Pinhoti Challenge Backpack 3/20 & 3/21

[jaybird]

3/20 & 3/21. Pinhoti Challenge overnighter.  This month, we’re combining our normal 3rd Saturday hike with a make-up hike from December to make our first weekend trip!  Both hikes were on the same section, so it works out nicely to combine them into a combo.  And what a good one it has the potential to be!  We’ll be covering a total of 18 miles in Section 4 across the spine of Horn Mountain, camping approximately halfway at the Horn Mountain fire tower.  We’ll start Day 1 at Bull Gap, passing the spectacular views from Bull Gap Cliffs, Heath Cliffs, and Sherman Cliffs before arriving at our campsite at mile 10.  Day 2 will carry us the final 8 miles past Sunset Rock and down the 18 switchbacks (yes, 18!) to the serene waters of Scott Lake.  We’ll have one fording of a somewhat tedious creek just below the Scott Lake dam before the final 3.5 mile woods walk leads us to Porter’s Gap (AL Hwy 77).  Mid-March timing should present us with some early spring wildflowers!  Since this is a “challenge” series of hikes, backpacks are encouraged.  However, for those wishing to not carry a backpack, supplies can be ferried to the fire tower via Jay’s new 4 wheel drive.  Make sure to bring a camera.  Hiking boots are a necessity, as well as plenty of water and camping supplies.  E-mail for meeting places, times, and logistics.  Jay Hudson, jay_hudson@bellsouth.net

[Cuffs]

3/20 & 3/21. Pinhoti Challenge overnighter.  and down the 18 switchbacks (yes, 18!) 

Theyre not that bad...  the switches going up Stairway are more strenuous.

We’ll have one fording of a somewhat tedious creek just below the Scott Lake dam

Depending on the rains, this can be stepped across...

Make sure to bring a camera. 

Really?  I really dont like to hike with one any more.

Hiking boots are a necessity,

Seriously? 

Not trying to dig, but these recommendations are not needed for everyone.  I have been known to hike in Teva's or Trail Runners and do just fine.  Ive taken enough pictures that I dont need any more. 

There is also no reliable water sources for the first 12 miles, til you reach Scott Cascades, It takes about a gallon per person to get up the mountain, camp, breakfast and then the 2 miles the next day.  I hated carrying that much water for that section, but was needed.

Any other gear that will be needed for this backpack trip?  Im already off those days and will be on this hike.

[jaybird]

This is the same weekend as the AHTS annual conference at Camp McDowell, so I've got to do some careful planning to participate in both -- as I've been asked to be a speaker along with the famed Nimblewill Nomad.

[Joshua Szulecki]

Do you have a Pinhoti challenge scheduled for the third weekend in April? I know I'll be in Alabama that weekend (you probably know why), but I will probably be in the Bankhead/Tuscumbia area.

[jaybird]

Took a drive up the Skyway Motorway this yesterday (Sunday, 3/7) to scout out the Horn Mtn. tower area for the overnighter.  Was able to drive all the way to the top right under the tower.  The 5.1 miles of Skyway from AL Hwy 77 to the tower turnoff road are in a lot worse shape than I can ever remember, and took 35 minutes one-way.  It is quite obvious that the FS has stopped maintenance altogether.  I didn't use 4WD, but thought about it several times.  The road is simply horrendous, with 1 foot deep and more gullies throughout.  The mudholes have gotten deeper, and the rocks (make that boulders) sticking up out of the road require more manuevering and clearance than ever.  I would even venture to no longer call this a road.  It is a path, and nothing more.

Pinhoti Challenge Backpack 3/20 & 3/21

Pinhoti Challenge Backpack 3/20 & 3/21

[jaybird]

Here are some pictures from the Horn Mountain trail area, where we'll be camping.  The elevation of the mountain is 1912 feet.  The fire tower (no longer used) is on the National Register of Historic Lookouts (http://www.nhlr.org/Looko...ut.aspx?which_lookout=760).  The pavillion was built by the Civilian Conservation Corps back in the late 30's, along with a couple of unique observation platforms (that are reminiscent of the stonework and retaining walls of the CCC).  The pavillion was restored about 4 years ago.  There are also several stone picnic tables scattered around the site, along with a fantastic grove of white pines right below the tower (they are not native to Alabama, and have thus taken a beating by our severe storms and the 1993 ice and snow event).  However, they lend a unique feel to the mountain.

Pinhoti Challenge Backpack 3/20 & 3/21

Pinhoti Challenge Backpack 3/20 & 3/21

Pinhoti Challenge Backpack 3/20 & 3/21

Pinhoti Challenge Backpack 3/20 & 3/21

Pinhoti Challenge Backpack 3/20 & 3/21

[Firedog]

great pics Jay.

[jaybird]

This turned out to be a really great trip!  22 hard-core backpackers made the trek from Bull Gap to the Horn Mountain fire tower for a Saturday night camp, then on to Porter's Gap on Sunday just before the rain began.  Saturday and Sunday couldn't have been more different in terms of weather.  Saturday started off cool, but quickly topped out in the low 70's.  During the night Saturday on top of Horn Mtn, the wind began to howl through the white pines and by morning the temps were in the mid 40's where they hovered for most of the next day.  Everyone was prepared for the weather extremes.

Saturday's views to the west showed a HUGE controlled burn in the vicinity of Sylacauga.  As we were driving out on Sunday, we saw the evidence of the burn practically up to the city limits along AL Hwy 148 from Bull Gap.  Two truckloads of youngsters appeared early Saturday evening and were visibly quite disappointed that their party spot was taken.  They eventually turned around and went back on their way.  Shortly thereafter, I went downhill and shut the gate to indicate that the tower spot was taken.  We kept thinking we might see the teens again, but didn't.  

Saturday night featured grilled burgers, dogs, firering veggies, pasta salad, bread, key lime cake, various adult beverages, and every other luxury that driving to the top of Horn Mtn. would allow.  The campfire under the stars and the outline of the Horn Mtn. fire tower added to our glee.  Most camped in tents, but a Hennessy Hammock could be spotted under the white pines.

Saturday's hike was 10 miles and took about 5.5 hours.  Sunday's hike, with the impending threat of rain and downhill path, was much quicker at 8 miles in 3.5 hours.  The Scott Lake rapids were easily manageable.  Wildflowers are beginning to peak out, with toothwort, pink phlox, bluets, and trout lily all observed in bloom.

After a great early afternoon meal at the Marble City Grill in Sylacauga, everyone headed back to their respective homes.

[Firedog]

Your trip sounded great. I hate working on the weekends. Carl W.