Pinhoti Suggestions

[SteveO]

  My fiance is really into hiking, but not much into backpacking. We have a Smokies backpack planned for mid Summer, and I want something to get her feet wet. I backpack Sipsey alot, but havent done much on the Pinhoti. So Im going to take her there next weekend for an overnighter. I want her to enjoy it..so nothing crazy.

 Im looking for a out and back or loop hike around 10 miles or so.  I also want someplace safe to park, and would prefer to park at Cheaha. However, I was reading that water is scarce around that area. Thats an issue. Any suggestions?

 I would also like her to experience a shelter...as thats what Im going to be planning for in the Smokies.

 I know this is asking alot, but what can you guys come up with?

Thanks in advance.

[lawnmowwer]

 I would suggest a loop from Cheaha trail Head. Cave Creek (Our Gracious Host Fav. trail) stay right on Nubbin Creek trail turn right at the Odum Scout trail, right on to the Pinhoti, and back to the car.
 
I saw water at the Pinhoti, Odum, Chinabee intersection a few weeks ago, and there shoud be water at Nubbin creek. Milage  I think is around 12.

The only problem is this is a difficult section of the Pinhoti. The terrain is not a particularly steep climb, but You are on the side of the mountain and it is a particularly steep fall in places. I should add that the overlook at McGill Point is a very nice place to eat lunch. You can also start down the Pinhoti and if things are moving slow or the terrain is to much you can hit the short connector back to Cave Creek.

An out and back loop on the Odum is good. Water at both ends and High Fall is nice.

There is the possibility of an out and back on the Chinabee and Skyway trail, but there was a controlled burn on the middle of the Skyway a few weeks ago. Lots of water there. Also a couple of falls to see.

Pinhoti map 4.

[Lostsheep]

I have a friend who just came home from the Skyway trail and there was plenty of water according to his photos. I'm not 100% sure where that is in relation to the Cheaha center, but it should be a pretty good indicator that the water is coming back up.

[SteveO]

Thanks guys.  Looks like we are going to do the loop lawnmowwer suggested.

Bummer but, due to the fact that this next weekend is Easter, Ill be postponing this trip for another 2 weeks.

I hate when I do that, so depressing. Get the packs ready, loops planned, maps printed, etc etc and then have to cancel.
Ill be doing some day hikes at Oak Mountain this week to get over it though.

[MoBill122]

 I had no water problems from Bull's Gap to Cheaha Park last week, other than the planning of what to carry and when to refill the bottles !   

[MoBill122]

Hey Jaybird ! 

 Was nice to meet you out on the trail too !  Didn't meet anyone else until I got to the Laurel Shelter, a group of over nighters from Trussville.
 Unfortunately, I had to cut my hike short, as I got a really bad cold or something.  I climbed Dugger Mtn, and I could barely breath. So rather than get in trouble, I called my wife to come get me before I was somewhere I couldn't get help.  That was Tuesday afternoon, and on Wednesday morning I was so sick I was glad I was home!  Going to doctor today, I had this same stuff a month ago...its time to get rid of it.
 Got about 40 more miles to finish when I get to go back.
 I need to go look at your flower pictures, I need to identify some I saw after we met out there ! 

 MoBill 

[MoBill122]

Jaybird,

  I was looking through the flower identification guides and I have to make a guess on what I plant I saw on the trail below Blue Mountain Shelter last week.
 
  " Alabama Snow Wreath "     Was living within a rocky area along a creek.  Was on the downhill side of the trail, and if I hadn't stopped to look behind me, I would have never seen it, if the sunlight wasn't shining on the flowers.

  I didn't walk up and look at the flowers or plant.   Was a shrub, and stood maybe 3-4 ft tall.

  On others I saw,  I saw May Apples growing in the trail near the Choccolocco Shelter.

  In the Cheaha area, numerous times I saw " Crested Iris " emerging, but no actual flowers.
 
 Saw some Red Buds last week starting to bloom out.

 Next time I see a flower of interest, I'll be sure to get a GPS reading for you.  I'm sure as I move further north on the trail, I'll see some plants you don't see on the southern end as much.

 Might even have to get my old camera out, and try a few pictures myself again.

 MoBill

[MoBill122]

It's on Solo's map named " The Stairway to Heaven "     

When I saw that plant it was still very early in the morning, so I'd guess the creeks at around Mile Marker 49, or within two miles of Blue Mtn Shelter.

I only saw it when I looked back and the sunlight was shining through the white flowers.  Otherwise I'd have not seen it at all.

[lawnmowwer]

 I have always heard it called the Rock Garden. The first time was back when I was a Scout. I don't know how the Stairway to Heaven fits. Vomit somehow fit better.