Adam's Gap loop hike March 19-21

[Nalgene Ninja]

My oldest daughter (10yo) and I are going to hike the Skyway-Chinnabee Silent- Pinhoti loop from Adam's Gap in 2 weeks. Any news on blowdowns, erosion, water sources, etc?

[jaybird]

Water all over the place this year, except right along the ridge for a few miles.  There is a spring fed stream right at the junction of the Pinhoti, Silent Trail, and the Odum Scout trail (on top of the ridge) that is always flowing.  Tough hike.  Easier (relative term) if you go Silent, Pinhoti, and then Skyway, rather than in the other direction.

[Rigormortis]

Water all over the place this year, except right along the ridge for a few miles.  There is a spring fed stream right at the junction of the Pinhoti, Silent Trail, and the Odum Scout trail (on top of the ridge) that is always flowing.  Tough hike.  Easier (relative term) if you go Silent, Pinhoti, and then Skyway, rather than in the other direction.

I agree with Jaybird, start at Turnipseed Parking Lots and go in the direction he suggested.  Trail should be in good shape the Anniston Running Club has kept the trail clear because this is where they have their 50K race, I think is was held in the last couple of weeks.

[angrysparrow]

I hiked that very loop two weeks ago.  The trails are in great shape, plenty of water.

Enjoy the great weather!

[Lesley]

We hiked that weekend after Thanksgiving. Matt and I always start at Turnip Seed. This makes the first day really challenging, but it gets Talledega mountain and drier section of trail out of the way while your energy is up. Trail was in great condition, plenty of water once you got off the mountain. It'll be a perfect trip for father/daughter bonding. Oh, and if you haven't seen it already, Matt did a trail journal on that loop. Have fun!

[dogwood]

I agree with all the posts above - Silent(Turnipseed) Trail, Pinhoti, Skyway, then Silent is the best route!  I can't imagine hiking up stairway to heaven - down is bad enough!  Is this your daughter's first trip?  If so, you might not want to make it too hard - she probably wouldn't want to go again.  I went this weekend with my 3 adult kids(2 daughters and a son), all in their 20's.  Spending that time with your daughter is priceless...

[Nalgene Ninja]

My daughter's been on afew BPing trips (WoJ, Sipsey) and lots of dayhikes she's no hiking slouch. I was going clockwise due to there being a decent campsite about 1 mile from Adam's Gap, Then the Shelter is there after an 8 mile 2nd day. Plus this is a prep to she if she is capable of an AT section I'm thinking of taking her on this summer.

[Nalgene Ninja]

Thanks for the suggestions guys. Looks like I'll be in Vegas next week (and probably Death Valley during the weekend) instead.