Odum Trail Hike

[uabjeff]

Has anyone hiked the Odum/Pinhoti from High Falls Trailhead to Cheaha Trailhead recently? We are considering a day hike with our Boy Scout troop in conjunction with a camping trip at Cheaha. I have had conflicting reports from several people about the trail itself (poorly marked, dangerous in one area, etc.).  It has been 12-15 years since I last hiked it myself, and I was looking for a heads-up before I do a preliminary hike in the next couple of weeks. Any input would be greatly appreciated.

Thanks in advance...

[Mountain Dog]

I'm surprised at what you have heard unless they have not been on the trail in years.  I hiked that section last year and found no problem, and I can't imagine where they found it dangerous unless they took the spur to McDill Point and the rocks scared them.  McDill could be considered dangerous but considering its popularity and absence of accidents, I'd not worry.  I did run into some kids that had gotten lost/separated but only because they were night hiking and did not stay together.  The Odum was reblazed a few years back and I think there are more than enough blazes to guide you.  Just remember you can go two ways to the Cheaha TH from High Falls.  You can follow Odum to Nubbin to Cave Creek or Odum to the Pinhoti and on north to the TH.  I'd do the Pinhoti only because it gives you the opportunity to go to McDill point. 

[todd150hp]

Maybe they were talking about the rickety old stairs beside the waterfall. They don't look too sturdy but once on them I never really felt like I was in any danger. There is the Rock fall you have to skirt right at the trailhead but it doesn't seem like much of an obstacle once you're on it. I was last on it about a year ago. Some might consider the real rocky stretch along the Pinhoti between Little Caney Head and McDill point as dangerous only because you could easily twist an ankle if you don't watch your step.

There are certainly dangers on this stretch of trail but I can't think of any of the trails I have been on that are completely safe. As for the marking I don't remember how it was marked or if it was marked but I don't recall ever losing the trail.

Like MountainDog stated, you can bypass the rocky portion of the Pinhoti if you take the Nubbin - Cave Creek intersection and wind up at the Cheaha Trailhead just the same. 

I guess it must seem like I only need half an excuse to post a link to some pictures.

Odum Trail High Point Trailhead to Nubbin Creek - Cave Creek Junction
http://www.flickr.com/photos/todd150hp/sets/72157620861367778/show/

This next link has a few silent trail pics mixed in but is mostly the Pinhoti and McDill point.
http://www.flickr.com/photos/todd150hp/sets/72157619600532618/show/

[Firedog]

great pics Todd

[uabjeff]

Thanks for the info. That is about what I figured. With some people, the sky is always falling...if you know what I mean. I'm sure one person was talking about the rocky stretch that you were speaking of Todd. I remember him saying that it would be really easy for the boys to turn an ankle if they weren't being careful. Although, why in the world we wouldn't be careful is beyond me. I didn't remember it being well-marked, but that was a long time ago.

I think I may go hike it on Saturday, so that I can get a first hand look before we finalize our plans. It sounds like it would be a great hike though, and I am definitely planning on going the McDill Point route.

Awesome pics, Todd.

Thanks again!

[uabjeff]

Well, I made the hike this weekend from High Falls Trailhead to Cheaha Trailhead via Odum Trail and the Pinhoti. It was about what I expected. We had an interesting time trying to cross the creek near High Falls, since the water was up from the rain, but other than that no real problems, and I really didn't see anything that would be a problem for the troop.

I do have a couple of questions, though:

1. When you leave the falls, there is a sign that says "Odum Scout Trail" and the arrows point both left and right, where does the trail that goes to the right and downhill go? I followed it for maybe a half mile as it meandered along the creek out of curiosity, but decided that we didn't really have the time to explore. Like I said, I was just curious where that trail wound up. Does anyone know?

2. I can't ask this question without feeling like an idiot, but here goes: where exactly is the plane crash site? Is it near the trail. I'm asking because we didn't see it.    We lost the trail at one point past Hernandez Peak. The other adult that was along went ahead, because he knew we would catch up with him (he was having leg cramping problems and the boys wanted to take a break for a minute), so we followed him and weren't really looking for the blazes. We took an Easterly turning downhill and eventually hit a fire road/service road that wasn't on the map. We followed the road north until it intersected the Pinhoti again, just before you get to the big rock with the Pinhoti plaque. Was the crash site along the part of the trail that we missed, or is there a turnoff at some point?

[luke724]

My first time at Odum, I walked right for about two miles. The trail ends near the creek at a campsite. There are like two overgrown trail from here, one going up the hill and the other going deeper into the woods, but I decided to turn around.

The plane crash is at McDill point. Turn off of the Pinhoti towards McDill point and it is about 1/2 mile.

[bellaleo]

I was at High Falls this past sunday. We did not have any real problems. We did not see any markers till we got to the final falls. We started at the bottom trail head and only went up the the three falls. We did not have any problems other then having to figure out where and how to cross the stream. There is about 20 feet of rocks to cross before the stream .The crossing it's self was not to hard you just have to make sure your foot holds are good. I am looking forward to doing the hole trail soon.

[uabjeff]

My first time at Odum, I walked right for about two miles. The trail ends near the creek at a campsite. There are like two overgrown trail from here, one going up the hill and the other going deeper into the woods, but I decided to turn around.

The plane crash is at McDill point. Turn off of the Pinhoti towards McDill point and it is about 1/2 mile.

Thanks for both answers. We did not go down the side trail to McDill Point. I wanted to, but I was out voted. 

At least those of us that went on Saturday will have something new to see when we return in April. 

[jaybird]

1. When you leave the falls, there is a sign that says "Odum Scout Trail" and the arrows point both left and right, where does the trail that goes to the right and downhill go? I followed it for maybe a half mile as it meandered along the creek out of curiosity, but decided that we didn't really have the time to explore. Like I said, I was just curious where that trail wound up. Does anyone know?

You didn't miss anything, as the sign is misleading.  The trail going downhill doesn't really exist other than to go back to the parking lot.  Some people follow down the old logging road that leaves the parking lot thinking that's part of the trail.  It isn't.  It's actually part of a hunting club that is very private property.

2. I can't ask this question without feeling like an idiot, but here goes: where exactly is the plane crash site? Is it near the trail. I'm asking because we didn't see it.    We lost the trail at one point past Hernandez Peak. The other adult that was along went ahead, because he knew we would catch up with him (he was having leg cramping problems and the boys wanted to take a break for a minute), so we followed him and weren't really looking for the blazes. We took an Easterly turning downhill and eventually hit a fire road/service road that wasn't on the map. We followed the road north until it intersected the Pinhoti again, just before you get to the big rock with the Pinhoti plaque. Was the crash site along the part of the trail that we missed, or is there a turnoff at some point?

You somehow got off the trail and onto the service road that is used to rescue hikers along the ridge.  When the plane crashed out at McDill in 1977, this was the road cut in for that salvage.  The FS has kept it maintained over the years for safety reasons.  Also, when the Cheaha Wilderness was dedicated, they hauled several dignitaries out there via 4WD to the Wilderness plaque via the same road to make them feel at home.  I'm always amazed at how the big downhill section you refer to (and it is very downhill) doesn't erode massively.  That road goes all the way to the side trail to McDill Point.  Some days when i don't feel like retracing my footsteps or seeing a lot of other hikers, I'll take that road just to get off the beaten path.

[bellaleo]

Yesterday me and a friend hiked from the Cheaha trailhead up to McDill point.  It was a rough hike but we were able to make it without too much trouble.  Some of the boulder fields were hard to go over and the trail was pretty rocky.  Hernandez peak was a bit of a climb but very beautiful at the top We found the plane crash at McDill Point it was really neat.  The views  from that part of the trail are amazing.  We took the cave creek connector trail and, came back on cave creek trail.  According to the GPS it was about 8.5 miles round trip.  It took about eight HRS to hike.  But we took a lot of breaks.  The last few miles were a little rough because we got kind of tired.  We also learn that two liters of water a person were not enough.  We have our iodine tablets but did not wont to use them.  We did not run out water but, we had to conserve it.   I would not call the hike dangerous as long as you are well prepared. I would definitely bring lots of water, snacks, wear good boots, and bring a basic first aid  and survival kit.  All in all it was an amazing hike with breathtaking views and was well worth the sore legs I have a right now.

[uabjeff]

Thanks for all the help. We are doing our Troop hike this weekend, and the weather is supposed to be great!!    I'll let you know how it goes.

[Cuffs]

Good seeing ya Jeff, have fun!!