS 600. The trail goes back in the woods on the left. There are 4 switchbacks up ahead.9.1 ~ CLAIRMONT SWITCHBACKS ~ UPHILL?~ 1420'The first turn is on the right. The second turn is on the left and puts you on an old roadbed. Keep a close eye on the blazes for the third turn, which is on the right. The fourth turn is on the left at the top of Clairmont Point.9.5 ~ CLAIRMONT POINT ~ 1650'After you make the left turn on the fourth switchback, go about 10' and turn sharp left again and follow the ridge line up to Rocky Top 3. This sharp left was not marked in early 2004. There is a good southern view here of Clairmont Gap and the ridge going south and it's also a great spot to watch winter sunsets.9.7 ~ ROCKY TOP 3 ~ 1770'11.3 ~ BURGESS POINT VIEW ~ 1600'Here is a good winter view of the south side of the point.11.4 ~ FS 600 CROSSING ~ 1580'The trail goes left 10 yards on the road and then back in the woods on the right.12.1 ~ BURGESS POINT ~?FIRE TOWER (missing) ~ 1870'This is the highest peak in Section 5. You can't quite see the point up to your left. ?A few feet?before you get to the 64.4 ~ FS 600 Crossing, there is an old grown up road bed on your left that goes up to the Point. It is a pretty tough 0.4 mile trek up to the old fire tower site.SUMMIT ~ Burgess Point ~ 1870' ~ #23 on the list of 100 highest named summits in Alabama. The summit is up on your left.12.2 ~ FS 600 CROSSING ~ 1750'The trail goes right 10 yards on the road and then back in the woods on the left.13.4 ~ PATTERSON SWITCHBACKS ~ DOWNHILL?~ 1550'There are several good winter views of Cheaha Mountain to the north, 13.6 trail miles away. There are also several views of a new 3 story house that was built up on the first peak north of you in 2004.13.5 ~ PATTERSON GAP ~ 1460'The trail goes right 10 feet on a good gravel road and then back in the woods on the left (poorly blazed 2004). There are a lot of tricky little downhill switchbacks ahead. The trail is not obvious and neither are the blazes.13.8 ~ CAMPSITE?~ SW ~ 1380'SW ~ Continue north on the trail 0.1 miles to the Double Spring.13.9 ~ DOUBLE SPRING CROSSING ~ SW ~ 1260'There is a steep 20' high hump between the two springs and some flat spots, just past the second crossing, with 2 fire rings. Keep an eye out for the uphill switchbacks just ahead.14.0 ~ SWITCHBACKS ~ 1280'The first turn is to the right.14.3 ~ SPRING CROSSING ~ SW ~ 1320'14.4 ~ SPRING CROSSING ~ SW ~ 1340'15.3 ~ SKYWAY LOOP TRAIL?~ SW, RW ~ 1400'When you get to the sign board, the Pinhoti goes to the right.SW ~ Go left on the Skyway Loop Trail 0.1 miles to a good size spring.RW ~ Go left on the Skyway Loop Trail 0.8 miles to Barbaree Creek.NEXT RW ~ 11.7 miles. This is the last reliable water source until you reach Cheaha State Park at mile 79.3.HISTORY ~ along the way down to the creek, you will pass a standing chimney on the right, which was once part of a Civilian Conservation Corps built Park Cabin. The CCC had a workers camp near here and did a lot of rock work within a 10 mile radius of Cheaha State Park from 1933 until the park opened in 1939.15.5 ~ ADAMS GAP TRAILHEAD ~?AL 281?~ 1457'The trail comes out at the trailhead parking area on AL 281.Section 6?/ Northbound?Hike servicesSW ~ SEASONAL WATER ~ 1.2-1.6 multiple, 3.2, 5.5, 5.9, 6.0, 10.2,Hike directionsWILDERNESS GUIDELINES- All trail blazes have been removed.DISTANCE ~ 11.3 MILESCUMULATIVE ~ 64.6 ~ 75.9ELEVATION ~ L 1360' ~ H 2323'WOODS TRAIL ~ VERY DIFFICULTLANDMARK ~ CHEAHA WILDERNESSLOCAL TOWN ~ OXFORDSOUTHERN TERMINUS ~ BEGIN HIKE0.0 ~ ADAMS GAP TRAILHEADFrom the Cheaha Trailhead parking area, turn left on AL 281.Go 6.4 miles to the end of the pavement.This is the Adams Gap Trailhead parking area.NORTHERN TERMINUS ~ FINISH HIKE11.3 ~ CHEAHA TRAILHEADExit I-20 at US 431, east of Oxford, AL.Go south 3.4 miles to the second right turn past the overhead bridge at the top of the ridge. Turn right (there is a brown Cheaha State Park sign here).Go 0.4 miles to the stop sign at AL 281. Turn left.Go 11.5 miles to the Cheaha Trailhead parking area, on the left.0.0 ~ ADAMS GAP TRAILHEADFrom the Cheaha Trailhead parking area, turn left on AL 281.Go 6.4 miles to the end of the pavement.This is the Adams Gap Trailhead parking area.BEGIN CHEAHA WILDERNESSCONTINUE SOUTH TALLADEGA HIGHLANDSCONTINUE TALLADEGA MOUNTAIN~ ADAMS GAP TRAILHEAD ~?AL 281 ~ 1444'From the trailhead parking area, the north trail goes straight across AL 281. Go downhill on the small paved road for about 10 yards, the trail then turns left and goes back in the woods and starts climbing into the Cheaha Wilderness.0.1 ~ BEGIN?CHEAHA WILDERNESS?~ 1500'1.2 ~ 1.6?~ 6 SPRING CROSSINGS ~ SW ~?1380'3.2 ~ SPRING CROSSING ~ SW ~ 1360'3.5 ~ SIGN BOARD, GO RIGHT ~ 1484'The trail turns right and goes 0.2 miles on the road bed.3.7 ~ SIGN BOARD, GO LEFT ~ 1591'The trail goes back in the woods on the left.HISTORY ~ this sign board is off trail 10' up on the left and is easy to miss. The road bed is blocked with rocks and logs here at the turn. If you climb over all this stuff the road continues for another 0.2 miles up to the gap. There was a hot fire up here several years ago that killed all the trees and now the gap is a big brush pile. There are no clear places to camp and no views. (2001)3.8 ~ STAIRWAY TO HEAVEN ~ 1575'Here is a huge rock garden and there are a lot of tricky little uphill rocky switchbacks for the next 0.5 miles. 4.3 ~ PEARLY GATES ~ 2050'you will have to see it to believe it. Yikes! This is an appropriate introduction to what lies ahead on the way up to the Cheaha Trailhead; difficult but worth every drop of sweat.4.4 ~ HEAVEN ~?ROCKY TOP 4 ~ 2135'There is a hidden rocky overlook on the left as you scramble your way around the north side of the peak. The view from here of the ridgeline going north and ending at Mt. Cheaha?is probably the most?recognizable Pinhoti photo.TRAIL DESCRIPTION ~ This northern view gives you a good idea of where you'll be for the next 7.1 miles on the way up to Mt. Cheaha. The trail follows the ridge north for 4.1 miles to the 0.6 mile McDill Overlook Trail, which is a must see overlook. After McDill, the Pinhoti continues north for 2.4 miles to Mt. Cheaha, which is that farthest peak you can see from here. The faint Blue Ridge that's back behind Cheaha is our Sister Ridge (Choccolocco Mountains). You will have off and on views of this 61 mile mountain chain as she parallels the Pinhoti all the way up to Dugger Mountain in Section 11. If you should ever make it up to Bald Rock on top of Cheaha, there is a close-up view of her as she makes her way east from Coldwater to Oxford and then the northeast turn in Golden Springs before heading on up to Piedmont.SUMMIT ~ Odum Point ~ 2342' ~ #3 on the list of 100 highest named summits in Alabama. The summit is up on your right.5.5 ~ SPRING CROSSING ~ SW ~ 2140'5.7 ~ ROCKY TOP 5 ~ 2160'5.9 ~ SPRING CROSSING ~ SW ~ 2120'6.0 ~ LITTLE CANEY HEAD ~ SW ~ 2100'The Pinhoti goes straight through this 4 way intersection. The Odum Scout Trail is to the right and the Chinnabee Silent Trail is to the left.SW ~ the spring is 50' down the CST, on the left.SUMMIT ~ Little Caney Head ~ 2310' ~ #5 on the list of 100 highest named summits in Alabama. Once you pass the intersection, the summit is up on your right.7.6?~ CCT CONNECTOR ~ 2143'The Pinhoti goes straight through the intersection of the Cave Creek Trail Connector.9.1 ~ McDill OVERLOOK TRAIL ~ SC, ~ 2073'The Pinhoti goes straight through this intersection. You can go left 0.25 miles at the sign board to McDill.SC ~ At the McDill sign board, you can go right 50' up the hill to some small campsites.OVERLOOK DESCRIPTION ~ there is a great overlook of the western 1/3 of the Wilderness here and views of the Appalachian Chain as it makes a perfect 20 mile sweep to the southwest. There are packs of Coyotes living in the Wilderness and you can hear them yipping and howling most any night in season. Look for gray, fuzzy poop on the trail; they like to eat Possums. SUMMIT ~ McDill Point ~ 2188' ~ #8 on the list of 100 highest named summits in Alabama. Continue past the overlook trail about 0.2 miles, the summit is up on your right.9.2 ~ WHO ROCK ~ 1960'The trail bears to the right here through the pines.HISTORY ~ There is a large western view from this small point. The night time lights are from Talladega on the left and Munford on the right.END CHEAHA WILDERNESS10.0 ~ END?CHEAHA WILDERNESS?~ 2306'You have just come up the switchbacks and reached the top of the Hernandez Peak ridge. The trail turns left here and the Wilderness Dedication Marker is on the left at ground level.10.2 ~ HERNANDEZ PEAK ~ SW ~ 2323'HIGHEST ELEVATION (NAMED SUMMIT) ON THE ALABAMA PORTION OF THE PINHOTI TRAILCAUTION ~ The trail makes a tricky left turn up ahead so here's the deal; once you make it to the Wilderness Dedication Marker on top of this ridge, it's almost as flat as a pancake for about 1/4 mile, then the ridge ends and you start going downhill. After about 50', you come to a flat grassy spot on the left surrounded by big rocks.The trail turns sharp left here and goes down through a steep rocky chute. Once you come down off the ridge through the chute, the trail crosses a spring (bog) and gets on an old jeep road. You only go 50 yards on the jeep road and then the trail veers off the road, to the left.SW ~ Come down off the ridge through the chute and go 50 yards to the spring (bog).SUMMIT ~ Hernandez Peak ~ 2344' ~ #2 on the list of 100 highest named summits in Alabama.11.2 ~ CHEAHA TRAILHEAD CONNECTOR TRAILTo reach the trailhead parking area, you will turn right at this intersection and go 0.1 miles. At the bottom of the switchbacks, there is a well-worn trail to the right. Continue straight past this trail 50 yards to the parking area.11.3 ~ CHEAHA TRAILHEAD ~ 2045'Section 7?/ NorthboundHike servicesCS ~ CONVENIENCE STORE ~ 0.2, 12.4, 14.8, 17.6TT ~ TRAIL TOWN ~ 12.4TS ~ TRAIL SHELTER ~ 2.1SW ~ SEASONAL WATER ~ 0.5, 0.9, 1.9, 2.0, 2.1, 4.0, 4.2, 5.2, 8.7-9.3 multiple, 14.6, 14.8, 16.8, 17.6RW ~ RELIABLE WATER ~ 0.2, 6.2, 8.2, 8.7-9.3 2 creeks, 9.4, 12.4, 12.6, 13.2, 13.3, 14.9, 15.2, 15.4, 16.7, 17.6HS ~ HOT SHOWER ~ 0.2, 11.7, 12.4Hike directionsDISTANCE ~ 17.6CUMULATIVE ~ 75.9 ~ 93.5ELEVATION: L 760’ ~ H 2045’WOODS TRAIL ~ DIFFICULT FIRST THIRD, THEN MODERATELANDMARK ~ CHEAHA STATE PARKLOCAL TOWN ~ OXFORDSOUTHERN TERMINUS ~?BEGIN HIKE0.0 ~ CHEAHA TRAILHEADFrom the US 431 Trailhead parking area, go back down the dirt road to US 431. Turn right.Go the second right turn past the overhead bridge at the top of the ridge. Turn right (there is a brown Cheaha State Park sign here).Go 0.4 miles to the stop sign at AL 281. Turn left.Go 11.5 miles to the Cheaha Trailhead parking area, on the left.NORTHERN TERMINUS ~?FINISH HIKEPARK FINISH HIKE VEHICLE FIRST17.6 ~ US 431 TRAILHEADExit I-20 at Exit 191,?US 431S, east of Oxford, AL.Go south 2.8 miles to a dirt road, FS 585, on the right just past a Highway Dept. “Adopt a Mile” sign (if you pass a green house, you’ve gone too far). Turn right.Go up the dirt road 0.1 miles to the US 431 Trailhead parking area, on the left.ALTERNATIVE PARKING ~ sometimes this gate is locked and may be an unreliable place to park at times.?Continue on US 431 past the Trailhead for 1 mile to the Cheaha Store, on the right. In the past they have allowed hikers to leave a vehicle there. Just go inside and ask permission and they will tell you where to park.Cheaha Store3412 Hwy. 431Heflin, AL256-253-2895?CONTINUE SOUTH TALLADEGA HIGHLANDSCONTINUE TALLADEGA MOUNTAIN0.0 ~ CHEAHA TRAILHEAD ~ 2045'From the trailhead parking area, the Pinhoti approach trail begins at the Arch. Go 50 yards to a trail intersection. The Pinhoti approach trail goes to the right, up the hill for 0.1 miles to the Pinhoti. The northbound trail turns to the right.HISTORY ~ there is a new addition to the trailhead parking area. The Approach Trail to the Pinhoti Trail, Cave Creek Trail and the Cheaha Wilderness begins at the Arch, which is a big rock and wrought iron structure that has 36 hand fired clay tiles with actual impressions of some of the local native flora, 4 information plaques, some wrought iron Pine cones, Pine branches, a lizard compass, 2 rock benches and a VERY unusual sidewalk. 0.2 ~ AL 281 CROSSING ~?CHEAHA STATE PARK?~ CS, RW, HS ~ 2000’The trail goes straight across AL 281 and then follows the eastern slope for a while and has a lot good eastern?views.CS, RW, HS ~ Go left 0.2 miles on AL 281 to the 2719 acre Cheaha State Park entrance, on the right. This is a big park with a convenience store, restaurant, motel, cabins, lodge, pool, several campgrounds, HOT SHOWERS, side trails, rocky overlooks and the Bunker Tower (2407'). The Park office and Country Store (256-488-5111) is the first building on the left. Stop by here to register for Park services and to get general info about where things are in the Park.NEXT RW ~ 6.0 milesBUNKER TOWER ~ Go just past the Country Store to the toll booth, then go 0.5 miles past the toll booth to the first paved road on the left. Turn left. Go 0.1 miles up to the 1930's Civilian Conservation Corps Fire Tower.SUMMIT ~ Cheaha Mountain ~ 2407' ~ #1 on the list of 100 highest named summits in Alabama. The peak will be on your left as the Pinhoti side hills around it.0.5 ~ WATER CROSSING ~ SW? ~ 2000'The Cheaha waste treatment plant is just up the hill. Because of the integrity of the folks in charge, I’m sure this water is clean, but ……0.9 ~ SPRING CROSSING ~ SW ~ 2000'1.0 ~ HOLLY KNOB ~ 1960'1.9 ~ SPRING CROSSING ~ SW ~ 1700'2.0 ~ SPRING CROSSING ~ SW ~ 1700'This is the spring for the Blue Mountain Shelter. If this crossing is dry, then follow the spring downhill, just a little way (no, really!), and look for a small pool.2.1 ~ BLUE MOUNTAIN SHELTER TRAIL ~ TS, SW ~ 1825’The Pinhoti goes straight through this intersection. At the shelter sign board, you can turn right and go 0.1 miles to this shelter, which was built in 1985.TS ~ go right 0.1 miles to the shelter and more campsites.SW ~ the water source is a spring crossing 0.1 miles south on the Pinhoti.NEXT RW ~ 4.1 miles.2.6 ~ BALD ROCK TRAIL ~ 1960'The Pinhoti goes straight through at the sign board and begins the 3 mile, 685 foot descent off Blue Mountain to the CCC Road. The Bald Rock Trail marks the northern boundary of Cheaha State Park. You can go left, uphill, 0.5 miles to the Boardwalk (2326') on the Bald Rock Overlook. There is a very good northern view of the southern terminus of the Choccolocco Mountains, of our Sister Ridge, at Coldwater Mountain (see trail mile 7.6 in Section 8 for details). The large night time light show is brought to you by the nice folks in Oxford. CHEAHA STATE PARK ~ Turn left on the Bald Rock Trail and go 0.5 miles to Bald Rock. From Bald Rock, go left (duh!) on the Boardwalk to the parking area. Then walk through the parking area and down the hill to the intersection at the Bunker Loop Road. Turn right. Go 0.5 miles to the Cheaha Country Store.SUMMIT ~ Bald Rock ~ 2326' ~ #4 on the list of 100 highest named summits in Alabama. The summit is 0.5 miles to the left, up the Bald Rock Trail.END OF TALLADEGA MOUNTAINEND OF CHEAHA STATE PARKBEGIN BLUE MOUNTAIN3.8 ~ M & M GAP ~ 1500'This is a nice place for a small break on a cold winter day as you take in the dramatic landscape surrounding you.SUMMIT ~ Blue Mountain ~ 1949' ~ #15 on the list of 100 highest named summits in Alabama. You are sitting in a gap along the ridge. The peak is behind you about a quarter mile, on the left.4.0 ~ SPRING CROSSING ~ SW ~ 1420'4.2 ~ SPRING CROSSING ~ SW ~ 1400'5.2 ~ CCC ROAD ~?CHEAHA ROAD ~ LC, SW ~ 1275'The trail goes straight across the road.HISTORY ~ both ends of the road have been closed to preserve the Civilian Conservation Corps rock work through here. You can go left 0.3 miles to the CCC Road vehicle access point. It has been years since I went to the right, but it seems like it is about 1.5?miles to AL 281 - along the way there are 2 large rock retaining walls, a rock bridge over Hillabee Creek and numerous drains under the road. All of the CCC rocks were cut on site by hand. Years ago this road was the main north entrance road up to Cheaha State Park when it first opened in 1939.END BLUE MOUNTAINEND TALLADEGA RANGER DISTRICTEND SOUTH TALLADEGA HIGHLANDSBEGIN TALLADEGA LOWLANDSBEGIN HORSEBLOCK MOUNTAINBEGIN SHOAL CREEK RANGER DISTRICT6.2 ~ ZULU CANYON ~ 1100' ~ RWThere are 3 spring crossings in the next 0.9 miles. Zulu is Z in the military alphabet, which is a good description of this twisting canyon.NEXT RW ~ 2.0 miles.8.1 ~ POWER LINE CROSSINGThe trail goes straight across the clear-cut.ALTERNATIVE FLOODED CREEK CROSSING ~ you can see Hillabee Creek down the hill to your left. If the 8.2 ~ Hillabee Creek Crossing ahead is flooded out, then this looks like a good alternative crossing, though I’ve never tried to cross here or there in flood conditions. There is some room for here for?floodwater to spread out a little, making it shallower.?Once you cross over, bushwhack upstream 0.1 miles to the trail.8.2 ~ HILLABEE CREEK CROSSING ~ RW ~ 780'The trail comes straight into the campsite, then turns left and crosses the creek.NEXT RW ~ 1.2 miles.FORDING HAZARD ~ Hillabee Creek is about 15' wide and 1' deep and most of the time fording is easy (well sort of :). There is not much room for the creek to spread out after a big rain so it can easily become waist high and fast, so you may?need to scout downstream for a better crossing. Use extreme caution.HISTORY ~ Look for 3 Greenstone chairs by the fire ring (spring 2003).?The Greenstone found here is particular to this area only?and it is thought to have been used in trading. The Creek Indians ~ Hillabee Indians, lived in this area many years ago and archaeologist have found Native American produced Greenstone artifacts of this particular?grade in this part of the state and several other places as well.8.5 ~ SNOWFLAKE CANYON ~ 900’8.7 ~ 9.3 ~ 6 SPRING CROSSINGS ~?2 CREEK CROSSINGS ~ SW, RW~ 860'9.4 ~ CAMPSITE ~ RW ~ 800'NEXT RW ~ 2.3 miles10.4 ~ ROAD BED ~ 800'Go left 0.8 miles on this road.11.2 ~ ANOTHER ROAD BED ~ 800'Go right 0.2 miles on this road.11.4 ~ MINE SHAFT (GOLD!) ~ 820'Look for a filled in hole on the left edge of the trail.HISTORY ~ there were a few big gold strikes (sub-par quality) in Alabama years ago and this was one of the mines. 11.4 ~ ANOTHER ROAD BED ~ 840'Go right 0.1 miles.11.5 ~ END OF THE ROAD ~ 900'The trail goes right, off the road.11.7 ~ FRIENDSHIP CAMPSITE ~, RW ~ 820'NEXT RW ~ 0.7 miles12.2 ~ FRIENDSHIP GORGE ~ 880'12.4 ~ CR 24 CROSSING ~ CS, RW, HS ~ 750’When you get to the road, go left 25 yards and then the trail goes back in the woods on the right.CS ~ Go right on CR 24 for 1.4 miles to Able Mall. Closed on Sun. RW ~ there is a creek crossing north of CR 24, 100'?up the trail.NEXT RW ~ 0.8 and?0.9 milesFORDING HAZARD ~ This creek is about 10' wide and 1' deep. There is no room for the water to spread out after a heavy rain, plus this crossing is on top of a 5' waterfall. Scout upstream for a better crossing. Use extreme caution.MORGAN LAKE ~ you can go right on CR 24 for 0.1 miles and turn on the first dirt road to the left, then go 0.1 miles up to the lake access area.12.6 ~ MORGAN LAKE SWITCHBACK ~ CASCADE ~ RW ~ 750’The Pinhoti?crosses a spring and turns to the right up the first switchback. Go to the second switchback and turn left.MORGAN LAKE ~?CASCADE ~ there is also a trail that turns right at the second switchback and goes to the Cascade and Morgan Lake. Go downhill to the creek and go across. Then follow the creek a short distance upstream to the Cascade. The Cascade acts as the Dam ~?Spillway for the lake. Climb up the right side of the Cascade to access the developed area?of the lake. 13.2 ~ CREEK CROSSING ~ RW ~ 900'13.3 ~ CREEK CROSSING ~, RW ~ 900'NEXT RW ~ 1.6 miles13.5 ~ FS 515 ~ 900'When you get to the road, turn right and go 30 yards. The trail goes back in the woods on the right?(yes, that sounds a little strange...) 14.2 ~ FS 515 CROSSING ~ 900’The trail goes straight across the road.14.6 ~ MOONSHINE GORGE ~ SW ~ 900'Make 3 spring crossings in the next 0.2 miles. Look for a couple of old 55 gallon drums on the left after the first spring crossing.14.8 ~ SMALL CASCADE ~ CS, SW ~ 800'The trail follows this spring for about 100 yards before veering off to the right. After following the spring for about 50 yards, there is a trail that turns left and doubles back into the cascades. After you pass by this trail, look for a fire ring on the left down by the spring, which is next to an underground still complete with an underground air intake pipe for the fire.14.9 ~ LITTLE HILLABEE FALLS ~ RWThe trail goes straight up to the cascade and makes a sharp left turn, then curves to the right and crosses the creek twice. The cascade tumbles at least 50' and there is usually plenty of water. Plan to stop for a long break.RW ~ the campsite is at the intersection of the small cascade and large cascade creeks.NEXT RW ~ 0.3 miles15.2 ~ HILLABEE CREEK BRIDGE ~ RWNEXT RW ~ 0.2 miles15.4 ~ HORSEBLOCK MOUNTAIN FIRE TOWER VIEW ~ RWBetween here and Horseblock Canyon, there are a couple of small winter views of the old Horseblock Fire Tower way up to the right on the main ridge.RW ~ Just past the tower view, there is a fire ring on the right, down the hill by the creek (no trail).NEXT RW ~ 1.2 miles16.0 ~ HORSEBLOCK CANYON16.6 ~ HORSEBLOCK FLATS CROSSING ~ RW ~ 760'NEXT RW ~ 1.0 milesFORDING HAZARD ~ This creek is about 10' wide, 1' deep and has room to spread out after a heavy rain. Use caution.16.8 ~ CO~OP BRIDGE ~ SW17.6 ~ US 431 TRAILHEAD ~ CS, SW, RW ~ 860'The trail comes out at the trailhead parking area. This is the end of Section 7. The Pinhoti continues down the downhill dirt road to US 431.CS ~ The Cheaha Store is up the 431 hill, to the right, about 0.5 miles.SW ~ after you cross over the highway and start up the trail, there is a spring on the right.RW ~ before you cross over US 431, there is a difficult creek access on the right.?Section 8 / Northbound??Hike servicesCS ~ CONVENIENCE STORE ~ 0.0, 9.3TT ~ TRAIL TOWN ~ 9.3SW ~ SEASONAL WATER ~ 0.0, 0.2, 2.3, 2.4, 2.7, 3.2, 3.8, 4.2, 7.0, 8.3, 9.5RW ~ RELIABLE WATER ~ 0.0, 5.3, 5.6, 9.5HS ~ HOT SHOWER ~ 9.3Hike directionsDISTANCE ~ 9.5CUMULATIVE ~ 93.5 ~ 103.0ELEVATION ~ L 885' ~ H 1200'WOODS TRAIL ~ MODERATELANDMARK ~ INDIAN CAVELOCAL TOWN ~ HEFLINSOUTHERN TERMINUS ~ BEGIN?HIKE0.0 ~ US 431 TRAILHEADFrom the South FS 500 Trailhead parking area, go left 0.1 miles back out to AL 281. Turn left.Go 6.7 miles to the first paved road on the left past the US 431 bridge. Turn Left.Go 0.4 miles to the stop sign at US 431. Turn left.Go 0.6 miles to a dirt road, FS 585, on the left. Turn left.Go 0.1 miles to the US 431 Trailhead parking area, on the left.NORTHERN TERMINUS ~?FINISH HIKE9.5 ~ SOUTH FS 500 TRAILHEADExit I-20 at Exit 191,?US 431S, east of Oxford, AL.Go north on US 431 for 0.3 miles to the stop sign at US 78. Turn right.Go 5.3 miles to a paved road on the left, just before the overhead bridge at the top of the ridge. Turn left.Go 0.1 miles to the stop sign at AL 281.Go straight across onto the dirt road, FS 500.Go 0.1 miles to the South FS 500 Trailhead parking area, on the right.CONTINUE TALLADEGA LOWLANDSCONTINUE HORSEBLOCK MOUNTAIN0.0 ~ US 431 TRAILHEAD ~ CS, SW, RW ~ 885'The north trail begins from the parking area by going downhill on the gravel road for 0.1 miles to US 431. Cross over the highway and go about 30 yards to the right. The trail enters the woods on the left.CS ~ Go right on US 431 for 0.6 miles to the Cheaha Country Store. You can go left 2.8 miles to I-20, but there are no businesses there.TRAILHEAD PARKING AREA ~ The FS gate to the parking area has been known to be locked at times. An alternative plan would be to drive south on US 431 0.6 miles to the Cheaha Country Store and ask permission to park there- 3412 HWY 431, Heflin, AL 36264- or call at 256-253-2895.SW ~ after you cross over the highway and start up the trail, there is a spring on the right.RW ~ before you cross over US 431, there is a difficult creek access on the right.NEXT RW ~ 5.3 miles0.2 ~ SPRING ~?BOG CROSSING ~ SW0.8 ~ BEAVER PONDThere is an old beaver dam here but I have never seen the Beaver. 1.8 ~ FS 518 CROSSING ~ 1080'The trail goes diagonally across the road to the right. You will start hearing the hum of I ~ 20 traffic around here and it will continue for the next 4 miles or so, camp at your own risk. NEXT RW ~ 3.8 miles2.0 ~ ROAD BED CROSSING2.3 ~ CAMPSITE ~?SPRING CROSSING ~ SW2.4 ~ SPRING CROSSING ~ SW2.7 ~ SPRING CROSSING ~ SW2.9 ~ ROAD BED CROSSING3.2 ~ SPRING CROSSING ~ SW3.8 ~ CAMPSITE ~?SPRING CROSSING ~ SC, SW4.2 ~ SPRING CROSSING ~ SW4.3 ~ I - 20 CROSSING ~?(no services) ~ 1074'When the trail comes out on AL 281, turn left and go across the bridge. Then turn right on the gravel road that is 100 yards past the bridge. Go 10 yards to where the trail goes back in the woods on the left. There are no entrance / exit ramps or businesses here.4.5 ~ ROAD BED CROSSING4.6 ~ ROAD BED CROSSING4.9 ~ COLONIAL PIPELINE ~ 1010'Follow the lower side of the hump straight across the clearing. There is a blue blaze at the tree line. There is also a false trail that goes across the top of the hump.5.3 ~ CREEK CROSSING ~ RWNEXT RW ~ 0.3 miles5.6 ~ RIO GRANDE CROSSING ~ RWRW ~ You will find some flat spots near the creek.NEXT RW ~ 11.6 miles5.7 ~ PLANTATION PIPELINE ~ 990'The trail goes straight across the clearing.HISTORY ~ this pipeline runs between Louisiana and Virginia. 5.8 ~ EL LOCO SPLITWhen the trail comes to the old road bed, you will see blue paint everywhere and 2 parallel roads going straight ahead with an island of trees in the middle. Follow the road on the right side of the island. Go 100 yards to the end of the island and turn left back into the woods. This left turn is not marked (spring 2003).6.3 ~ ROAD BED CROSSING6.6 ~ AL 281 CROSSING ~ 990'The trail goes straight across AL 281.6.8 ~ HIDEOUT GORGE7.0 ~ INDIAN CAVE ~ SWThere is a shallow cave down near the spring. Look for a small grinding bowl made into the cave floor.7.6 ~ SOUTHERN NATURAL GAS PIPELINE ~?SISTER RIDGE VIEWThe trail goes straight across the clearing.SISTER RIDGE ~ there is a good view on the left of our Sister Ridge, the Choccolocco Mountains, as she follows the backside of Ft. McClellan. This ridge runs west of the Pinhoti for 61.1 miles. 8.0 ~ ROAD BED CROSSING8.2 ~ ROAD BEDThe trail goes to the right 45 yards on the road and then goes back in the woods on the left.8.3 ~ SPRING CROSSING ~ SW8.4 ~ ROAD BED CROSSING8.9 ~ BEACON ~?TRANSPONDER POWER LINE CROSSING ~ 1200'9.1 ~ POWER LINE CROSSING ~ 1100'9.3 ~ US 78 BRIDGE ~ HEFLIN?~ CS, TT, HS ~ 965'When the trail comes out on AL 281, turn left and go across the US 78 bridge.TT ~ Turn left on the paved road that is 50 yards past the bridge and loop around to the stop sign at US 78. Go left at the stop sign for 2.8 miles to Heflin.CS ~ Go right at the stop sign for 1.3 and 1.5 miles to small stores. The 1.5 store, at the intersection of US 78 and AL 9 N., has a short order kitchen.9.5 ~ SOUTH FS 500 TRAILHEAD?~ SW, RW ~ 936'After you cross the bridge, go straight for 50 yards and turn right on the gravel road (FS 500). Then go 0.1 miles to the trailhead parking area, which is on the right, just past the RR tracks.BEGIN SHOAL CREEK RANGER DISTRICTAfter you cross the bridge, continue straight past FS 500 and Smokey (wave!!) and circle around to the parking area. Hikers are welcome to use the facilities during business hours. There are also faucets around the outside of the building you may use.END HORSEBLOCK MOUNTAINEND TALLADEGA LOWLANDSSection 9 / Northbound??Hike servicesTS ~ TRAIL SHELTER ~ 7.8SW ~ SEASONAL WATER ~ 1.4-1.8 3, 2.2-2.7 2, 3.4, 4.1, 6.2, 9.8, 10.7, 11.0, 11.1, 11.4, 13.0RW ~ RELIABLE WATER ~ 7.7, 7.8, 9.4, 9.6, 10.5, 11.3, 11.5, 13.6Hike directionsDISTANCE ~ 13.6CUMULATIVE ~ 103.0 ~ 116.6ELEVATION ~ L 812' ~ H 1222'WOODS TRAIL ~ MODERATELANDMARK ~ SHOAL CREEK RANGER STATIONLOCAL TOWN ~ HEFLINSOUTHERN?TERMINUS ~?BEGIN?HIKE0.0 ~ SOUTH FS 500 TRAILHEADFrom the Pine Glen Campground, go back south on FS 500 for 4.9 miles to the South FS 500 Trailhead, on the left.NORTHERN?TERMINUS ~?FINISH?HIKE13.6 ~ PINE GLEN CAMPGROUNDExit I-20 at Exit 191,?US 431S, east of Oxford, AL.Go north on US 431 for 0.3 miles to the stop sign at US 78. Turn right.Go 5.3 miles to a paved road on the left just before the overhead bridge, at the top of the ridge. Turn left.Go 0.1 miles to the stop sign at AL 281. Go straight across onto the dirt road, FS 500.Go north 5.0 miles to the Ping Glen Campground, on the left.BEGIN CHOCCOLOCCO HIGHLANDSBEGIN BRYMER MOUNTAIN~ SOUTH FS 500 TRAILHEAD ~ LC, SW, RW (ranger station) ~ 936'From the trailhead parking area, the north trail goes back in the woods behind the Info Board.SW ~ the spring crossing is about 50 yards north of the Info Board. NEXT RW ~ 7.8 milesHISTORY ~ FS500 and FS600 were built by the Civilian Conservation Corps back in the 1930's as part of a road project to connect all of the Fire Towers between?Sylacauga, AL and?Borden Springs, AL. 0.3 ~ FS 500 CROSSING ~ 1050'The trail goes straight across the road.1.4 ~ 1.8?~ 3 SPRING CROSSINGS ~ SW2.0 ~ BIRDS IN THE PINES CAMPSITE ~ SC, LCThe Pinhoti goes straight through the camp.2.2 ~ 2.7?~ 2 SPRING CROSSINGS ~ SW2.9 ~ SISTER RIDGE VIEWThis is another good view of our Sister Ridge on the left. What you see here is the backside of Ft. McClellan, between Anniston and Jacksonville.3.4 ~ FS 523 CROSSING ~?SW ~ CWMA BOUNDARY ~ 1180'the trail angles across the road to the left. You have just crossed over the south west boundary into the 46,550 Acre?Choccolocco Wildlife Management Area.END BRYMER MOUNTAINBEGIN RATTLESNAKE MOUNTAINBEGIN CHOCCOLOCCO WILDLIFE MANAGEMENT AREA4.1 ~ SPRING CROSSING ~ SW5.5 ~ BRYMER GORGEThe trail travels along the upper side and sometimes you can hear the creek running way down below, on the left.6.2 ~ HOLLY SPRING CROSSING ~ SW6.6 ~ FS 531 CROSSING ~ 1222'The trail goes straight across the road.BANKHEAD FIRE TOWER (off trail) ~ Go right on FS 531 for 0.8 miles to FS 500/ Turn left. Go 0.6 miles to the tower, on the left.7.0 ~ BEECH GORGEDuring the winter months, you can see where two forks come together to form the gorge on your left. You are on the upper portion listening to water below.7.7 ~ LOWER SHOAL CANYON ~?CASCADE ~ RWThis is one of the finer examples of the Pinhoti's subtle beauty. Stop and take a few slow, deep breaths...NEXT RW ~ 0.1 miles7.8 ~?LOWER SHOAL SHELTER ~ TS, RWThe trail goes around the back of the shelter, up along the side, then turns left and fords the creek. Once you cross, turn left and go 25 yards to the switchback that doubles back to the right, up the hill.NEXT RW ~ 1.6 milesFORDING HAZARD ~ the creek is about 10' wide and 1' deep. Two creeks join together right above this crossing and can become over knee high after a heavy rain. Use extreme caution.9.4?~ SHOAL FLATS ~ RWAll through this area there are many great views of Shoal Creek on the left.NEXT RW ~ 0.2 miles9.6?~ CAMPSITE ~ RWOnce you ford the creek that's just past the campsite, the trail turns to the right and goes uphill 30 yards to a switchback on the left.NEXT RW ~ 0.9 milesFORDING HAZARD ~ this creek is about 10' wide, 1' deep and can get over knee high after a heavy rain. Use extreme caution.9.8 ~ 2 SPRING CROSSINGS ~ SW10.5?~ CREEK CROSSING ~ RWNEXT RW ~ 0.8 milesFORDING HAZARD ~ This creek is 20' wide, 1' deep and has room to spread out after a heavy rain. Use caution.10.7?~ EAGLE BRIDGE ~ SW10.9?~ BEECH GAPThe Beeches are distinctive for their leaves that turn a tan color in the fall and hang on all winter.11.0?~ FS 531 CROSSING / DRAIN PIPE BRIDGE?~ SW ~ 812'when you reach the road crossing, the bridge is just down the hill to the left...The trail goes straight across the road.WATCH OUT FOR SNAKES!!?There have been A LOT of 3 season sightings at the bridge.SW ~ the spring crossing is just before you reach FS 531.11.1?~ SPRING CROSSING ~ SW11.3?~ HIGHROCK LAKE?~ RW ~ 880'AKA Lake 10. This is an 8 acre finger lake that is about 50 yards wide all the way up the gorge. There is no established access to this lake.NEXT RW ~ 0.2 miles.11.4?~ SPRING CROSSING ~ SW11.5?~ CAMPSITE ~ RWNEXT RW ~ 2.1 miles.11.6?~ HIGHROCK LEAPThere is a fair winter view of the lake on your left at this rocky point.12.9?~ WINTER FEED PLOT13.0?~ 13.1?~ 2 SPRING CROSSINGS ~ SW13.6?~ PINE GLEN CAMPGROUND ~?FS 500 ~ RW ~ 946'the trail comes out on FS 500. The campground parking area / entrance is 50 yards to the left.Section 10 / NorthboundHike servicesTS ~ TRAIL SHELTER ~ 4.6, 14.9SW ~ SEASONAL WATER ~ 0.1, 2.3, 5.2, 5.5, 6.1, 6.9, 7.3, 15.3RW ~ RELIABLE WATER ~ 0.0, 2.6, 2.8, 3.0, 3.2, 4.6, 5.1, 7.2, 7.6, 7.9, 10.5, 10.6, 10.8, 10.9, 11.0, 11.8, 12.1, 12.5, 14.8, 14.9HS ~ HOT SHOWER ~ 7.2, 7.9Hike directionsDISTANCE ~ 16.3CUMULATIVE ~ 116.6 ~ 132.9ELEVATION ~ L 700' ~ H 1325'WOODS TRAIL ~ MODERATELANDMARK ~ COLEMAN LAKELOCAL TOWN ~ JACKSONVILLESOUTHERN?TERMINUS?~?BEGIN?HIKE0.0 ~ PINE GLEN CAMPGROUNDFrom the Burns Trailhead parking area, turn left on CR 55.Go 4.6 miles to a dirt road, FS 500. Turn right. There is a black mailbox on the right at this turn with the address-20346.Go 5.3 miles to the right turn where FS 500 becomes a paved road. Turn right.Go 2.0 miles to the stop sign. Turn left on FS 500.Go 0.3 miles to the stop sign. Turn right on FS 500.Go 4.4 miles to the Pine Glen Campground, on the right.NORTHERN?TERMINUS?~?FINISH?HIKE16.3 ~ BURNS TRAILHEADExit I-20 at Exit 191,?US 431S, east of Oxford, AL.Go north 0.3 miles to US 78. Turn right.Go 3.9 miles to AL 9. Turn left.Go 10.9 miles to CR 55, at the yellow flashing light. Turn right.Go 4.2 miles to the Burns Trailhead parking area, on the left.CONTINUE CHOCCOLOCCO HIGHLANDSCONTINUE RATTLESNAKE MOUNTAIN0.0 ~ PINE GLEN CAMPGROUND / FS 500?~ RW ~ 950'The north trail goes left from the parking area and goes back in the woods on the right, just past the Shoal Creek bridge.RW ~ this is a great campground on Shoal Creek with a lot of primitive campsites and a new (2003) 3 seater SST Outhouse (Sweet Smelling Toilets). This Federal Campground cost $3 a night (2003) and is open year round.NEXT RW ~ 2.6 miles.0.1 ~ DOUBLE BRIDGES ~ SW2.3 ~ BRIDGE ~ SW2.6 ~ SWEETWATER LAKE DAM?~ RW ~ 1000' ~ AKA Lake 13.This is the first of the three USDA Floodwater Retarding Dams you will come to on the Pinhoti. The trail crosses over the spillway section of the dam straight in front of you and then goes around the left side of the lake up to the parking area.NEXT RW ~ 0.3 miles2.8 ~ PENINSULA?~ RWNEXT RW ~ 0.3 miles3.0 ~ SWEETWATER LAKE PARKING AREA ~ RWThe trail goes back in the woods behind the Info Board and follows the left side of the lake for another 1.0 miles.3.2 ~ CREEK CROSSING ~ RWNEXT RW ~ 1.4 miles4.6 ~ LAUREL SHELTER ~ 1100' ~ TS, RW ~ 1100'Once you ford the creek, the trail goes straight up to the shelter and then turns left.NEXT RW ~ 0.5 miles5.1 ~ CREEK CROSSING ~ RWNEXT RW ~ 2.1 miles5.2 ~ SPRING CROSSING ~ SW5.5 ~ BRIDGE ~ SW6.0 ~ FS 553 CROSSING ~ 1220'The trail goes straight across the road.6.1 ~ SPRING CROSSING ~ SW6.3 ~ SHOAL CREEK CHURCH ~ REGISTERED HISTORIC LANDMARK ~ 1180’HISTORY ~ The Shoal Creek Church is one of the six remaining hewn log churches in Alabama and was built between 1885 and 1890. The oldest gravestone in the cemetery is dated 1811 ~ 1895.6.4 ~ SHOAL CREEK CHURCH ROADThe trail goes straight across the road.6.8 ~ COLEMAN LAKE VIEW ~ 1220'AKA Lake 8. It has a surface area of 21 acres.6.9 ~ ATA ~?AHS BRIDGE ~ SW7.2 ~ COLEMAN LAKE CAMPGROUND FOOTBRIDGE?~ RW, HS ~ 1160'At this point you will come within view of the Coleman Lake Easy Access Trail footbridge down on the right. The Pinhoti bypasses the bridge and continues straight on through.RW, and HS ~ you can cross over the bridge here and go 0.5 miles to the newly renovated (2002?) Coleman Lake Campground. This is a Federal Campground that cost $12 (2004) a night and is open April 15 through November? There are 2 new bath houses with HOT SHOWERS !!, that you can use for $2 if you don’t plan on camping, lots of campsites with full RV hook ups, primitive camping and also a beach with a bath house. NEXT RW ~ 0.4 miles7.3 ~ BRIDGE ~ SW7.6 ~ ALUMINUM BRIDGE ~ RWNEXT RW ~ 0.3?miles7.7 ~ WOODPECKER FARM (next 1.6 miles)7.9 ~ COLEMAN LAKE TRAILHEAD ~ 1200'The Pinhoti bypasses the trailhead parking area side trail and goes straight through. At the sign board you can go left 30 yards up the side trail to the trailhead.7.9 ~ FS 500 CROSSING?~ RW, HS ~ 1200'The trail goes straight across the road. Once you're across, the trail begins the gradual climb up the Rattlesnake Mountain ridge. You will reach the peak at the 9.7?~ FS 540 Crossing. All along through here you will see new growth Long Leaf Pines. RW, and HS ~ you can go right on FS 500 for 0.6 miles to the Coleman Lake Campground. It is closed in the winter from November? (changes) to April 15.NEXT RW ~ 2.6 miles9.3 ~ TREE LINE ~?HORSE TRAIL CROSSINGThe trail goes straight across the horse trail and back into the "unnatural woods". This is the end of the Woodpecker Farm. 9.7 ~ FS 540 CROSSING?~ 1325'the trail goes straight across the road.SUMMIT ~ Rattlesnake Mountain ~ 1510' ~ #97 on the list of 100 highest named summits in Alabama. You are now crossing over the ridge.10.5 ~ CREEK CROSSING ~ RWKeep an eye out through here for Partridge Berry. It resembles a small clump of 3 leaf Clover with tiny red berries. Just past the crossing there is a set of steps on the left that will take you closer to the creek and another to bring you back up.NEXT RW ~ 0.1 miles.10.6?~ CHIPMUNK CANYON ~ RWNEXT RW ~ 0.2 miles10.8 ~ CHIP'S CAMPSITE ~ LC, RWThe fire ring is on the left just past the creek crossing.NEXT RW ~ 0.1 miles.10.9 ~ DALE'S CAMPSITE ~?CASCADE ~ RWThere are 2 creek crossings here and the campsite is on the right, just past the second crossing. There is a nice cascade just a few yards north of the camp.NEXT RW ~ 0.1 miles.11.0 ~ SON OF BILLY GOAT CAMPSITE?~ RW ~ 840'NEXT RW ~ 0.8 miles11.8 ~ CREEK CROSSING ~ RWThere is another set of old rock steps here that take you down to the crossing and then back up.NEXT RW ~ 0.3 miles12.1 ~ ROCK ISLAND CROSSING ~ RW ~ 833’NEXT RW ~ 0.4 milesFORDING HAZARD ~ This section of the creek is only about 6” deep and has room to spread out after a heavy rain. Use caution.12.5 ~ TWENTY FEET CREEK ~ RWYes, the creek is Twenty Feet wide.?There is a nice clear entry to the water here. NEXT RW ~ 2.3 miles12.7 ~ TURNHILL ROAD SWITCHBACKSNORTHWEST CHOCCOLOCCO WILDLIFE MANAGEMENT AREA BOUNDARYThe trail leaves the creek here and starts the switchback at a well-marked left turn. You are leaving the CWMA here at the northwest boundary.12.8 ~ TEN TOESHere the trail weaves in and out of a long series of points and coves. If you could see this 2 mile section from the air, it might resemble two big feet.14.8 ~ CHOCCOLOCCO CREEK WATERSHED ~ 760' ~ RWThe trail goes across the top of the dam and then turns right on an old service road and goes around the left side of the lake for a while.14.9?~ CHOCCOLOCCO CREEK SHELTER ~ 700' ~ TS, RWGo across the top of the dam and then turn left on the old service road. Follow this road down about 100 yards to the shelter, on the right.RW ~ the water trail is about 200 yards straight out in front of the shelter and goes to a sand bar on this 20’ wide creek.NEXT RW ~ 1.4 milesPOTTY TRAIL ~ Look for an old road bed behind the shelter, on the left.15.2 ~ RATTLESNAKE POINT ~ 800'15.3?~ CHOCC HOLLOW ~ 780' ~ SWThis quiet little hollow has a small spring running through it and lots of old trees including Pines and Shagbark Hickory.16.3 ~ BURNS TRAILHEAD ~?CR 55 ~ 846'The trail goes straight across CR 55 and enters the Dugger Mountain Wilderness. Continue for 0.1 miles to the trailhead parking area side trail. Turn left at the trail sign and go 100 yards to the parking area.Section 11 / Northbound? ? Hike servicesSW ~ SEASONAL WATER ~ 2.7RW ~ RELIABLE WATER ~ 0.0, 8.2, 8.7, 8.8Hike directionsWILDERNESS GUIDELINES ~ Trail blazes have been removedDISTANCE ~ 8.8CUMULATIVE MILEAGE ~ 132.9 ~ 141.7ELEVATION ~ L 846' ~ H 2140'WOODS TRAIL ~ VERY DIFFICULTLANDMARK ~ DUGGER MOUNTAIN WILDERNESSLOCAL TOWN ~ JACKSONVILLESOUTHERN?TERMINUS?~?BEGIN?HIKE0.0 ~ BURNS TRAILHEADFrom the North FS 500 Trailhead, turn around and go back 2.0 miles to CR 55. Turn right.Go 4.6 miles to the Burns Trailhead parking area, on the right.NORTHERN?TERMINUS?~?FINISH?HIKE8.8 ~ NORTH FS 500 TRAILHEADExit I-20 at Exit 191,?US 431S, east of Oxford, AL.Go north 0.3 miles to US 78. Turn right.Go 3.9 miles to AL 9. Turn left.Go 10.9 miles to CR 55, at the yellow flashing light. Turn right.Go 8.8 miles to a dirt road, FS 500. Turn left. There is a black mailbox on the right at this turn with the address-20346.Go 2.0 miles to the North FS 500 Trailhead parking area- this is just a small pull off on the left, past the bridge.BEGIN NORTH TALLADEGA HIGHLANDSBEGIN DUGGER MOUNTAIN WILDERNESS0.0 ~ BURNS TRAILHEAD ~?CR 55 ~ RW ~ 846'From the back of the trailhead parking area by the wilderness dedication plaque, go right on the approach trail for 100 yards to the Pinhoti intersection. The north trail goes to the left.RW ~ from the trailhead parking area, go right on CR 55 for 100 yards to Jones Branch, running along the right side of the road.NEXT RW ~ 8.2 milesHISTORY ~ - "Pinky Burns' cabin, a Rabbittown landmark since the late 1800's, burned to the ground BEGIN DUGGER MOUNTAIN WILDERNESS0.1 ~ SOUTH DUGGER MOUNTAIN WILDERNESS BOUNDARYThis is the southern boundary of the 9220 acre Dugger Mountain Wilderness.SUMMIT ~ Red Mountain ~ 1510' ~ #98 on the list of 100 highest named summits in Alabama. The summit is on your left about halfway between here and Jones Branch Road.2.7 ~ JONES BRANCH ROAD CROSSING?~ SW ~ 1240'The trail goes straight across Jones Branch Road.SW ~ you can go right 0.1 miles on the road to a good spring. 2.8 ~ LAUREL PASSAGEthis is where you make the transition from Red Mountain to Dugger Mountain. Look for a good winter view on the left of a rock tower up ahead on the ridge.4.3 ~ DUGGER (TURKEY) GAP? ~ 1500'The trail crosses the old Gap Road here. The trail makes a sharp left turn just past the fire ring and goes around the west side of Rocky Top 6.4.4 ~ ROCKY TOP 6Keep an eye out for our Sister Ridge on the left.4.9 ~ SISTER RIDGE VIEW ~?PIEDMONT VIEWThere are many good winter and summer views of the Choccolocco Mountains?on the left about a mile away. You can see the last peak before she drops off into Piedmont. That is AL 9 that runs across the top of her head. HAZARD - Starting in late spring, the trail passes through several big 100 to 200 yard patches of Poison Oak over the next 1/2 mile.5.4 ~ ROCKY TOP 78.2 ~ NORTH DUGGER FLATS?~ RW ~ 1100'There are 5 creek crossings in the next 0.5 miles. FORDING HAZARD ~ these crossings are about 6' wide, 6" deep and rocky. They are a little tricky to cross on a good day and after a heavy rain, even more so. The water won't be over knee high so you don't have to worry too much about being swept downstream, but the chances of falling in the rocks are high. Use extreme caution.NEXT RW ~ 0.5 milesEND DUGGER MOUNTAIN WILDERNESS8.7?~ NORTH DUGGER MOUNTAIN WILDERNESS BOUNDARY?~ RW ~ 850'You are leaving the wilderness.8.8 ~ NORTH FS 500 TRAILHEAD?~ RW ~ 860'When you reach FS 500, turn right and go about 50’ to the trailhead parking area, on the right.Section 12 / NorthboundHike servicesCS ~ CONVENIENCE STORE ~ 7.9TT ~ TRAIL TOWN ~ 16.2TS ~ TRAIL SHELTER ~ 0.1, 6.4SW ~ SEASONAL WATER ~ 3.1, 3.3, 5.1, 6.8, 8.8, 12.5, 13.6RW ~ RELIABLE WATER ~ 0.0, 2.4, 7.9, 8.1, 15.4, 16.2HS ~ HOT SHOWER ~ 7.9, 16.2Hike directionsDISTANCE ~ 16.2CUMULATIVE ~ 141.7 ~ 157.9ELEVATION ~ L 767' ~ H 1871'WOODS TRAIL ~?VERY DIFFICULTLANDMARK ~ TERRAPIN CREEKLOCAL TOWN ~ PIEDMONT??SOUTHERN?TERMINUS?~?BEGIN?HIKE0.0 ~ NORTH FS 500 TRAILHEADFrom the High Point Trailhead parking area, go left on US 278 for 7.5 miles back to the 4 way stop in Piedmont. Turn right.Go 1.2 miles to AL 9 South. Turn left.Go 10.0 miles to the flashing yellow light at CR 55. Turn left.Go 8.8 miles to a dirt road, FS 500. Turn left. There is a black mailbox on the right at this turn with the address-20346.Go 2.0 miles to the North FS 500 Trailhead parking area- this is just a small pull off on the left, past the bridge. NORTHERN?TERMINUS?~?FINISH?HIKE16.2 ~ HIGH POINT TRAILHEADFrom the intersection of AL 9 and US 278 in Piedmont, AL, go east on US 278 1.2 miles to the 4 way stop sign. Turn left on US 278.Go 7.5 miles to the High Point Trailhead parking area, on the right, just past the 165 mile marker.CONTINUE NORTH TALLADEGA HIGHLANDS0.0 ~ NORTH FS 500 TRAILHEAD?~ RW ~ 860'From the trailhead parking area, go left up the hill for 50’. The north trail goes in the woods on the right.RW ~ the creek on the south side of FS 500 is the water source for the North Dugger Mountain Shelter.NEXT RW ~ 2.4 miles.0.1 ~ NORTH DUGGER MTN SHELTER?~ TS ~ 1020'When you reach the old FS road, the trail goes straight across.TS ~ turn right on the road and go about 50 yards up to the shelter site, on the right. There are a few flat spots on the old FS road and also near the shelter for camping.RW ~ the water source for the shelter is back at the 0.0?~ North FS 500 Trailhead.HISTORY ~ the view from the front of the shelter is of Oakey Mountain. 0.5 ~ OAKEY MOUNTAIN VIEWThere are great views of Oakey on the right for the next half mile due to a "Hot Fire" that swept through here a few years ago.1.0?~ ROCKY RIDGE1.1 ~ ROAD BEDWhen you get to the road bed, turn right and go 0.15 miles. Then go back in the woods on the left. Keep an eye out for the blazes.BEGIN OAKEY MOUNTAIN2.4 ~ TERRAPIN CREEK WATERSHED USFS ~ RW ~ 840'When you first see the lake, the trail is going away from the dam. After a short distance there is a switch back to the left that takes you back toward the dam. The trail goes across the top of the dam and then straight into the woods. When you first get in sight of the lake, there is an awesome view of Oakey Mountain rising to 1940'. The trail crosses over her at 1720' on the far left side, 2.2 miles past the dam.3.1 ~ DOUBLE SPRING CROSSING ~ SWWILDFLOWER ~ Iris ~ Purple / March3.3 ~ NORTH SPRING CROSSING ~ SW3.4 ~ LOST TRAIL COVE4.6 ~ OAKEY MOUNTAIN CROSSING ~ 1720'Here are some great views on the left of Little Tank Ridge in the foreground, Big Tank Ridge in the background and Wilson Ridge on the right. These 3 ridges run west to east as opposed to Oakey Mountain and Augusta Mine Ridge, which run south to north. The trail crosses the east end of Wilson Ridge on its way up to Maxwell Gap.SUMMIT ~ Oakey Mountain ~ 1940' ~ #17 on the list of 100 highest named summits in Alabama. 4.7 ~ NORTH OAKEY SWITCHBACKSThe first switchback is an old road bed that goes to the right just as soon as you cross over the ridgeline. Keep a lookout for the second switchback on the left after about a quarter mile.5.1 ~ NORTH OAKEY CAMPSITE ~ SWThere is a good seasonal spring crossing here and the fire ring is on the left. This area is a little boggy during wet seasons and would probably not be suitable for warm weather camping.SW ~ this is the south water source for the Oakey Mountain Shelter.6.4 ~ OAKEY MOUNTAIN SHELTER / ROAD BED ~ TSWhen you get to this old road bed, the trail goes straight across.SW ~ the water source is the spring crossings at mile 5.1?(south), or 6.8?(north).6.8 ~ SPRING CROSSING ~ SWthe watershed area for this spring is pretty large and I've never seen it dry, but it's not really big enough for me to want to call it a reliable water source.SW - This is the north water source for the Oakey Mountain shelter.END OF OAKEY MOUNTAINBEGIN TERRAPIN CREEK VALLEY7.9 ~ CHIEF LADIGA RAIL TRAIL ~ CLT MILE 7.0?~ CS, RW, HS ~ 767'The Pinhoti turns right on the Ladiga Trail.RW, and HS ~ October 2010 - You can see The Chief Ladiga Trail Campground out in front of you when you reach the asphalt. Turn left on the Ladiga and go 100 feet to the entrance. The two buildings you see are the bath house and the office/ camp store. Primitive camping and or hot showers are available. Sometime in the near future there will be 160 campsites and also kayak and bike rentals. Call 256-282-2370NEXT RW ~ 7.5 miles.8.1 ~ TERRAPIN CREEK BRIDGE?~ RW ~ 767'RW ~ you will have a difficult time gaining access to the creek at the bridge.8.4 ~ CHIEF LADIGA RAIL TRAIL ~ CLT MILE 6.5The Pinhoti leaves the Ladiga Trail here on the left. Look for this well marked left turn about 50 feet before the CLT 6.5 mile post.END TERRAPIN CREEK VALLEYBEGIN WILSON RIDGE8.5 ~ CR 94 CROSSING ~ 780'The trail goes straight across the road. There is a steep 600' climb 1/2 mile ahead. Keep an eye out for some stunning views on the left of Oakey Mountain, Terrapin Creek Valley, Ladiga Trail and the Terrapin Creek Bridge.8.8 ~ 94 SPRING CROSSING?~ SW ~ 920'This is a pretty good spring, below a large drainage area.9.8 ~ WILSON RIDGE CROSSING ~ 1380'END WILSON RIDGE10.1 ~ CR 70 / MAXWELL GAP CROSSING ~ 1156'The trail goes diagonally across the road to the left. There is another steep climb ahead, only it is 700' this time! Keep an eye out for some great views behind you and on your right of the north side of Wilson Ridge.BEGIN AUGUSTA MINE RIDGE10.1 ~ AUGUSTA MINE RIDGE?~ 1871'Once you finish the climb, the trail crosses over to the west side of the ridge. This sometime confusing section of trail will be hopping on and off a 4 wheeler road for the next 0.6 miles. Keep a sharp eye out for blazes and curved rows of rocks. There are a lot of good winter views on the left through here of the Piedmont valley and at several places you will see the Wolf Ridge microwave tower. The trail leaves Augusta Mine Ridge 2.0 miles ahead and goes by this tower.11.6 ~ ROCKY TOP 8 ~ 1871'11.7 ~ ROBERT R. FURGERSON MEMORIAL PLAQUEEND AUGUSTA MINE RIDGEBEGIN WOLF RIDGE12,5 ~ LANIE GAP ~ SW ~ 1460'There are 4 wheeler roads coming in from the north, south, east and west. The Pinhoti comes in from the southeast and immediately leaves northeast. Look for the blazes on the right, by the fire ring. The trail has now left Augusta Mine Ridge and is on Wolf Ridge.SW ~ the headwaters of Lanie Creek begin about 200' east of the Gap during the wet season. Follow the 4 wheeler road on the right downhill.12.7 ~ WOLF RIDGE MICROWAVE TOWER ~ 1639'There are some big rocks lining the trail on the right and the tower is barely visible about 300’ away, on the left through the pines.13.6 ~ LANIE HOLLOW?~ SW ~ 900'The trail has now left Wolf Ridge (1639') and is on Rock Quarry Mountain (1620'). There are great views of Lanie Hollow and Augusta Mine Ridge along your right side.SW ~ there are 4 spring crossings along the next 1.8 miles.SUMMIT ~ Rock Quarry Mountain ~ 1620' ~ #67 on the list of 100 highest named summits in Alabama.END WOLF RIDGE15.4 ~ LANIE CREEK CROSSING?~ RW ~ 900'There is a small trail to the left just before the creek crossing running along the bank that goes downstream about 25' to a better crossing.NEXT RW ~ 0.8 milesFORDING HAZARD ~ this creek is about 10' wide, 1' deep and has a little room to spread out after a heavy rain, but can get over knee high. Use extreme caution.HISTORY ~ Look for the concrete dam on the creek a little bit past the crossing. About 150 miles south of here, at the southern terminus of the Pinhoti Trail at Flagg Mountain, there is a dam that is almost identical to this one that was built to form a small pond like this. It was used as the water source for the CCC Tower and Cabins. The old pump house and pump at Flagg Mountain, just below the dam, are still intact. Water was pumped 0.25 miles up to the top of the mountain. This dam on Lanie Creek may have once been used to supply water for the mine workers here.16.2 ~ HIGH POINT TRAILHEAD / US 278?~ TT, RW, HS ~ 800'The trail comes out at the trailhead parking area on US 278.TT, HS ~ Go left on US 278 for 7.5 miles to Piedmont.TT, HS ~ Go right for 14.3 miles to Cedartown, GA. RW ~ Go right 0.1 miles to a difficult access creek running along the right side of the road.END NORTH TALLADEGA HIGHLANDSEND SHOAL CREEK RANGER DISTRICTEND TALLADEGA NATIONAL FORESTSection 13 / Northbound??Hike servicesTS ~ TRAIL SHELTER ~ 2.0, 5.6, 10.9SW ~ SEASONAL WATER ~ 10.8, 10.9, 11.0, 12.2, 12.3RW ~ RELIABLE WATER ~ 0.0, 1.6, 4.9, 5.4, 5.5, 5.6, 5.7, 12.8Hike directionsDISTANCE ~ 12.8CUMULATIVE ~ 157.9 ~ 170.7ELEVATION ~ L?800' ~ H 1968'WOODS TRAIL ~ VERY DIFFICULTLANDMARK ~ ALABAMA - GEORGIA STATE LINELOCAL TOWN ~ PIEDMONTSOUTHERN?TERMINUS?~?START?HIKE0.0 ~ HIGH POINT TRAILHEADFrom the Jackson Chapel Trailhead parking area, go left on Jackson Chapel Road 3.6 miles back out to US 411. Turn left.Go 5.1 miles to Rock Run Road (look for a Beauty Shop and Self-Storage on the left). Turn left.Go 5.4 miles to CR 45, just past downtown Rock Run. Turn left.Go 2.7 miles to US 278. Turn left.Go 0.1 miles to the High Point Trailhead parking area, on the right. NORTHERN?TERMINUS?~?FINISH?HIKE12.8 ~ JACKSON CHAPEL TRAILHEADFrom downtown Cave Spring, GA, go west on US 411 for 2.3 miles to Jackson Chapel Road (look for a large Mountain Springs Baptist Church sign on the left). Turn left.Go 3.6 miles to the Jackson Chapel Trailhead parking area, on the right.The turn in is gravel and has enough room for 4 vehicles. Please don’t block the gate.BEGIN THE GREAT NORTH WILDLANDS0.0 ~ HIGH POINT TRAILHEAD ~?US 278?~ TT, RW ~ 800'From the trailhead parking area, the north trail turns right on US 278. Go 0.3 miles, almost to the end of the long straightaway, then enter the woods on the left at a large piece of broken concrete drain pipe. Look for the blue blaze and sign.TT, HS ~ Go left on US 278 for 7.5 miles to Piedmont.TT, HS ~ Go right for 14.3 miles to Cedartown, GA. RW ~ Go right 0.1 miles to a difficult access creek running along the right side of the road.NEXT RW ~ 1.6 miles0.3 ~ ATA SECTION DEDICATION MARKER ~ 900'There is a dedication marker for the completion of the ATA Section here at the beginning of the trail on the right.BEGIN DAVIS MOUNTAIN0.5 ~ THE PITTS 1?Keep a sharp eye on the blazes through these winding open pit iron ore mines. 1.6 ~ DAVIS MOUNTAIN SWITCHBACKS ~ RWFollow the switchbacks downhill 0.2 miles to the spring. Once you cross the spring turn left and go 25 yards on the woods?road, then go back in the woods on the right for the 0.2 mile switchbacks up to the shelter.RW ~ this is the water source for the Davis Mountain Shelter.NEXT RW ~ 3.3 miles2.0 ~ DAVIS MOUNTAIN SHELTER ~ ROCKY TOP 9 ~ LC, TS ~ 1200'The trail goes straight for 10 yards past the shelter on a 4 wheeler road, which then turns left and the trail goes straight. Winter views from the shelter are mostly southern with Augusta Mine Ridge as the centerpiece.LC, TS ~ the shelter is on the right just off trail and plenty of campsites are nearby. There is a metal fire ring with a grill top at the shelter.2.1 ~ WOODS ROADthis is the first of 6 old woods roads that the trail will go straight across in the next 0.4 miles.2.7 ~ INDIAN TOP SWITCHBACKSThere is a distant northeast winter view of just the top of Indian Mountain here at the beginning of the switchbacks. The part of the mountain that you can see is around 4.4 trail miles away at the 7.1?~ 1500 Foot Overlook.2.9 ~ WOODS ROADWhen you reach the bottom of the switchbacks the trail goes straight across this dirt road.3.0 ~ WOODS ROADThe trail turns right on this dirt road. There is a Pinhoti trail sign across the road pointing to the right for north bounders and another one pointing left for south bounders. Go 0.2 miles down the road and look closely for another trail sign on the right pointing NB'ers to the left back into the woods and SB'ers back up the road.3.7 ~ HAWK'S RESTThis rocky spot is a great place to lay back and watch Hawks floating the thermals above the lake at eye level. 4.5 ~ DANTE'S SWITCHBACKS!There are great views of Indian Mountain across the Hurricane Creek valley for the next 0.4 miles. The trail reaches the top of the Indian Mountain ridge straight out in front of you 1.6 miles away and travels east and then northeast to the Georgia state line.4.9 ~ HURRICANE CREEK BRIDGE?~ RW ~ 818'At the bottom of the switchbacks the trail comes to a road bed at the creek. Turn left and go 15 yards to the bridge, on the right.RW ~ Continue on the roadbed 0.1 miles past the bridge to a large, flat, grassy area by the creek.NEXT RW ~ 0.5 milesEND DAVIS MOUNTAIN5.0 ~ SALEM CHURCH ROAD ~?CR 8 ~ 838'The trail goes straight across the road. Your ascent of Indian Mountain begins here. About 0.1 miles in, look for a huge Oak on the right that is well over 100 years old.5.3 ~ WOODS?ROADWhen you get to the old road bed, turn right and go 0.1 miles to Hawkins Hollow.5.4 ~ HAWKINS HOLLOW ~ RWThe trail goes around the left side of the Pond.NEXT RW ~ 0.1 miles5.5 ~ CREEK BRIDGE ~ RWNEXT RW ~ 0.1 miles.5.6 ~ HAWKINS HOLLOW SHELTER ~ TS, RWYou will come to the shelter about 100 yards before you reach the Tent Platform. 5.6 ~ HAWKINS HOLLOW TENT PLATFORM ~ RWThe platform is about halfway through this rocky, steep sided hollow.There are some large rock formations on the ridge up behind the camp.NEXT RW ~ 0.1 milesBEGIN INDIAN MOUNTAIN5.7 ~ INDIAN MOUNTAIN SWITCHBACKS ~ RWAfter the creek crossing, look for the first turn on the right.NEXT RW ~ 1.0 miles6.1 ~ THE PITTS 2On the second road bed, turn left and go 20', then turn right through the big Pine blowdown. This is a smaller version of The Pitts / 1 (open pit iron ore mines).6.7 ~ HUNT CLUB GAP ~ (future RW) the trail goes straight across 2 more old road beds.RW ~ Turn right on the road bed and go downhill 100 yards to a future side trail on the right that will carry you about 50 yards through the woods to a year round spring.NEXT RW ~ 6.1 miles7.1 ~ 1500 FOOT OVERLOOK ~ 1500'You can see into Georgia here on the left and if you look to the right you can see Davis Mountain in the foreground 2.6 trail miles away, Augusta Mine Ridge behind that 11.6 trail miles away, Oakey Mountain behind that 18.7 trail miles away and Dugger Mountain behind that 25.7?trail miles away.7.6 ~ SOUTH FACE SWITCHBACKSUp near the top of the climb the trees thin out for good winter views looking south.7.8 ~ SOUTH FOREVER WILD BOUNDARY8.0 ~ 1700 FOOT OVERLOOK?~ LC ~ 1700'the trail goes through an open rocky area with a very broad view of Georgia.9.1 ~ FLAG POLE MOUNTAIN?~ 1968'The trail goes through the campsite, then makes an immediate right turn to circle around the hill crest for 40 yards, then turns left off the 4 wheeler road. This is the highest trail elevation on Indian Mountain.HISTORY ~ During WW 2 this area was used as a military training site.SUMMIT ~ Flag Pole Mountain ~ 1968'#13 on the list of 100 highest named summits in Alabama.9.6 ~ DR. TOM McGEHEE MEMORIAL9.8 ~ WEISS LAKE OVERLOOKOn a clear winter day you can see Weiss Lake from the rocky overlook on the left. Weiss Lake is just below Center, AL, which is just below Little River Canyon, which is on the southernmost tip of Lookout Mountain.10.0 ~ FOREVER WILD NORTHERN BOUNDARY ~ The trail continues past the welcome to Alabama sign along the ridge line for about 50', then starts veering off to the right down the east slope.10.1 ~ ALABAMA / GEORGIA STATE LINEWelcome to Georgia! The north trail continues straight past the sign board / state flags.10.8 ~ SHAGBARK FLATS ~ SW10.9 ~ SPRING CREEK SHELTER ~ 1065’ ~ TS, SWLook for the shelter side trail on the left.SW ~ Go north for 0.1 miles to a good spring.You'll find 7 Shagbark Hickory trees within 50' of the shelter site.11.0 ~ LEAD DOG BRIDGE ~ SW11.1 ~ WOODS ROAD CROSSINGThe trail goes straight across the road.11.6 ~ WOODS ROAD CROSSING / THE BRIAR PATCHThe trail crosses the road diagonally to the right. This road marks the beginning of a recent clear cut that is just starting to grow back.12.0 ~ WOODS ROAD CROSSINGThe trail goes straight across the road.12.2 ~ DOUBLE SPRING CROSSING ~ SW12.3 ~ CEMENT BOX SPRING ~ SWLook for a short side trail on the right that will take you to an old concrete spring box. The box is about 2 1/2 feet square and is a good running water source that was put here many years ago, possibly by the Augusta Mining Company.12.5 ~ THE PITTS 3 ~ 12.8 ~ JACKSON CHAPEL TRAILHEAD?~ RW ~ 869'The trail comes out at the trailhead parking area at the gated Jeep road. This is the end of Section 13.END OF INDIAN MOUNTAINEND OF THE GREAT NORTH?WILDLANDSNORTHERN TERMINUS OF THE ALABAMA SECTION OF THE PINHOTI TRAIL? ................
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