Pinhoti section 5 N to S

[blisterbob]

Thur. 11-10-11 5:30 AM cloudy, 39 degrees, windy
Section 5 has 3 sub-sections by my thinking and all are different.
Left Adams Gap in the pre-dawn with our headlights on for the 1st half hour
and we needed the help seeing because of the thick leaf cover over the rocks.
Double Spring had a very slow water flow and that may go away without more rain.
Several blow downs in this area, but the trail was well marked until we started the descent
to Clairmont Gap. Because of the huckleberry and brier growth combined with a couple large
blow downs  it is easy to get off the trail. My tip would be, if you  have a
problem just stay on the center of the ridge and you will intersect the trail.
Clairmont Gap to Talladega Ck.
This one has the infamous ankle breaking rock garden and also was the least maintained.
One huge tree across the trail required a careful detour. The rock garden claimed another
victim today, but I told shadowsue I was just practicing my stop, drop, and roll technique.
( I don't think she believed me ) When we crossed to the eastern slope there was a very
noticeable difference in conditions and not just the lack of rocks and boulders. We stopped
at the spring crossing and small camp and had some fruit.
 This stream had no flow but the're was some water in the small pools.
Talladega Creek to Porters Gap
No water in this section. We took a break and a couple pics at rocky top and then moved on.
This was also well marked and easy to follow with the fewest blow downs. The fresh saw cuts
told me someone had been through here recently clearing the trail.....Thanks
I set the pace and shadowsue kept up good with the 26 lb. pack. She wanted to test her ability
and endurance.
3:00 PM Porters Gap
15.2 miles 9.5 hrs

[Ewker]

thanks for posting your trip reports. It helps someone who knows nothing about the Pinhoti Trail want to hike it

[Cuffs]

Ewker!  Let me know if youre coming down to hike the Pinhoti!  We need to get together again, see if Eman and Hamhocker can come too! 

[buck]

... Double Spring Gap had a very slow water flow and that may go away without more rain.
Several blow downs in this area, but the trail was well marked until we started the descent
to Clairmont Gap. Because of the huckleberry and brier growth combined with a couple large
blow downs  it is easy to get off the trail. My tip would be, if you  have a
problem just stay on the center of the ridge and you will intersect the trail.
 ....

Sounds like the area north of Clairmont Gap has not changed much since I went through there two years ago. I was coming up from the south and had to actually show a couple of hikers how to get down to Clairmont Gap because it was so poorly marked and overgrown. And I did what you advised once on top of the ridge - I walked the ridge until I found better trail. The over growth was bad back then. That same day I ran into a trail crew at the rock garden and they warned me that the area above Clairmont had not been maintained in a while - they said another trail club was responsible for the area. I would be willing to help if I knew who was responsible and when they might be heading into that area for maintenance.

[Ewker]

Ewker!  Let me know if youre coming down to hike the Pinhoti!  We need to get together again, see if Eman and Hamhocker can come too! 

Hamhocker and I are looking for a hike to do over Thanksgiving and this is on the list.

[squidbilly]

..... I would be willing to help if I knew who was responsible and when they might be heading into that area for maintenance.

Scroll down column 2

[blisterbob]

The worst part is only about 200 yards and it was almost as bad in Jan. 10.
Also I've read several posts of other hikers having problems here.
I live close by and would be willing to spend a day trying to clear this area
if anyone wants to help.
bb

[ednotmilkman]

This is the big problem with trail maintenance on the Pinhoti - too many different "clubs" have the honor of being listed as an official trail maintainer for a section. Not sure where this is listed but it doesn't really matter if you don't know who to call.

Like one of the rangers from the National Forest told us , off the record, once. It's easier to go ahead and do the deed, then ask forgiveness if someone complains, than it is to get permission. 

So if any two of you can get together with at least a pair of loppers, a fold-up saw in your pocket, straight shaft weedeater trimmer with a saw blade on it, and small chain saw in the car just in case,  - go for it !

[ednotmilkman]

Here is the official list on this page.  Look on the 2nd column under

Pinhoti Trail Clubs

listed north to south


http://www.pinhotitrailalliance.org/sitemap.html

A group with AHTS worked last Wed.-Fri on sections including Cheaha Wilderness but one of our members actually volunteers by working by himself on clearing the trail every fall - many more hours than just the organized work days.

[blisterbob]

I have chain saw, loppers, pruners, hatchet, axe, shovel, rake
and plenty of time, but that's waaaay too many tools for 1 person!
whaddaya think?
bb

[ednotmilkman]

Hi bb,

The weedeater with saw blade is the tool that really makes the work go fast among briars, muscadine vines and other low growing stuff. If you have already scouted the area to know what the trail needs, one person can carry that, still hang loppers from their belt with a little tool hook that clips on your belt, and carry extra gas in  20 oz soda bottles and a pocket saw in your pocket.  But it's wise to go as team for safety of course, and #2 guy can pack a small chain saw in his pack if you think you need it. You can not legally take any gas powered tools to use in a designated Wilderness like Cheaha.

If you just want to make it where you can find the trail in broad daylight, it wouldn't take as long to clear the path vs. getting it "like new" and then you might skip the weedeater. I've never used a shovel; a mattock or forest service Pulaski are the preferred digging and chopping tools but with these, 200 yards is a good days work for one man on a new trail ! Rake is good on hills to sweep slippery pine straw and leaves off the path but is of temporary benefit till all the leaves fall.

Sorry but I'm all volunteered out since it's a long drive up for me,
Edwin

[squidbilly]

BB, I might be able to help Friday.

[blisterbob]

BB, I might be able to help Friday.

At this time, I do not have anything scheduled for Fri.
I think the saw blade on a trimmer might be useful if you have one.
If you want to commit, I will plan on it and have shadowsue take any shuttles that may come in.
bb

[squidbilly]

I'm in for Friday and I may bring some help. My weedeater has an edger attachment with a steel blade.  I have a chainsaw too, along with a mattock,loppers, etc.        I guess I'll meet you at Clairmont Gap Friday morning.  What time?

[blisterbob]

I'm in for Friday and I may bring some help. My weedeater has an edger attachment with a steel blade.  I have a chainsaw too, along with a mattock,loppers, etc.        I guess I'll meet you at Clairmont Gap Friday morning.  What time?

Since I am only 15 min. away and an early riser, perhaps you had better set the time.

bob

[squidbilly]

I'm happy to report that anyone hiking the north side of Clairmont Gap should have no trouble staying on trail.

 The brush was so thick at the top, I can see why some were getting lost. In addition to clearing the trail, we took advantage of the abundance of rocks to build a few cairns to mark the turns. 

Also, if you are heading north, uphill: The second switchback utilizes an old roadbed/ firebreak. Watch for the sharp righthand uphill turn where the trail leaves the roadbed. There are a few Pinhoti diamond markers here and several rocks across the roadbed.

[ednotmilkman]

many thanks and karma points to you Squidbilly !  We used to have a contest with some recognition for the Karma winner in a year, ??

[dogwood]

Thanks Squid!  You and BlisterBob are quite a blessing!

[blisterbob]

The part of section 5 from Clairmont Gap (61.2) south to the first FS 600 road crossing (58.6)
which includes the rock garden is clear of all blowdowns, brush, and debris as of this date.
Sorry, but the topsy turvy rocks and boulders are still there or as shadowsue put it....
"This trail Rocks!!"
Both seasonal water streams are flowing well and clear.

bb&ss