Pinhoti Trail section 8 hike

Tues., Feb 8

North to south section 8 complete

FS 500 trailhead clear, 30 degrees, 7:00 AM

No other vehicles at the parking lot and no encounters with anyone for the 9.5 miles,

even though the trail was well used and easy to follow. the marking was adequate for

even beginner hikers and my partner and I had no difficulty on any part with maybe

the only exception being unattentive on the fire break trail that comes out to the 

power line clearing about half way to the first SR 281 crossing and not at first noticing

where the trail makes a left turn even though it is well marked with a sign. our natural

tendancy was to stay on the wide and clear fire break. At the power line clearing we 

decided to backtrack and discovered our mistake.

Across 281 and through the tornado damaged area again was a well worn easy to follow 

path and we were in hopes to see some indication of where the planned shelter was, but

nothing yet.

After crossing I-20 and back off the west side of the ridge we only encountered a few minor 

limbs and most I could flip out of the way with my hiking stick. 

Just past  FS 518 we decided to stop for a breather and lunch break. I was pleased to see

that the trail stewards had cleared the tornado blow downs on this section since I came

through here in Jan.10 THANK YOU for all your hard efforts so that the best of Alabama's

nature is available for everyone to enjoy.

US 431 trailhead 1:30 PM, 45 degrees

6.5 hrs. ( the John Muir 'sauntering' rate )

Pinhoti Trailhead Shuttle

256-276-1661

hilltophermit@msn.com