I want your opinion

[stargazer]

I thought about doing this as a poll but I do enjoy reading everyone's opinions on different topics.  So here....
What would be your opinion is the most challenging section of the Pinhoti in Alabama? Why? 

[jaybird]

I would have to say the 20 or so miles from Porters Gap (AL Hwy 77) to Cheaha State Park, due to the numerous elevation changes and continuous unstable rock fields in the treadway.  Specifically Talladega Creek through Clairmont Gap to Adams Gap.  Then, a slight break before encountering the the infamous Rock Garden (or Stairway to Heaven) in the Cheaha Wilderness.  Beyond the Blue Mtn. shelter on the north side of Cheaha, you're pretty much home-free as far as rocks go until you approach Indian and Flagpole Mountains near the Georgia state line.

[Magic City Matt]

I second that

[dogwood]

I'll have to agree with Jay on that one...

[buck]

I third that.

[stargazer]

Thanks guys for your help.  My husband and I just hiked the Cave Creek, Nubbin, Odum and Pinhoti loop last weekend.  We did encounter the Rock Gardens from Odum to Cheaha TH.  That was interesting!!!   Our next section is Porter's Gap to Adam's Gap and then Adam's Gap up to Cheaha.  We have read alot about the Stairway to Heaven and I'm honest in saying I'm a little apprehensive about it.  I guess I need to make sure I eat my Wheaties before tackling this part.    Thanks Again!!!

[Magic City Matt]

i will say though that after Cheaha the terrain is deceptively difficult. On a elevation profile it looks flat but it is anything but. it is a constant up and down of small rolling hills that will definitely put you in your place if you try to bring your pace up to high.

m

[treyster333]

I have to agree as well. I hiked the Stairway for the first time one night with my dog and under estimated it. Pack was to heavy, not enough water (you need to bring plenty because there is no water from Adams Gap until the top of the mountian and that is seasonal at the top) and the trail was much more a monster than I thought. Light pack and plenty of water though and you should be fine.

[ke4uzi]

How's the section 4 compare? I have 4 Eagle Scouts that want to take one last patrol hike before college, something more than Odum or Cheaha trails. Maybe a 2 nighter,3 day trip. Looking at a Feb. trip and was wondering how the water was at this time of year? I have read the section guide and it says there could be high water issues on parts.
These Scouts have been to the Northern tier Boundary waters and /or philmont scout ranch so I think they could handle this hike ,just gotta get the leaders in shape..lol

[buck]

If you are talking about section 4 from Bull Gap to Porter's Gap, I just hiked this section (and 5 and 6) in November. In my opinion, this section (4) was one of the easier sections I've hiked. Once you get up on the main ridge there are no really difficult parts if you are heading north. If you were hiking south then the 24 switchbacks about 2.3 miles south of Scott Lake would be a pretty good workout going up. The only reliable water source I found in this section was at Scott Lake. Plan to carry water because that's about 14 miles from Bull Gap.

There are a lot of excellent views on the main ridge coming out of Bull Gap. And as for water, if you wanted to you could easily stash some water up the trail somewhere near a FS 600 crossing - the trail crosses this road many times in this section.

[stargazer]

We hiked Section 4 back in October.  We started at Bull Gap, hiked to mile 12, camped for the night and finished up the next day by lunch.  This section is not demanding.  If I can do it anyone can.  There are many beautiful views, especially at the big power lines.  We stashed extra water where FS 600 comes by Wormy's Pulpit.  There was not any water until Scott's Lake. Some of the smaller streams may be full now since we've had rain.  We have not hiked Section 5 and 6 yet.  That's next on our list.  If you want detailed directions for these sections, go to Pinhoti Trail Alliance, scroll to the bottom and find the sections you want to do.  Click on etrail or snail trail for directions.  They were very helpful to us. 

[squidbilly]

My son and I overnighted section 5 a few weeks ago.  You can practice for the rock garden section by walking over rip-rap.

[buck]

My son and I overnighted section 5 a few weeks ago.  You can practice for the rock garden section by walking over rip-rap.

Any signs of trail maintenance between Gunterstown Road/Clairmont Gap and Patterson Gap? That particular area was really overgrown and difficult to follow at times this past November.

[squidbilly]

I remember the whole Section (all of 5) to be well maintained. It seems like they made a great effort to make sure you don't lose the trail through the rocky places where there is no well defined footpath. There were examples of every blaze you will see along the Alabama Pinhoti: standard light blue, white turkey track diamond plates, old painted white turkey tracks and even some dark blue blazes with the turns incorrectly marked.  Looking back though, I can see where it could get iffy on the ridge after you climb out of Clairmont Gap. That part was rocky and brushy. The path would be hard to follow in the fall when all the summer growth is still standing. Plus, the trail switches sides of the ridge a lot.

[Lane]

Thanks guys for your help.  My husband and I just hiked the Cave Creek, Nubbin, Odum and Pinhoti loop last weekend.  We did encounter the Rock Gardens from Odum to Cheaha TH.  That was interesting!!!   Our next section is Porter's Gap to Adam's Gap and then Adam's Gap up to Cheaha.  We have read alot about the Stairway to Heaven and I'm honest in saying I'm a little apprehensive about it.  I guess I need to make sure I eat my Wheaties before tackling this part.    Thanks Again!!!

Y'all will be fine, just don't plan on any land speed records.  My boys (5, 6, 9) and I did from Turnipseed up Chinnabee to Little Caney Head, then down the Pinhoti to Adams Gap as a Saturday dayhike on Memorial Day weekend, we just went slow (or rather, I went slow and let them set the pace).  That direction is better than going north, though going down was tough enough since it rained off and on the whole time.