Well Ive made my mind up, I'm going to give it a try.

[trailtigger]

Well the last month or so I have been running it through my mind and I have finally decided to give it a try. Since this Winter will be my last break between classes before I make an attempt at getting a job, I am going to attempt to hike from Bulls Gap to I-20 below Oxford (66 miles according to the maps). While to some of the more experienced people on here this may not seem like much, it will be the longest hike I have ever tried. I know that it is a little bit early, I am a fanatical planner(may be from the 6 years in the Army not real sure) and would love any input you guys may be able to give me. I figure 8 days, hoping to make 10 miles a day but understanding that there will be a few days where I may not make that. Is there a place between Porters Gap and I-20 to mail some provisions or is there a place to just buy the food I will need? How do you go about mailing provisions to yourself, how bad is the hunting during Dec?
Some of the questions that I ask may sound amatuerish, but I am,  and I was hoping that some of you would have the information stored away in your brain becuase trying to pick through The PTA site can get rather annoying at times.

Thanks in advance.

[trailtigger]

wow maybe I was asking too much

[Joshua Szulecki]

Summer is always a little slow at Alatrails. Until October or so responses can take a little while to filter in, but usually do eventually.

Unfortunately, I know next to nil about the Pinhoti.

[weathermansam]

This place is a library:  http://www.pinhotitrailalliance.org/

The only section I can help with is between Adam's Gap and Cheaha State Park.  I have plenty of photos and hopefully soon, trip reports. 

[BCM]

Trailtigger,

Check my Pinhoti Trail Journal at  http://www.trailjournals..../entry.cfm?trailname=8759 .  I did the Alabama Pinhoti from Bull Gap to Cave Springs, GA, in March/April 2009. 

1. I tried to average 12 miles a day.  There were days I did more and some I did less.  I had a short day going into Anniston/Oxford because I had parked my truck near the Shoal Creek Ranger Station at the FS500 Trailhead.  I had a long day going from my campsite 4 miles north of Chandler's Gap to my campsite 3 miles north of Adams Gap.  I think they are both listed in Solo's guide. (See * below) 
Bull Gap to Kenny's Camp - 11.8 miles
Kenny's Camp to campsite 4 miles north of Chandler's Gap - 11.4 miles
*Campsite 4m n of Chandler's Gap to Campsite 3m n of Adams Gap - 13.4 miles*  The Rock Gardens in this section are a pain.
Campsite 3m n of Adams Gap to to Blue Mt. Shelter - 8.2
Blue Mt. Shelter to campsite 1/2m n of Large Cascade - 13.8
Campsite previous to FS 500 Trailhead - 11.7 
2. I left a drop box at the Cheaha Store on my way to Bull Gap.  I also purchase some snacks and gatorade for while I was washing laundry, showering at the campground, and eating at the restaurant there.  I got my drop, ate at the restaurant, hiked up to showers and then came down the Trail from Bald Rock to the Blue Mountain Shelter where I spent the night. 
3. The biggest problem in planning was the water between the crossing of Talladega Creek and the water at the Chinnabee/Pinhoti Crossing.  Due to the 4 days of rain before my hike and the 1st day of my hike, it turned out not to be a problem.  All the seasonals were flowing well.  However, I would plan to carry adequate water to get from the Talladega Crossing.  There are some alternatives, but I go thru water and will dehydrate if I don't take in 2-3 Gallons a day.  Yes, Gallons.  But that is me.  My son can do the same distance on 1 to 1.5 gallons.  Just because you CAN carry a lot of water, doesn't mean you have to.  Platypus bottles and hydration bladders can reduce the weight for carrying a lot of water to 8-12 oz.  The real weight is in carrying the water.  I also tend to hydrate heavily at watering spots.  I will often drink 2 quarts and carry 5 away if it looks like it will be long time between water. 
4. Another problem is the campsites in the same area.  A Hammock set up would have been more convenient on several occasions.
5. Ask any questions I will answer them within the week.

[dogwood]

As far as buying food on the trail, the store in Cheaha State Park(top of the mountain) has a decent selection of items, and there is a gas/convenience store about 1 mile south of the Hwy 431 crossing.  Other than that, you'd probably want to see if you could leave drop boxes(store on top of the mountain, and there is a Ranger Station just off the trail after crossing Hwy 78(Trailhead for FR500). 
If hiking in December, be sure to wear hunter's orange!  In the game management areas, there are times blocked for hunting, so it's not open all the time(for hunters, that is).  Getting a later morning start and camping earlier in the evening will be somewhat safer.

[trailtigger]

Thanks for the information, you have been very helpful, BCM I will be reading all the trail journals I can but yours will definitely be first.

Now for another question, I have no problems being on my own out there but I have a wife and 4 kids and I know for fact that in the Ft McClellan area that there are mountain lions and my sons and I followed a trail of bear scat for about 100 yds at Bulls Gap. I do not own a weapon but was I was an MP in the Army for over 6 years, do any of you carry a side arm when you are on the trail for an extended period of time and does anyone know of any legal issues of carrying one on the trail? I looked at hte T.N.F. web site and have not been able to find anything about it.

Thanks for your help.

[Firedog]

Trailtigger, Here is a couple of journals I have read that are pretty good.

http://www.trailjournals.com/entry.cfm?id=219406

http://purebound.com/journal/pinhoti/

I enjoyed reading both of these.
Carl W.

[trailtigger]

Thanks, wish Dec. would hurry up and get here.

[Magic City Matt]

Spend a few weekends out on the Pinhoti loop.
http://www.alatrails.com/guides/pinhoti-loop
That way you'll be good and trained up for what to expect. You will have a blast. It's a great hike.

m

[wirerat123]

Best of luck, and enjoy yourself.  Taking several weekend loops and such between now and then will help immensely.

[JC785]

I wouldn't mind getting a group together and doing that loop if anyone else would be interested in going.

[Welch Walker]

Congratulations, TrialTigger on your decision to do the Pinhote.  Will be fun to hear of your adventure.  I made my first hike along the Pinhote today, a down and back, jumping off from the trailhead at Cheaha State Park.  I am new to Alabama, having recently retired.  My plan is to hike the trail regularly until I am able to do the entire distance.  Good luck to you as you prepare for your attempt. 

[trailtigger]

thanks to everyone, I have picked up quite a bit of info from you. I found some info pertaining to fire arms in the TNF but I will call to get clarification.
Out of curiosity what are your thoughts on carrying a pistol, do you think it is needed if you will be alone for up to 8 days I am just not sure about it 100%.

[JC785]

I've never felt the need to carry one, but that's just my thoughts. 

[wirerat123]

While I don't think there would be need for one, I often think on the lines of "Better safe than dead.".  Just keep it in a safe yet easiy accessible spot, and don't have it visible.  Some tools think that everyone carrying a gun wants to kill someone so they get freaked out.

[trailtigger]

yeah my family is more concerned than I am, If by chance I get one, it will stay in my pack except at night.

[BCM]

Trailtigger,

A pistol will just be dead weight.  Unless you are an extremely experienced, a good shot, and have your pistol in a fast draw holster it will do you no good.  Cats and Bears have much better senses than you do and will do their best to avoid you unless they are sick or injured.  Due to the size and bone structure, Bears and Wild Pigs would only be hurt by a very large caliber weapon and even then you have to be very good or very lucky.  Bad people do things when you are asleep.  In none of these cases would having a firearm do you any good.

Yes, I am a proud gun owner, with a pistol, high powered rifle, shotguns, pellet gun, and BB guns.  I am a BSA Cub Scout Shooting Sports Certified instructor and have been for 9 years.  I considered bringing my pistol, weighed it and the various scenarios of possible usage and marked it off my equipment list.  The most dangerous "weapon" I brought was a 1.5 inch Victorinox swiss army knife, if you don't count my brain, the most dangerous weapon anyone can carry.  In my journal, I picked up and returned a large knife that one of 4 hikers had left just north of Cheaha.  I carried it to Hwy 78 and I could tell when I added it.

Just in case anyone asks, I ran into Wild Pig scat just south of Clairmont Gap about 2 1/2 years ago.  Nasty smelling stuff that.

BCM

[trailtigger]

Thanks BCM, I decided the other night to not worry with a firearm. Since I dont own one, I didnt want to spend the money buying one just for a few trips each year.

[trailtigger]

Quick question, what base layer do you guys use? I have looked at patagonia's capilene 2 or 3 but was wondering what some of you might prefer.