sway back as a hiking trail

[ke4uzi]

I know this is mostly a bike trail but since one of our (troop 13) boyscouts marked all the trails there I figured it could be used as a day hike trail too..So my son and I hiked the four mile trail today and really enjoyed it,no bikes on the trail though.

I did notice some of the trails were not marked very well (we had no map or anything), and those that have never been there might get confused at point on the trail.
Anyone else notice it?

[Cuffs]

More details... where is this? 

[ke4uzi]

Sway back trail is in Elmore co. near Jordon Damn. It is also where Coosa river adventures & the city of Wetumpka hold their Triathalon (run,swim, bike)  If anyone is familiar with the area the parking lot is behind the sportsman bar.

[Tacky Hiker]

Its marked pretty well I think...I ride there a good bit. They have recently marked it better...you just got to follow the colored arrows.

Edit: And i have seen alot of people run it/walk it !! Just watch out because on some parts the bikes really pick up speed.

[Magic City Matt]

Wetumpka has a pretty good set of features around there. i know we had a great time on the Coosa last year.

[DeShazo]

Here is the official website of the group that does the upkeep on the trail. I just rode it Monday. The signs say hiking and biking only, no horse back or motorized vehicles. The website has maps of the whole trail system.

http://www.trailoflegends.org/

[JC785]

I wonder if you could do an overnight backpack trip on Swayback?

[DeShazo]

Email this guy and ask.
info@trailoflegends.org

[Tacky Hiker]

I wonder if you could do an overnight backpack trip on Swayback?

I wouldn't think so. But email that guy and let me know

[ednotmilkman]

Just looked at the maps of Swayback. I'd feel like I was following a rope coiled up in a tight stuff sack !

[Tacky Hiker]

true, the trails go everywhere....it s a lot of trail in a small acreage

[JC785]

I emailed them late last night ill let everyone know when I get a response.

[PastorLarryT]

Swayback is much better marked that it used to be, though there are a few points that can be a little confusing.  I suggest taking a trail map (which should be at the trailhead kiosk) before striking out.  I have found that this is a fun trail to hike though it does tend to be more heavily used by mountain bikes on weekends.  Most places allow a hiker to see/hear a biker before they are on you, but keep alert on hilltops and around curves.

The trails are "compacted" to get the most mileage out of the acreage but this shouldn't spoil your fun.  There are some scenic spots along Lake Jordan and it is not uncommon to see Whitetailed Deer and other local fauna along the trail.

The area is not set up for camping and to my knowledge it is not allowed.

[JC785]

I received this response from TOLA


Josh,

It is for hiking and biking and I don't know if anyone ever does any
overnight backpacking trips out there or not.  I don't think we have any
specific rules against it, but as you will be able to tell from our map on
our website, it's not your typical backpacking trail. Just pack out what you
pack in and be safe and enjoy.

I'll ask some of our other leadership if they know of any rules against it
and email you a follow up if they have anything to ad.


TOLA

[Mikee Bimmerman]

I usually see a few grown and young deer everytime I ride this trail. I slow to a stop and watch them as they watch me, and often watch them walk off. I try to do the full 12 mi when I go. It's also the closest trail to me. The Zipper is fun, but i wish it was a little longer. I do see the occasional hikers.

[Rigormortis]

I have hiked a few hundred miles on this trail, it is close to home.  There are no overnight campsites on the trail.  The entire trail is approx. twelve miles long.  The trail  is real close in several places (10 to 15 foot).  TOLA has built a very nice pavilion and change room, the parking lot has been expanded with a new surface to be put down in next few days.