View Full Version : Pinhoti guide book & resupply stops?
Two Speed
08-12-2008, 16:49
No large chain groceries along the Pinhoti before you get to Dalton that I'm aware of. There is BecWayne's in Heflin. After that the next "on trail" resupply point would be Cave Spring, GA. After that Dalton and Calhoun, where should be able to find anything you want.
Suggestions:
PM Cuffs. She lives in 'Bama and seems to stay more current on the subject.
Get Mr. Parkay's maps
Smoke over some of the threads on the "Other long trails" forum
FWIW I've hiked the Pinhoti from Bull Gap in Alabama to Dalton, GA. The Alabama section was great hiking. The section from Cave Spring to Dalton included more road walking than I care for There are portions between Dalton and Cave Spring that would make good overnighters or three day trips, but not worth putting together the time to do that section in one hike.* Looking forward to hiking the section from Calhoun to the BMT one day soon; not gonna bother with the road walk between Dalton and Calhoun.
* Still working full time, so a week's annual leave is a precious thing to me and not to be wasted on hiking I really don't care for. YMMV
Mr. Parkay
08-12-2008, 17:11
Also, I have three Alabama resupply points so far: mile 8 (Dollar General), mile 32 (gas station) and mile 94 (Kroger) from another thread.
Hey Tracy... I'm not sure if it was a typo in your post... I just wanted to point out that the Kroger, Gas Station and Dollar General are on the Georgia Pinhoti (not alabama).
Also, I wanted to mention that there is apparently a "blazed" route for the Dalton Road walk, which is different from the route shown on my maps. This other route is probably better than my route... but it doesn't go past the Kroger. However, it probably goes past other grocery stores/gas stations.
I'm going to examine this "other" route today to see if I can create a gps track for it... so that I can create some maps.
Mr. Parkay
08-12-2008, 17:23
This other route is probably better than my route... but it doesn't go past the Kroger. However, it probably goes past other grocery stores/gas stations.
I'm going to examine this "other" route today to see if I can create a gps track for it... so that I can create some maps.
Correction, they both go past the Kroger... and other grocery stores. My mistake:)
Hammock Hanger
08-12-2008, 18:42
I have Solo's Pinhoti pocket trail guide, it is a nice book and I feel well worth the $10.00.
I have hiked the entire AL section and into GA as far as the SFSP and hope to be out to pick up the hike from Sloppy Floyd SP to the BMT sometime in November of this year.
Two Speed
08-12-2008, 19:28
You starting from the Sloppy Floyd side trail and hiking up to the Pinhoti? Ouch.
Hammock Hanger
08-12-2008, 22:30
You starting from the Sloppy Floyd side trail and hiking up to the Pinhoti? Ouch.
I know. :(
That is where I hiked down from to meet with ShortCut in 2007. My other thought was to park a few mile back at the hwy crossing, I think it is the High Point Trail-head on GA 100. The only thing is I am afraid to leave my car there for a couple of weeks, I figured it would be safer in the SP even if I have to pay a daily parking fee.
One of the things I hate most about section hiking is leaving my car for any length of time at a trail-head. She is an old car (99 Jeep) but I like her with windows and CD player intact.
minnesotasmith
08-13-2008, 19:42
Office Max wants over 31 bucks for an 11"x17" print of your triple map of the Flagg Mtn-Bull Gap section, and they don't guarantee readability. I'd happily send you money for having that map broken down into three legible-at-8.5"x11". (I can print those out at home.) Faithwalker has already printed out all the rest of your maps for the Pinhoti, and has them in a nice binder. They're going with us in December. Thank you for being such a help to people who want to hike the Pinhoti.
Mountain Dog
08-17-2008, 15:04
I think the Pocket Guide is well worth the money. I've hiked the Alabama Pinhoti several times and still go to the guide before any section hike. As to resupply, there are not many convenient places in Alabama. Heflin is not far from the trail so you could hitch a ride there. I do not think the town is more than 2 or 3 miles east of the trail if you had to walk the entire distance. There is a store supporting campers on top of Cheaha mountain. You'll pass about 1/4 mile east of it when you pass through. The store has things like bread, canned meats, water, some minor hiking gear items, pastries, clothes, etc. I do not remember them having dried food or gas. The lodge there would be a good place to take either a zero or nero and get cleaned up, dried out, and fattened up at the restaurant.
Mountain Dog
08-17-2008, 15:16
As an add on to the Cheaha statement, I have 1-800 252-7275 as a number for Cheaha State Park Information. They can give you information. I think the store's number is (256)488-5111 and the lodge is ----5115. The lodge fills up on weekends so do not plan to stay there except during the week.
As an add on to the Cheaha statement, I have 1-800 252-7275 as a number for Cheaha State Park Information. They can give you information. I think the store's number is (256)488-5111 and the lodge is ----5115. The lodge fills up on weekends so do not plan to stay there except during the week.
Ive never seen that problem, and have never had an issue getting a room at any time of year (with proper planning & reservations).
Mountain Dog
08-17-2008, 18:03
You hit the key, with proper planning and reservations. I have not had problems during the weekday. But, I've been through there on a weekend and they would not, not, rent a room to me for just one night on a weekend. They told me they would not rent a room during the the peak visitor times, (I think that was late Spring through early Fall) for just one weekend night. They told me I had to rent at least 2 weekend nights (I think it was two but they might have said three). Policies can change so I would call ahead and make arrangements. I'd not plan on stopping there unless I knew ahead of time what their policies were. Regardless, there is good camping at McDill or Blue Mountain Shelter if you happen to go through there late afternoon and there is no room at the lodge.
Cuffs, I have not had to resupply at the store; ergo, I did not pay attention to all the stuff they carried. I know they cary frozen sandwiches, gator aid, crackers, canned foods and such. I assume, being there to help out the campers, they would also carry Coleman fluid. What would you advise about using the store as a resupply point? I usually stash gear if I am doing several nights out but I do not think I would plan any resupply points other than Hefflin or the Store. Hitchin to Piedmont,Talladega or Sylacauga would be iffy. It is a shame Rabbit Town General Store closed because it would have been a great resupply point.
You hit the key, with proper planning and reservations. I have not had problems during the weekday. But, I've been through there on a weekend and they would not, not, rent a room to me for just one night on a weekend. They told me they would not rent a room during the the peak visitor times, (I think that was late Spring through early Fall) for just one weekend night. They told me I had to rent at least 2 weekend nights (I think it was two but they might have said three). Policies can change so I would call ahead and make arrangements. I'd not plan on stopping there unless I knew ahead of time what their policies were. Regardless, there is good camping at McDill or Blue Mountain Shelter if you happen to go through there late afternoon and there is no room at the lodge.
Cuffs, I have not had to resupply at the store; ergo, I did not pay attention to all the stuff they carried. I know they cary frozen sandwiches, gator aid, crackers, canned foods and such. I assume, being there to help out the campers, they would also carry Coleman fluid. What would you advise about using the store as a resupply point? I usually stash gear if I am doing several nights out but I do not think I would plan any resupply points other than Hefflin or the Store. Hitchin to Piedmont,Talladega or Sylacauga would be iffy. It is a shame Rabbit Town General Store closed because it would have been a great resupply point.
They are usually pretty accomodating to hikers (several of us have been 'training' them on what to expect as the Pinhoti becomes more popular!)
Their big time for no 1-night bookings is race weekends at Talladega... understandably... and they are fully booked a year in advance for that!
Hammock Hanger
08-17-2008, 20:25
AS FOR THE STORE:
The store is a typical little camp convenience store. Lots of chips, ice cream, soda, beer, etc. However, there are a few small can goods and a light selection of mac and cheese, Lipton's. Enough to get you to your next stop if you are not super picky.
I ate breakfast at the restaurant and then packed out a large sub and a dinner to go that I had bought the night before. So that is two meals right there and then if I had needed I could have bought at the store but I was meeting someone in a day or so and had enough to get by.
I got a room no problem but I believe it was during the week. I ended up treating myself and going for the room with the jacuzzi. The extra $23.00 was well worth it.
For those that need it there is a free computer for use in the office lounge area.
Mountain Dog
08-19-2008, 12:41
HH, Thanks for the updating you are doing to Stumpknocker's journal. Let's see, in one year he will bike across the US, hike the AT, and hike the LT. I met him while sectioning near Pearisburg. He surely does have fun.
Hammock Hanger
08-19-2008, 19:03
HH, Thanks for the updating you are doing to Stumpknocker's journal. Let's see, in one year he will bike across the US, hike the AT, and hike the LT. I met him while sectioning near Pearisburg. He surely does have fun.
He literally has nothing else to do. He is actually a "homeless vagrant", as he sold his home just before walking north from Springer. He has truly figured out how to live the good life.
:)
Mountain Dog
08-20-2008, 17:23
I'll start with some answers. All my responses relate to Alabama. I've hiked parts of the Pinhoti in Ga. but not enough to give advice.
1.Yes, there will be hunters in the woods. I would use a bright pack cover.
2. There will be water at all Shelters.
3. Forget Rabbittown. That is a community, not a town. There used to be a general store there but it closed. The building was, my last time through, being used on weekends for fiddle playing and such.
4. Previous posts tell you about possible resupply points.
5. Check your map regarding Porter and Bull Gap THs. The shortest route from Bull to Porter is by back roads and you will not have much luck hitching. The eastern or back door route has very little traffic and even fewer cars that will leave Bull and turn towards Talladega once they hit 77. To get to Talladega, you'll hitch to and through Sylacauga. I'd bet Sylacauga had motels and a buss station. Sylacauga to Birmingham makes more sense than Sylacauga to Talladega to Birmingham.
6. I am hesitant to give you advice unless I am sure of exact locations. I can calculate or cross over your mileages to those in the pocket guide, but only roughly. A few miles can make a large difference in camping and safety on the Pinhoti. Your 36.6 camping spot probably will not have water. The water south of Adams is the last reliable water until you hit Blue Mountain. There is water at the Chinnabee/Pinhoti crossing about 50% of the time. The spot you plan is hit and miss. Also, I hope you have a Hammock. I do not remember any flat spots near your 36.6 spot. Water will be iffy at your 64.7 site if it is where I think you mean.
7. The Pocket Guide has reliable and seasonable water sources identified. The seasonable sources were mostly dry last year. The reliable sources were running low. I'd check rain fall over current time frames before I'd rely on any seasonable water sources.
The Pinhoti is not the AT so shuttles are hard to find. Lots of luck. Maybe someone at Alabamatrail.org/forum can help. I think the Pinhot Trail Alliance (http://www.pinhotitrailalliance.org/) had at least one shuttle driver listed at one time, a man by the name of Justin. Try them also.
The water about 1 mile inside Ga should be reliable and offer good camping.
Hey--Sylacauga might have a bus station? I've searched about public transp. in that town and I couldn't find anyway.
Also, when heading N, if you swing south on the BMT for 72 miles, you will reach the AT slightly north of Springer, I believe. The BMT hit the AT in a few places, so it depends on where you are and where you want to go in regards to mileage.
MoBill122
08-20-2008, 21:22
My little bit of feedback :
Big game hunting starts in Alabama normally around November 15th > 20th
Big game hunting starts in North Georgia on October 11th
Sylacauga used to have a bus station years ago, but I don't know now. Does have a motel, although your tent might be a better choice. Would not go to Talladega from Bulls' Gap.
When you are more sure about dates, etc. I might could help you with re-supply, as I'll be scouting for deer season in the Coleman Lake area (93.4)
136.9 AL/GA state line
126 Lanie Creek / camp < is this where the tent platform is ?
113.7 Double Spring / camp No store in Rabbittown area anymore, burned down Rabbittown resupply? years ago
100.4 Choccolocco Creek Shelter (water?) Plenty of water here
90.1 Laurel Shelter (water?) Plenty of water here
79.7 Lower Shoel Shelter (water?) Plenty of water here
Beware 70 > 66? is where trail is closed due to downed trees
64.7 campsite (water?) Not sure water here now
46.9 Blue Mtn Shelter (water?) No water at shelter, but streams before & after
36.6 campsite (water?) In April 2008, you had to dig a hole for water out of most of the creeks in this 10 mile section, you are on the mountain tops here in ROCKS
23.3 campsite and spring (reliable?) 21.4 is Talladega Creek, probably polluted
14.4 creek crossings / camp (reliable water?) Scott Lake dam is there.
Bulls Gap trailhead Little water from Scott to Bull's
Alabama has had quite a bit of rainfall this summer, so water may not be as bad as we all make it out to be. If Tropical Storm Fay goes through, maybe the drought will be over with for all of us.
some clarification...
In AL the earliest hunt season begins in Sept. (dove) and there are many critters for which there is no closed season. You are REQUIRED to wear 144 sq inches of blaze orange while in the NF areas during deer & turkey seasons which begin in early October. A standard ball cap, bandana or pack cover meets this requirement.
I am working with several people in the Sylacauga area to be shuttlers, if I know a more precise itinerary, I can contact them for you, or may even be of assistance myself.
The GA section is many miles of road walk, just be aware of this.
The Choccolocco shelter water supply is not the easiest to find. DO NOT get water from the reservoir or its output on the other side of the dam. There is a small, but reliable spring directly in front of the shelter about 150' down.
Laurel & Lower Shoal Shelters are great. Water at both right in front!
There is not water at Davis Mtn Shelter. You will cross the nearest water to that shelter on after you have left it, headed south.
There is no water AT Blue Mtn Shelter. You must get water before you get there. This is chance you may run into people staying here since it is the most accessible shelter on the trail.
Send me a PM if I can be of any help working out your shuttle or any other info!
Mountain Dog
08-20-2008, 23:01
Regarding Talladega Creek. The locals said it was good water because it did not form up very far upstream. BUT, the locals get water from a spring close by. Go west on the road immediately north of the Talladega Creek for about 1/4 mile. You will see a piped spring about 4 feet up a bank on the north side of the road. The pipe drops water into and old rock cistern which is barely recognizable. Not to worry about the cistern, you can fill bottles derectly from the pipe. The area around the Talladega Creek bridge is owned or claimed by the closes house. The people had a primitive camping area at the south west section of the creek/bridge. They had plans to improve the campsite. I do not know if they did anything. Check in with them if you camp near the creek.
Regarding Talladega Creek. The locals said it was good water because it did not form up very far upstream. BUT, the locals get water from a spring close by. Go west on the road immediately north of the Talladega Creek for about 1/4 mile. You will see a piped spring about 4 feet up a bank on the north side of the road. The pipe drops water into and old rock cistern which is barely recognizable. Not to worry about the cistern, you can fill bottles derectly from the pipe. The area around the Talladega Creek bridge is owned or claimed by the closes house. The people had a primitive camping area at the south west section of the creek/bridge. They had plans to improve the campsite. I do not know if they did anything. Check in with them if you camp near the creek.
You can filter directly from Talladega creek with no worries, but dont drink it 'raw.'
Unless the old guy that lives at the creek approaches you, do not go looking for him. While he can look 'mountain man' or 'hillbilly' he is pleasant, but his place is not safe in regards to stability. I think his house may fall down one of these days! He does sometimes have Cokes and other stuff 'for sale' if you are in need of a refreshment. He 'says' he owns the land on the n. side of the creek, but thats questionable and he will charge you a few dollars to camp along the banks.
But I would not go looking for him....
MoBill122
08-21-2008, 10:48
The guy at Talladega Creek gave me the creeps.... <s> Besides his dog tried to eat me, and he never called the dog off... I was walking down the roadway !!
Small game and bow hunting deer season begins in October in Alabama, and does not require the wearing of hunter's orange safety vest.
Gun Deer season begins the week of November 10th in Alabama, and only in the areas that GUN hunting is open are you required to wear hunters orange.
HUNTER ORANGE REQUIREMENT FOR HUNTING AND DEFINITION OF OPEN PERMIT-PUBLIC LAND
(1) All persons hunting any wildlife species (except turkey and migratory birds (including crows) and while hunting legally designated species during legal nighttime hours) during dates and in areas open by
regulation to gun deer season are required to wear an outer garment above the waist with a minimum of 144 square inches of hunter orange or either a full size hunter orange hat or cap.
The guy at Talladega Creek gave me the creeps.... <s> Besides his dog tried to eat me, and he never called the dog off... I was walking down the roadway !!
Small game and bow hunting deer season begins in October in Alabama, and does not require the wearing of hunter's orange safety vest.
Gun Deer season begins the week of November 10th in Alabama, and only in the areas that GUN hunting is open are you required to wear hunters orange.
H
UNTER ORANGE REQUIREMENT FOR HUNTING AND DEFINITION OF OPEN PERMIT-PUBLIC LAND
(1) All persons hunting any wildlife species (except turkey and migratory birds (including crows) and while hunting legally designated species during legal nighttime hours) during dates and in areas open by
regulation to gun deer season are required to wear an outer garment above the waist with a minimum of 144 square inches of hunter orange or either a full size hunter orange hat or cap.
From the same paragraph... The hunter orange must be worn when traveling on foot
With the number of hunters you will find on state lands it is best that the hiker be wearing orange so that there is no 'accidents.'
Yes, the man at Talladega creek is kinda creepy, but I have spoken with him on may trail work days and I think he just doesnt get to talk to too many people and welcomes the opportunity. His dogs came and checked me out, but never bothered me.
Mountain Dog
08-21-2008, 15:05
Correction as to where the guy at Talladega Creek was starting a camp ground. I listed it as South West. I should have said south east of the creek/road intersection. I've talked to the man a couple of times. He is not a local and he really does not understand what hikers want and the culture around that area. I think he is harmless although they will let you know if they see you that you should give them some money if you park your car on their side of the creek. If headed south, I'd go to the top of the hill between Porter and Talladega Creek and camp. There are places to camp up there. The pull away from the creek is not too bad and you would only have to carry water for the night a mile or so. You would not have far to go the next morning to get water south of Porter.
That reminds me.... that section of trail near T-Creek was blazed just about a year ago during the trail maint. week, so they should still be nice and visible. The trail dumps out onto the FS road and is dirt then turns to pavement at/near the bridge to Talladega Creek. Continue walking on the paved road for aobut 100 yards or so and you will see the offset blazing on a light pole on your right (SOBO), its a sharp right turn, more than 90* at that pole.