Cheaha Wilderness (Cheaha to Adams Gap)

[treefrog]

We met Blister Bob at the Adams Gap Trail Head a little after 12:00 (Thursday 12/29/11) and He shuttled us David (Treenester) and my self, Tim (Tree Frog), to the Cheaha Trailhead. Blister Bob’s shuttle was really nice and his wife makes the best cookies (Thanks Bob). My cookies were gone in a few minutes.
 We left the trailhead heading south on the Pinhoti till we reached the dedication monument and then took a detour on the jeep trail. We planned to set up camp past the junction of the Chinnabee but realized time was short. Bypassing McDill Point, we continued south on the rocky trail setting up camp less than a mile from the intersection. I dubbed this spot, “Flat Top Camp” for it was flat and on top of the ridge. That night the stars were brighter than ever and would have taken my tarp down but the wind was blowing out of the southeast.
 The next day we continued south, passing hikers headed north. The fog was thick down in the valley and made it appear that we were above the clouds. The trail was rocky till we reached Little Caney Head. Hear we found water flowing in a stream and filled our empty bottles. Heading south we found several scenic overlooks and continued to “Heaven”. At Heaven there is almost a 360 view of the surrounding countryside. One can see clearly back to McDill, State park, and Bald Rock from another point along this trail. We continued down the steep rocky stair way and set up camp at the bottom, at a campsite on the right.
 The remaining three miles of the trail was well worn with a few short steep climbs and a few rocky spots. The weather was great and water could be found at all the usual locations.
 We then loaded up a headed to the Lodge Restaurant at Cheaha (11:30 am). We stopped along the way to clean up at the camp store and pick up a few souvenirs. The restaurant always finishes the trip with a nice meal and a last look at the scenic valley below.
       

[Firedog]

Sound like a good trip. We went up there Monday Jan/2 and put out 4-1.5L bottles of water at the Kiosk up the hill from Adams Gap. Weather was great but the wind was howling. Glad you guys had a great time and good weather.
Bob & Sue are the greatest. 

[blisterbob]

We met Blister Bob at the Adams Gap Trail Head a little after 12:00 (Thursday 12/29/11) and He shuttled us David (Treenester) and my self, Tim (Tree Frog), to the Cheaha Trailhead. Blister Bob’s shuttle was really nice and his wife makes the best cookies (Thanks Bob). My cookies were gone in a few minutes.
 We left the trailhead heading south on the Pinhoti till we reached the dedication monument and then took a detour on the jeep trail. We planned to set up camp past the junction of the Chinnabee but realized time was short. Bypassing McDill Point, we continued south on the rocky trail setting up camp less than a mile from the intersection. I dubbed this spot, “Flat Top Camp” for it was flat and on top of the ridge. That night the stars were brighter than ever and would have taken my tarp down but the wind was blowing out of the southeast.
 The next day we continued south, passing hikers headed north. The fog was thick down in the valley and made it appear that we were above the clouds. The trail was rocky till we reached Little Caney Head. Hear we found water flowing in a stream and filled our empty bottles. Heading south we found several scenic overlooks and continued to “Heaven”. At Heaven there is almost a 360 view of the surrounding countryside. One can see clearly back to McDill, State park, and Bald Rock from another point along this trail. We continued down the steep rocky stair way and set up camp at the bottom, at a campsite on the right.
 The remaining three miles of the trail was well worn with a few short steep climbs and a few rocky spots. The weather was great and water could be found at all the usual locations.
 We then loaded up a headed to the Lodge Restaurant at Cheaha (11:30 am). We stopped along the way to clean up at the camp store and pick up a few souvenirs. The restaurant always finishes the trip with a nice meal and a last look at the scenic valley below.
      Good trip report and I am pleased to have been a part of it.
      I notice that you took plenty of time to enjoy not only the scenic views but nature as well.
      Too many times we go through a section at a pace that we might miss the biggest reason for being there.

      As a recent convert from tents, I have this overwhelming urge to drive up to Clairmont Gap, hike about 1 mile
      south on the Pinhoti to the rockiest, steepest part of rock garden, hang by the trail and chuckle out loud at
      the 'tenters'  going by.    

[shhQuiet]

Nice report-  I may have passed you at the Cheaha Trailhead parking..  I got there about noon on the 29th after doing an overnight loop down to McDill Point on the Pinhoti and then back on the Cave Creek trail.  The weather was fantastic- perfect for hiking.

Blisterbob- didn't know you were a hanger as well...  I didn't think about it until I got back from my overnight, but I read somewhere that hanging was not allowed in state parks...  Do you know the rules about that?  Something about damaging trees?  A real bummer if it is true, my treehuggers never hurt anyone!

[blisterbob]

 ShhQuiet;
I am not up to speed on all the rules about attaching to trees other than
Florida State Parks forbid it.
I'm sure squidbilly would know about Al. laws.

[squidbilly]

Thanks for the trip report Treefrog, it sounds like you had a great trip. On your way out, between Stairway and Adams Gap, was there a couple of trees blocking the trail?


BlisterBob & ShhQuiet:  I'm not sure about the rules on hammocks in Alabama State Parks. They could have restrictions on their use in the campgrounds. I've heard some parks let you hang a hammock, but you can't sleep overnight in it   On the trail, out in the woods, who cares?

[treefrog]

 There were some trees down that you had to go around in one spot.
 I have heard that some State Parks do not allow hammocks. The only damage that might occur, is if one tried to use a small tree that couldn’t handle the weight.

[squidbilly]

Alabama State Park Rules and Regulations

Looks like there is nothing that specifically prohibits hammocks. However, the way #4 is worded, they could say it's inappropriate or unsightly  and you'd be banned from the campground.

Darn it!  I was so looking forward to sleeping at the Cheaha Park Campground this weekend in a cardboard box covered with my new pink                    Hello Kitty tarp.

[shhQuiet]

Darn it!  I was so looking forward to sleeping at the Cheaha Park Campground this weekend in a cardboard box covered with my new pink                    Hello Kitty tarp.

aHAHA!  It the new "homeless" look- all the rage this season!

Thanks for the link to the rules, that will come in handy-

[ciphoto]

Yea thinks for the rules list, I hang when I'm out hiking, and sometimes in the back yard, it is better than ground dwelling.  I haven't hung in any Al state parks...