Howdy everybody

[shhQuiet]

Hi everybody, I'm new to the forum.  Been hiking a bit over the last couple of years and now I'm trying to recapture my youth by getting out and doing some backpacking.  I'm planning on hanging (I've got a Hennessy) and I'm trying to decide between a section of the Pinhoti or the Sipsey wilderness.

Anybody have any opinions on which would be better for me?  I have experience hiking and backpacking although it has been many years since I've done it.  I'm not in bad shape.  This would be a solo trip.  I might just park and do a few miles out and back just to get back in the swing (get it?  hanging?  swinging?  ah, never mind).

Any thoughts?

n00b from Pelham

[Cuffs]

Welcome!  Stop by Alabama outdoors in Homewood and say hi!  Fellow hanger with lots of ideas for ya.

[squidbilly]

Howdy shhQuiet- and welcome.  There are several of us hangers around here. Hennessey makes fine hammocks- I'm sure you'll enjoy yours. I have a Warbonnett Blackbird.
Since you are going solo, I'd recommend Cheaha. You can park at Cheaha Trailhead and do the Pinhoti/Cave Creek loop. However, you'll have to carry plenty of water-it's dry this time of year.  Or contact Blisterbob on this forum, he can give you a shuttle and recommend a nice hike for you.

[shhQuiet]

Thanks for the welcomes, squidbilly and Cuffs...

I setup my new hammock in the backyard this weekend and spent Saturday night in it.  Super weather, temps in the 60s, light breeze--  couldn't ask for more!  Looking forward to my first real trail usage...


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I am here: http://maps.google.com/ma...s?ll=33.412937,-86.680422

[Woody]

Welcome!!!

Let us know how you like the hammock once you get to test it in the field.

I prefer the Pinhoti personally and agree that the Pinhoti/Cave Creek loop would be a good over night trip.

No matter where you go, be sure to give us a trip report. That is one of my favorite things to read.

[shhQuiet]

Hey guys, where would I get a map of the Cave Creek / Pinhoti loop that y'all are suggesting?  Most of the trails I have been on in Cheaha are like interstates- hard to miss.  But I like to have a map anyway-  Printed or online, either way will work for me.

[squidbilly]

Pinhoti Trail Map #4,  published by the Forest Service. There are many sources online for downloading maps, but this one has all the trails in that area-not just the Pinhoti. You can pick one up at the Shoal Creek Ranger District Office . It's at the beginning of Al.281 and US 78 between Oxford and Heflin.