Part of the Pinhoti closed???

[Mountain Dog]

Any updates on the section that was closed in May due to storm damage.  I believe the section was basically the part on the east side of 281 and 3 or 4 miles south of the hwy 78 crossing.

[Mountain Dog]

Wow Jaybird, you know how to research stuff.  It does sound like the forest took a big hit.  I tried hiking a trail in Mississippi about a year after K hit the Gulf Coast.  I found two trailhead that looked like the trail between was "passable".  Wrong!  I spent two days climbing on trees.  I spent more distance on trees than on the ground.  The decision as to where to camp was based on finding enough clear ground for a tent.  I understand that trail has been reestablished.  Let's hope the Pinhoti is also reestablished, meaning the trees are cleared and the trail re marked.   
I noticed the FS document had several references to the Bankhead.  I'm going to post your link over there.  People using the BH might be interested in the trail heads being moved.  Thanks again.

[Woody]

Has anyone heard about the progress bing made to clear the blowdowns around mile 103.3 ~ AL 281 Crossing? Over at Hiking Alabama BBS they posted that they started clearing it around the first of August. Does anyone know how it is coming and has anyone tried the alternate route posted by Solo? Thnaks!

[Cuffs]

For the most up to date info, call the Talladega National Forest - Shoal Creek Ranger District at 256-463-2272.

[Woody]

I called and they advised that that section of trail is still closed. They said most of it has been cleared but some of the trail has to be re-built where the overturned tree roots completely removed the trail. They also still have to re-post trail markings. I asked about Solo's possible bypass but they could not say whether it would work or not and that it would be best just to bypass this section from I-20 to hwy78 by road walk.