Fall & Spring Pinhoti Sections

[Haveuseen1]

This fall and next spring I am going to attempt to hike either all or a significant amount of the Alabama portion of the Pinhoti. 

I was thinking about going from South to North.   Anyone else planning on hiking the Pinhoti this fall or spring?

I would like to try to coordinate some Shuttles or anything else that may be useful.

[Cuffs]

I'll be doing some trail maintenance this fall, and may be able to help depending on when you plan on hiking. 

[Woody]

I am planning on hiking from Porter's Gap to the State line but I do not have my dates set in stone yet. I will either be going near the end of Oct or near the start of Dec depending on how my schedule unfolds. Good luck on your hike and maybe I will run into you. If I have enough advance warning of when I will out there I will definately let you know so I can help if possible. Good luck!

[ednotmilkman]

I'm thinking of doing a couple nights around Thanksgiving.  Would love to hook up with a few others as well. I only "need to" finish the northern part above Burns Trlhd in AL, but have no reason not to hike other portions again.

I normally hike 15-25  miles a day solo, but can bring a book, or a fishing rod, and be content with less.

[Haveuseen1]

I would enjoy the company anytime.  I am a slow hiker as I dont like to miss anything.  8-10 miles a day on most days although I am not unhappy if I only do 4-5 if there is a lot to see.  My biggest thing is I need someone to drop me off at the trailhead.  I can leave my truck at the end of that leg, so I guess I am looking for what most look for a shuttle.  Any idea if Talladega has taxis?

[ednotmilkman]

not sure about taxis, you can always check the internet yellow pages.  There is a guy that lives right where the Pinhoti crosses Talladega Creek at Chandler Springs however that told me he would shuttle hikers. Can't remember his name, but he is a nice, long haired 55-60 yr. old hippie-type from Norway or Sweden. He gave me his phone # too, but can I find it ??  ................ ................ ........

YES ! his trail name, or whatever name, is TRIG  phone 256-***-**** and he has a website because he is also trying to develop a camping area for paddlers along the creek. You can also park your car there on his property and he will "watch it" for you although the sign says "donations appreciated"  Will check his website too http://www.redwagonretreat.com  

OH, this website must not be TRIG's, but another guy who has the site for paddlers info about the "put-in".  This web site lists his, and DW, with a different phone # than what Trig gave me personally

Trig & LaVerne (last name Gangnes, Red Wagon Retreat, ***-***-****

As far as me meeting one of you for a hike and car shuttle, if I could only do 2 or 3 days, and you were hiking the whole trail, I guess we could meet where you wanted to end
leave your car there
drive together in my car to where I wanted to end up
take my bicycle off the rack and find a place to lock it up
drive my car to the start and ENJOY !

Anybody ever ridden a bicycle with a full backpack as your shuttle vehicle ?  I have not, but I guess you could leave your pack well hidden and come back for it on the way home.  With a pickup, a ramp and a motorcycle you could do the same thing without pedaling.

[Big Dumb Admin]

Hey Ed sorry for having to edit that but please try to keep private numbers off the board. I would hate for anyone to get harassing phone calls from unknowns because of us.

[ednotmilkman]

of course, no problem

[Haveuseen1]

Ed,  thanks for the info.  I will call Red Wagon this weekend and see if they are still in operation.  They could be quite useful.  I always find the challenge of planning fun as well.

It is all starting to come together.

[alabamat]

I do bike between trailheads. I tend to either drop a bike at one end with a bike bag and then ride back with my gear. Another option is to drop your pack, drive to the end, then bike back to the start where you lock your bike and take off with your pack. Which works best depends on how you have to drive, I don't like biking up hill, so I tend to walk up and bike down.

Lee

[Cuffs]

While the fellow at T-Creek is nice, I would hesitate to use him or rely on him for a shuttle.  Everytime I have passed there, he has no vehicle. I would keep this board updated on your hike details and see if you could get assistance here first...

[ednotmilkman]

hi Lee,

Glad to hear that you can pedal a bicycle with a 30+# pack for a couple of hours.

What are you talking about using "a bike bag"?

To keep it out of the rain or camouflage ?

[alabamat]

Smile, I would never carry a 30 lb pack, more like 10 lbs. Also, if you do the bike portion at the end of the trip you will have much less weight. I actually use a large Panier to carry my stuff, I find that I can fit my whole pack in there. I use it because I just don't like to peddle with a pack on. If you are careful about how you do the trip there won't be that much up, for example, end at Cheaha, that way you'll be biking down no matter which way you go, and it won't take too long either.

Lee

[Haveuseen1]

at this point I was unable to get in touch with the Red Wagon guy.  I did find a taxi service available though.  I am waiting on them to follow up with a price.  As far as I am concerned if it is less than 50 bucks it would be worth it.  I have 2 freinds that say they want to go, so it may not be a problem.  The only thing is once I decide I am going I will go with or without them.  So I like to be prepared.  Thanks for the help.