Long weekend trip

[bmaxcey]

Looking for suggestions for 3-4 day trip.  I was up a few weeks ago and did the Cave Creek-Pinhoti Loop and the only water I saw was at Cave Creek(or I think that is what I crossed).  Looking at leaving Friday through Monday. 

[dogwood]

If you're wanting to do a loop trip, the Chinnabee Silent/Pinhoti/Skyway Loop is a good one.  Depends on your miles per day, but it can easily be made into a three day hike.  If you like to do big miles, then you can add Odum Scout Trail/Nubbin Creek/Cave Creek Connector/Pinhoti to the mix, at the top of Caney Head, off the Chinnabee Silent Trail. 

[Mountain Dog]

Put in at Coleman and head south.  Blister Bob can pick you up wherever you choose.  You know better than others how far you can do.  That section is relatively flat and has water.

[blisterbob]

Mountain Dog,
Thanks for the plug, good idea.

bmaxcey,
regardless of which you choose, it would also be a good idea to have my # with you in case you need to exit early.
blisterbob 256-276-1661
shadowsue 256-276-1856

[bmaxcey]

Well decided not to go after some research and conversation with Talladega Ranger due to lack of water.  Of course this was pre TS Lee...lol  Hoping that the weekend rains have put a little water up that way.  Thinking I may try this again this weekend.  Looking at doing sections 8-9 on the Pinhoti.  Can these be done Sat- Sunday?  Or late Friday afternoon - Sunday?  What is the terrain llike?  My 10 year old loves to backpack so need  to make sure he will be able to make it.  He is a pretty strong hiker for a kid  Any suggestions or comments?

[blisterbob]

That is a good choice for a weekend hike.
Pine Glen is a safe place to leave your car and there is a primitive campground with vault toilets.
Section 9 is a moderate hike with some terrific views looking west and dependable water and also
one of my favorite shelters about midway to FS 500 S.
Section 8 is easy to moderate and some dependable water with an excellent campsite between
I-20 and the area of 2008 tornado damage.
I do not recommend leaving a car at the US 431 trail head, as I have seen indication that this spot
is used for target practice by some of the locals.
I shuttled a father and 12 year old son that did  from US 431 to Coleman Lake (30 miles) in the
summer heat in 2.5 days with no problems.

Good luck,

[bmaxcey]

We should be good then.  We have been backpacking and doing long day hikes all summer   However, it is my first time on this trail and that does bother me a bit taking a kid with me.  Thanks for the in put

[bmaxcey]

Ok decision has been made....Colemane Campground south to Laurel Shelter Friday evening.  Sat am south to Lower Shoal Shelter and finish up section 9 Sunday.  Now...how the heck to tell someone how to find us for pick up Sunday?  Have a friend that may be able to pick us up.  As of right now its me, 2 boys and our dog.....should be interesting to say the least...lol

[blisterbob]

From I-20 and SR 9 go north on SR 9, ( about 3 miles ) turn left at the intersection of US 78 and SR 9.
That will be US 78 west and still on SR 9 north for about another 3 miles.
At the intersection of SR 281 ( Skyway motorway ) turn right for about 1/4 mile to the stop sign.
Go straight across SR 281 on the dirt rd.( FS 500 ) for another 1/4 mile.
When you cross the RR tracks, the parking lot for the south end of section 9 is slightly to the right.