Suggestions for a newbe

[JPgoober]

I am gathering possible sites for a hiking trip for several newbes (including myself).  I'm thinking about Silent Trail or possibly Lake Guntersville.  We want to be able to drive in set camp, and then the next morning hike.  And make camp (or if some can't handle more, rent a cabin).  We plan to take this trip Labor Day weekend.  Does anyone have any suggestions?  Thanks squidbilly for the info on camping around Silent on another thread.  I've read alot about CST here but nothing on Lake Guntersville.  Any remarks?

[dogwood]

You can "car-camp" at Turnipseed, then hike 2 miles up the mountain to Caney Head, or hike the Chinnabee in the opposite direction(falls/shelter in about 1 mile, Devil's Den falls in about 3 miles, Lake Chinnabee in about 4 miles.  Turnipseed is primitive camping, but there are picnic tables, fire rings, and a "pit" toilet.  Costs around $5 per tent, if i'm not mistaken...

[Woody]

If you are going to Guntersville you need to be sure to reserve your spot well ahead of time. It will be busy Labor Day weekend. I would suggest tent camping at CST or at the Coleman Lake campground on the PT. It is a nice campground (small but nice) and you can hike, swim in the lake, fish......I think the cost there is like $12 a night but not real sure and you may have to reserve a spot if you can (may be first come first serve). I have only driven through, never stayed there. There is a bath house if I'm not mistaken and if worse comes to worse and you can't get a space, you can camp on the PT and pay the day use fee for the campground and use the facilities. Might even try Cheaha State park or you could stay in the lodge there.

[JPgoober]

Thank you both, I'm leaning toward CST.  And will do Lake Guntersville another time.