Situated in japanese Alabama and western Georgia, the Pinhoti Nationwide Recreation Path is beloved by new and skilled thru-hikers for its lengthy mountaineering season, quirky path cities, and average terrain.
Roughly which means “Turkey dwelling” within the Native American Creek language, hikers can anticipate to come across turkeys, canines, and even bears on the Pinhoti Path. Cheaha State Park and the Mount Dugard Wilderness are only a few locations the place hikers will likely be rewarded with stunning ridge line views. Different pure beauties embody numerous waterfalls alongside the path.
Some thru-hikers hike this path as a part of an extended journey, persevering with on to Amicalola Falls, the Appalachian Path, and even connecting to the Japanese Continental Path. The Pinhoti will certainly present an enriching expertise, no matter what number of nights you spend.
Fast Info
- Distance: 351 miles
- Days Wanted: 2-4 weeks
- Peak Elevation: Buddy Cove Hole (3,164 ft)
- Low Elevation: Weogufka Creek space (545 ft)
- Elevation Acquire/Loss (approximate): 47,873 ft
- Finest Time to Journey: Fall – Spring
- Permits: None
- Issue: Troublesome (average in comparison with different thru-hikes)
Highlights
- Nicely-marked and maintained
- Gentle winter climate (nice low season possibility)
- Clear, well-built shelters
- Frequent resupply factors and comfort shops alongside the route
- Termini are all inside two hours of metro areas for simpler entry
- Cheaha Mountain, the very best level in Alabama, is a simple facet journey
- Funky cities, a lot of waterfalls, nice flora
Lowlights
- Two lengthy street walks with restricted tenting
- A number of water crossings are deep and fairly chilly within the winter (might be a swim spot spotlight in one other season)
- Many unfastened farm canines may be intimidating for some hikers.
- Car break-ins at trailheads are reported
- Southern portion of the path is surprisingly dry in the summertime
Finest Time to Hike
Although the Pinhoti is one of some trails that may be hiked year-round, it’s best skilled from fall via spring. Summer time within the southern Appalachian mountains may be sizzling, buggy (ticky), and water sources are typically few and much between this time of the 12 months. Late fall can nonetheless be dry, however temperatures are cooler, and altering foliage could make for a phenomenal hike. Winters are gentle, with gentle dustings of snow and no bugs, making this a terrific low season thru-hike.
The shortage of leaves on the timber additionally makes it simpler to soak up the views from the highest of among the ridges. Early spring is one other nice possibility because the temperatures are a bit hotter than winter, and wildflowers are considerable.
Potential hikers ought to beware that tornadoes are most prevalent in Alabama throughout spring. One of many nice issues in regards to the lengthy mountaineering season and southern latitudes is that the Pinhoti can simply be hiked in both course. Climbing it NOBO (northbound) or SOBO (southbound) is not going to considerably alter the expertise.
Issue of Path
Due to its well-marked and maintained footpath, the Pinhoti Path makes a terrific newbie or low season thru-hike. Nonetheless, potential hikers ought to hold a couple of issues in thoughts:
TERRAIN
Like a lot of the Appalachian Mountains, the Pinhoti has sections coated with roots or rocks layered in leaves. These sections require extra focus to keep away from slipping or rolling an ankle, and trekking poles might assist with stability. That stated, there are additionally many sections the place the path is made up of dust or leaves, making for nice strolling.
GRADIENT
The Pinhoti Path is mostly a lot better graded than different hikes within the Appalachian Mountains, such because the AT, Lengthy Path, or Benton McKaye Path. Whereas there are nonetheless many ups and downs, the path is shorter with extra flat sections, and a few steep sections are eased with switchbacks.
ROAD SECTIONS
One of the crucial difficult features of the Pinhoti Path is the 2 lengthy street strolling sections.
The path follows paved roads for 27 miles north of Dalton, Georgia, and about 30 miles north of Cave Springs, Georgia. Resulting from non-public property, tenting is restricted alongside these street walks. Whereas the routes are blazed and formally acknowledged as a part of the path, many thru-hikers select to hitch round them for bodily, security, and/or logistical causes.
These street sections are definitely doable however require an extended day of mountaineering. Climbing these sections southbound is barely extra interesting as a result of the street walks terminate in cities, so your pack might be near empty of meals rations.
TRIP LENGTH
For these aspiring to thru-hike the Pinhoti, size is a vital consideration. At 351 miles, this path is extra approachable for the typical individual than different longer thru-hikes.
Correct planning and preparation make it doable to finish the Pinhoti Path utilizing PTO or stacked trip time. Whereas any thru-hike requires a monetary funding, bodily fortitude, and loads of logistics, it’s a nice introduction to long-distance backpacking or a method to scratch the itch for knowledgeable thru-hikers. This path also can simply be accomplished in sections.
Getting There
NORTHERN TERMINUS
The northern terminus is among the most distant sections of the Pinhoti Path. It begins on the Benton MacKaye Path close to Elijay, Georgia. To get there, hike from Jacks River Discipline campground or Buddy Cove Hole.
Mulberry Hole Journey Base Camp gives shuttles and paid parking for many who want a journey to the terminus. Many thru-hikers select to increase their journey to Amicalola Falls through the Benton MacKaye Path.
SOUTHERN TERMINUS
Proclaimed the southernmost peak within the Appalachian Mountains, Flagg Mountain marks the southern finish of the Pinhoti Path. A brick lookout tower perched on high of the mountain makes for a memorable landmark initially or finish of the path.
For hikers from out of city, Flagg Mountain is positioned about an hour and a half from Birmingham, AL, and the closest city to the terminus is Weogufka. The Pinhoti Out of doors Heart is a superb useful resource for hikers on the path’s southern finish, they usually supply shuttle rides to the terminus.
TRAILHEADS
There are numerous trailheads and entry factors alongside the route, particularly alongside highways and in parks. Part hikers must be conscious that a number of hikers have had their vehicles damaged into whereas parked at trailheads. For longer journeys, parking on the Pinhoti Out of doors Heart, Mulberry Hole, or different areas the place the car could also be monitored is a good suggestion.
Planning your Itinerary
Being versatile could make all of the distinction within the enjoyment and completion of a thru-hike. That stated, being accustomed to resupply areas, common each day mileage, is useful. As a result of gentler inclines and smoother path tread, it’s simpler to cowl extra miles on the Pinhoti Path than within the northern Appalachian mountains.
Relying on health and pacing targets, these mountaineering within the late spring, summer season, or early fall can cowl 15-20 miles per day. Through the winter and early spring, hikers must be ready to take care of poor climate situations and lengthy nights, which might considerably impression each day mileage. 10-15 miles per day tends to be a extra comfy tempo for the typical individual at the moment of 12 months.
MAPS & RESOURCES
- CalTopo: Overview Map
- Georgia Pinhoti Path Affiliation: PDF Information for the Georgia Part
- FarOut Pinhoti Path App: We thought that the FarOut Pinhoti Path app is essentially the most useful for pre-trip planning and day-to-day mountaineering. The waypoints had up-to-date data on resupply areas, and the GPS location function helped us plan the subsequent day on the path.
- Pinhoti Path Alliance Fb group and the Pinhoti Out of doors Heart, that are additionally nice pre-trip sources.
SHELTERS & CAMPSITES
Whereas there are a couple of shelters, tenting is essentially the most dependable method to spend the evening on the path. There are 9 marked shelters on the Pinhoti Path, with the bulk between I-20 and the Georgia state line. These shelters are all comparatively new, clear, and well-maintained.
Relying on the time of 12 months, there’s a good likelihood that you’ll have all of them to your self. On our thru-hike, we by no means noticed different hikers on the shelters.
As for tenting, there are numerous pretty spots alongside the path to pitch a tent. The leaf litter that’s considerable on this a part of the nation makes for comfortable sleeping spots. Discovering a flat spot to pitch a tent was not too troublesome in our expertise. The most important challenge is the shortage of authorized tenting alongside the Cave Springs and Dalton street walks as a result of non-public property.
FOOD & RESUUPLY POINTS
Although the Pinhoti Path traverses extra rural areas of the southeast, roads and comfort shops are extra frequent than within the western a part of the US. This implies there are numerous areas to resupply or simply decide up a snack throughout a break.
There are just a few spots the place hitchhiking is critical to achieve a city, and these locations can simply be averted by carrying barely extra meals and buying meals from comfort shops. Listed here are the areas the place we despatched resupply packages or spent extra time on the town (from north to south):
Talladega, AL (NOBO mile ~60, SOBO mile 290)
Considered one of two cities that may require a hitch, Talladega has a inhabitants of round 15,000 and a number of facilities to assist a hiker out. Walmart, Piggly Wiggly, and a number of greenback shops supply boundless resupply choices and an amazing array of quick meals chains. Whereas we selected to n nero (practically zero mile-day) out and in of Talladega, there are numerous welcoming locals on the town who will make your keep a terrific one.
Don’t Miss: Subsequent Step Hostel
Heflin, AL (NOBO mile 113, SOBO mile 237)
Considered one of our favourite stops on the Pinhoti! The city of Heflin has a terrific relationship with thru-hikers. Hikers are inspired to name Heflin Metropolis Corridor to rearrange a journey, or chances are you’ll select to hike the three.7-mile spur path into city. Path Angels on the town are glad to offer rides to assist with resupplying, and it’s a custom to have your picture taken subsequent to the Heflin mural.
Whereas we selected to save cash by tenting at Cahulga Creek Park, there’s a lodge on the town and the 8 Acorns Hostel, which presents shuttles.
Don’t Miss: Heflin Metropolis Corridor, Rhythm Cafe, Elevated Grounds, Rattling Yankees, Vallarta Genuine Mexican
Cave Spring, GA (NOBO mile 190, SOBO mile 160)
Small in measurement, however positioned proper on path, Cave Spring is a superb place to cease and recharge. Hikers can resupply at KC’s meals retailer, Greenback Basic, or ship a package deal to the put up workplace. Southern Taste is a well-liked restaurant amongst thru-hikers as is the historic Hearn Inn.
Don’t Miss: Southern Taste, Hearn Inn
Summerville, GA (NOBO mile 232, SOBO mile 118)
Summerville is a small however full-service city positioned roughly 4 miles from the path by automotive. As a result of shut proximity and entry to the nationwide forest, we had no issues turning this city cease right into a nero to avoid wasting cash on lodging.
Ingles, Greenback Basic, and Household Greenback, along with the put up workplace, present ample resupply choices. There are a number of regionally owned and chain eating places on the town for a sizzling meal. We significantly appreciated the JR Dick Dowdy park throughout the road from Ingles as a terrific place to hang around. The gazebo has shops for recharging gadgets.
Don’t Miss: JR Dick Dowdy Park
Dalton, GA (NOBO mile 285, SOBO mile 65)
Dalton is a full-service metropolis positioned proper off of I-75. Due to its measurement, it isn’t as walkable or as pleasant as many different stops on the Pinhoti Path. The trade-off is that it comes with a lot of resupply choices.
Most hikers keep at one of many many chain accommodations alongside I-75 to gear up for or calm down after the lengthy street stroll north of city. There are various chain quick meals eating places and a Kroger grocery retailer inside a half mile to a mile from the interstate. Different facilities exist, however are farther from the Pinhoti.
Mulberry Hole, GA (NOBO mile 330, SOBO mile 20)
These simply mountaineering the Pinhoti might not must cease at Mulberry Hole. Nonetheless, for hikers who plan to increase their hike on the Benton MacKaye Path, it is a fantastic cease.
Mulberry Hole presents tenting, cabins, home-cooked meals, shuttles, and can maintain packages. We discovered the oldsters right here to be extraordinarily welcoming and sort, along with providing in a single day parking.
Don’t Miss: Mulberry Hole Journey Base Camp
Bonus snack Notes: We additionally picked up snacks on the Greenback Basic at mile 21, Cheaha State Park, Citgo at mile 207, and the comfort shops alongside the Dalton street stroll. There’s now a Greenback Basic at Ramhurst, Pinhoti Path NOBO mile 307.
These areas can be utilized in a pinch to resupply meals or not less than reduce how a lot meals must be carried when leaving a bigger city. Cheaha State Park is dear, however a pleasant deal with between all the climbing.
SAFETY
DOGS
One widespread grievance in regards to the Pinhoti Path is the variety of unfastened canines encountered throughout street walks. Many hikers have been barked at, and even bitten, by canines who’re guarding their property.
In our expertise, understanding canine habits goes an extended method to forestall a detrimental interplay. By utilizing the next methods, we have been efficiently in a position to cross quite a few unfastened canines, even when mountaineering with our personal pups.
- Perceive that the majority canines are simply useful resource guarding their property; they don’t seem to be aggressive in the way in which most animal behaviorists would outline the phrase.
- When approached by a canine, flip and face them straight whereas standing tall. Don’t run away or face them sideways. This tells the canine(s) that you simply imply enterprise, they usually really feel the strain of your presence.
- In the event that they hold working in direction of you, apply strain to them by tapping your trekking pole on the bottom of their course, waving your hat at them, and/or utilizing a robust and assured voice to inform them off.
- Watch for them to cease and/or flip round. If they begin following you, repeat steps 2-3. By this level, most canines will act uncertain (they’ll decrease their tail and ears).
- Livestock guardian canines and actually aggressive canines take strain as a problem. It’s at all times greatest to offer area to keep away from confrontation.
CAREFUL WITH YOUR CAR
We’ve heard that hikers have returned to their vehicles solely to search out they’ve been ransacked. For that cause, we propose you allow your rig in a monitored spot just like the Pinhoti Out of doors Heart or Mulberry Hole.
Backpacking Gear – What to Pack
Gear Checklist
Make certain to take a look at our Final Backpacking Guidelines so that you don’t neglect one thing essential.
Beneath you’ll discover our present favourite backpacking gear. If you wish to see extra choices, our curated gear guides are the results of a few years of in depth analysis and hands-on testing by our staff of out of doors consultants.
BACKPACK
- Finest Backpacking Pack Total: REI Flash 55 – Males’s / REI Flash 55 – Girls’s
- Finest Ultralight Backpacking Backpack: Hyperlite Mountain Gear Unbound 40
- Extra: Take a look at our greatest backpacking backpacks information for ultralight and trekking choices
TENT
- Finest Backpacking Tent Total: Huge Agnes Copper Spur HV UL2
- Finest Ultralight Tent: Zpacks Duplex
- Finest Funds Tent: REI Half Dome SL 2+
- Finest Tent Stakes Total: All One Tech Aluminum Stakes
- Extra: Take a look at our greatest backpacking tents information for extra choices
SLEEPING BAG/QUILT
- Finest Sleeping Bag Total: Males’s Feathered Buddies Swallow YF 20 / Girls’s Feathered Buddies Egret YF 20
- Finest Quilt Total: Enlightened Gear Revelation 20
- Extra: Take a look at our greatest backpacking sleeping baggage information and greatest backpacking quilts information for extra choices
SLEEPING PAD
- Finest Sleeping Pad Total: NEMO Tensor All-Season
- Finest Foam Sleeping Pad: NEMO Switchback
- Extra: Take a look at our greatest backpacking sleeping pads information for ultralight and trekking choices
CAMP KITCHEN
- Finest Backpacking Range Total: MSR PocketRocket 2
- Finest Backpacking Cookware Total: TOAKS Titanium 750ml
- Finest Backpacking Espresso Total: Starbucks VIA
- Extra: Take a look at our greatest backpacking stoves information and greatest backpacking cookware information for ultralight and huge group choices
WATER & FILTRATION
- Finest Water Filter Total: Sawyer Squeeze
- Finest Hydration Bladder Total: Gregory 3D Hydro
- Finest Backpacking Water Bottles: Smartwater Bottles
- Extra: Take a look at our greatest backpacking water filters information and greatest backpacking water bottles information for ultralight and huge group choices
CLOTHING
- Finest Climbing Pants Total: Males’s Out of doors Analysis Ferrosi / Girls’s The North Face Aphrodite 2.0
- Finest Climbing Shorts Total: Males’s Patagonia Quandary / Girls’s Out of doors Analysis Ferrosi
- Finest Girls’s Climbing Leggings: Fjallraven Abisko Trekking Tights HD
- Finest Rain Jacket Total: Males’s Patagonia Torrentshell 3L / Girls’s Patagonia Torrentshell 3L
- Finest Rain Pants: Males’s Patagonia Torrentshell 3L / Girls’s Patagonia Torrentshell 3L
- Finest Down Jacket Total: Males’s Patagonia Down Sweater Hoodie / Girls’s Patagonia Down Sweater Hoodie
- Finest Fleece Jacket Total: Males’s Patagonia Higher Sweater / Girls’s Patagonia Higher Sweater
- Finest Sunshirt Total: Males’s Out of doors Analysis Echo / Girls’s Out of doors Analysis Echo
- Finest Socks Total: Males’s Darn Powerful Gentle Hiker Micro Crew / Girls’s Darn Powerful Gentle Hiker Micro Crew
- Beste Ultralight Liner Glove: Patagonia Capilene Midweight Liner
- Extra: Take a look at our greatest backpacking attire lists for extra choices
FOOTWEAR & TRACTION
- Finest Climbing Sneakers Total: Males’s HOKA Speedgoat 6 / Girls’s HOKA Speedgoat 6
- Finest Climbing Boots Total: Males’s Salomon X Extremely 4 GTX / Girls’s Lowa Renegade GTX
- Finest Climbing Sandals Total: Males’s Chaco Z/1 Traditional / Girls’s Chaco Z/1 Traditional
- Finest Camp Sneakers Total: Crocs Traditional Clogs
- Finest Traction Gadget for Climbing Total: Kahtoola MICROspikes
- Extra: Take a look at our greatest backpacking footwear lists for extra choices
NAVIGATION
- Finest GPS Watch Total: Garmin Intuition 2 Photo voltaic
- Finest Private Locator Beacon (PLB): Garmin inReach Mini 2
- Extra: Take a look at our article How one can Use Your Telephone as a GPS Gadget for Backpacking & Climbing to be taught extra
FOOD
FIRST-AID & TOOLS
- Finest First-Help Equipment Total: Journey Medical Kits Ultralight/Watertight .7
- Finest Pocket Knife Total: Kershaw Leek
- Finest Multitool Total: Leatherman Wave+
- Finest Headlamp Total: Black Diamond Spot 400-R
- Finest Energy Financial institution Total: Nitcore NB 10000 Gen 3
- Extra: Take a look at our greatest first-aid Equipment information, greatest pocket knife information, greatest multitool information, greatest backpacking headlamps information, and greatest energy banks information for extra choices
MISCELLANEOUS
- Finest Trekking Poles Total: Black Diamond Pursuit
- Finest Backpacking Chair Total: REI Flexlite Air
- Finest Backpacking Stuff Sack Total: Hyperlite Mountain Gear Drawstring
- Extra: Take a look at our greatest trekking poles information, greatest backpacking chairs information, and greatest stuff sacks information for extra choices
Conclusion
Traversing 350 miles from Alabama’s Flagg Mountain to the Georgia mountains, the Pinhoti presents not solely a bodily problem but additionally an immersion within the area’s pure magnificence and wealthy historical past, from dense forests and rocky ascents to tranquil streams and panoramic vistas.
Whether or not you hike a brief part or go for all the path, the Pinhoti rewards each traveler with a way of accomplishment, solitude, and a deeper appreciation for the untamed spirit of the southeast.
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