Blue Mountain Shelter

[dogwood]

I am taking a group backpacking on the Pinhoti next weekend(Nov 6-8).  We are hiking the Pinhoti from the trailhead near the top of the mountain to Hwy 431.  Our plans are to camp in/around the Blue Mountain shelter on Friday night.  It's been 10+ years since i hiked in that direction.  Has anyone been to the shelter, recently?  How is the water source near the shelter?

[ednotmilkman]

even if you hadn't been there in years, it's a safe bet that all water sources are WET now all over AL . I bet this could be a record rainfall for the month of Oct.

I wonder where one might find weather records (Q)

[Mountain Dog]

The creek nearest the shelter has always been running for me, even in dry weather.  I would not draw water from the creeks nearer hwy 281.  One of them, I can't remember which one, smells like sewage run off at times, making me think it is being contaminated from stuff on top.  I agree with ednotmilkman that water should not be a problem.  If it is a problem, it will be at Hillibee where you might have to ford a swolen stream.

[dogwood]

Thanks for the advice!  We will have water filters, but i'd rather not use anything questionable.  How far is the water source from the shelter? 
If we get a bunch of rain next week, i might opt with plan "b", hiking from Rabittown Road to Pine Glen.  I remember having to ford Hillabee Creek several times, years ago, on my planned route...

[southmark]

The good water source is the stream (second stream) that the trail crosses just before the side trail to the shelter. The first creek is the one Mountain Dog referred too and contains sewage from the park.

[Firedog]

Remember Dogwood, it runs off very fast so unless it rains a bunch the night before it shouldn't be a problem crossing. If I was going to stay at BM shelter I would just backtrack on the Bald Rock Boardwalk to the Lodge and refill there. The next good water spot is the first stream crossing after you cross CC road. It is shown on the maps as Zulu canyon. It is just 2 miles from there to Hillabee creek. From there on water is no problem. Carl W.

[dogwood]

Thanks for all the good advice!  I'll keep an eye on the weather, and only replan my route if necessary. 

[Mountain Dog]

The creek nearest the shelter is no more tha a couple of minutes away, south.  The questionable creek/s are about 30 minutes away.  There are two and they are not far apart.  I personally trust the creek near the shelter.  I've use it several times with no problem.  Heck, I let my dog use it and those knowing me and my dog will attest that I'll worry more about him than about myself.