Pinhoti Trail, Alabama, March 15-17, 2013 Trip Report

**Rain Man** · 03-18-2013, 21:25

Pinhoti Trail, Alabama, March 15-17, 2013 Trip Report

A Nashville Backpacker Meetup friend and I hiked this weekend from Porter's Gap to Cheaha Trailhead, 26.8 miles or so in all. We had warm, beautiful, sunny weather and mentioned to each other several times how nice it was. This was my first time to set foot on the Pinhoti. Shuttler Blister Bob surely made it a pleasant start!

My friend, 'Third Leg,' and I both used our hammocks, as you'll see in the photos. I used my multi-function blaze orange pack cover as an under-shield due to the breezes at night. Daytime temps were in the 70s. Without any tree cover, we almost sunburned. Temps Saturday morning were 53 and Sunday morning 54 on thermometer in my hammock just over my head. I never deployed my rain fly and enjoyed brightly starry skies both nights, with some moonlight.

Though I read warnings of dry stretches, this being wet season and having recently had good rain, all seasonal streams and springs were flowing good. Friday we had the trail to ourselves. Not so Saturday, as many hikers were out for the day or over-nighters.

Here is a link to the photo album, each with its own caption, which make a trip report. Enjoy.

Pinhoti Trip photos

Rain Man

.

**STinGa** · 03-19-2013, 03:46

Rain Man,

Looks like you had a great trip. Thanks for sharing the pics. The weather was nice all weekend, glad you were able to get out and enjoy it.

STinGa

**halfastronomical** · 03-19-2013, 06:05

Great Photos. I was on the Pinhoti/Odum trail on Saturday...mostly off-trail, though,

**southmark** · 03-19-2013, 07:20

Hey Rainman, I was on the trail from Adam's Gap to Porter's Gap Sunday and Monday. We had some high winds Sunday night but were able to beat the bad weather yesterday.

**Rain Man** · 03-19-2013, 10:32

Yep, nice weather and nice folks. We enjoyed everybody we ran into on the trail or stopped at campsites.

I have to say, Blister Bob is an amazingly nice guy and shuttle driver! His wife even sends homemade cookies when he shuttles. YUMM!!!

It being in the mid-70s still officially in winter, and getting red arms from the sun, and tough climbs like Stairway to Heaven, make me think I don't want any part of the Pinhoti Trail once summer heat and humidity get here!

Rain Man

.

**OneThing** · 03-19-2013, 10:54

Sounds like a good time was had by all.

I've been reading about the Pinhoti Trail. I've thought to myself, that it would be cool to do the Florida Trail, to the Pinhoti to the AT. Talks have been in the works to extend the AT into Canada. Now, that would put the PCT to shame as far as distance and difficulty.

Great weather in March in Alabama was rare when I lived there. Glad you had a great time.

**FLRider** · 03-19-2013, 19:13

Sounds like a good time, Rain Man. I've heard good things about the Pinhoti; it's on my to-do list for the next few years.

Originally Posted by OneThing

Sounds like a good time was had by all.

I've been reading about the Pinhoti Trail. I've thought to myself, that it would be cool to do the Florida Trail, to the Pinhoti to the AT. Talks have been in the works to extend the AT into Canada. Now, that would put the PCT to shame as far as distance and difficulty.

Great weather in March in Alabama was rare when I lived there. Glad you had a great time.

Try a Google search for "Eastern Continental Trail". There were at least two different gentlemen who did it last year; both are up on TrailJournals. It's an unofficial trail that runs from Key West to Newfoundland.