View Full Version : Alabama connects to Appalachian Trail - Troy Messenger
WhiteBlaze
03-14-2008, 02:10
<table border=0 width= valign=top cellpadding=2 cellspacing=7><tr><td valign=top class=j><font style="font-size:85%;font-family:arial,sans-serif"><br><div style="padding-top:0.8em;"><img alt="" height="1" width="1"></div><div class=lh><a href="http://news.google.com/news/url?sa=T&ct=us/0-0&fd=R&url=http://www.troymessenger.com/articles/2008/03/14/news/news05.txt&cid=0&ei=xRbaR4C-Moa08ALnhOzmCA">Alabama connects to <b>Appalachian Trail</b></a><br><font size=-1><font color=#6f6f6f>Troy Messenger, AL -</font> <nobr>24 minutes ago</nobr></font><br><font size=-1>At 2 pm Sunday, March 16, the Pinhoti <b>Trail</b> at Cheaha State Park will be connected officially to the <b>Appalachian Trail</b>. A permanent historic marker <b>...</b></font></div></font></td></tr></table>
More... (http://news.google.com/news/url?sa=T&ct=us/0-0&fd=R&url=http://www.troymessenger.com/articles/2008/03/14/news/news05.txt&cid=0&ei=xRbaR4C-Moa08ALnhOzmCA)
warraghiyagey
03-14-2008, 02:24
Hmmm. . . headed SOBO, wondering if I'll have some steam left for the Pinhoti.:-?:)
Frolicking Dinosaurs
03-14-2008, 05:17
::: Dino gives a high-five to Cuffs and others from the Alabama Hiking Trail Association :::
warraghiyagey
03-14-2008, 05:19
Damn 'Bama girls.:p
From this article:
Tom Cosby, chief marketing officer, Birmingham Regional Chamber of Commerce, said connecting the Pinhoti Trail to the Appalachian Trail is a "pro Alabama view" and has not been sanctioned by the Appalachian Trail Conference but it will happen eventually.
"The Appalachian Mountains end in Alabama and it is an Appalachian Trail so it should end where the mountains end," he said. "One day it will. It's gonna happen." <table align="left" border="0" cellpadding="2" cellspacing="0" width=""><tbody><tr> <td class="photo-left">
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</td></tr></tbody></table> Cosby said incentives will be offered to the first hikers who hike the "true" length of the AT, beginning at Cheaha and many will, in time, accept the challenge of hiking the Appalachians from beginning to end.Looks like the additional recognition that some seek for a network hike...
Frolicking Dinosaurs
03-14-2008, 08:07
The ATC isn't about to recommend changing the northern or southern terminus and given the complex network of alliances with other agencies the ATC isn't likely to embrace the corridor concept that is the norm on many other long trails. The AT is what it is - a single path from GA to ME with some alternatives paths to be used during extraordinary circumstances.
The Great Eastern Trail (http://www.greateasterntrail.org/) is being developed and will likely replace the AT as the premier eastern trail within the decade. It is a no-brainer to foresee a day when a triple crown mean someone has hiked the GET, CDT and PCT instead of the current AT, CDT and PCT.
Lone Wolf
03-14-2008, 08:09
Hmmm. . . headed SOBO, wondering if I'll have some steam left for the Pinhoti.:-?:)
it'll just be part of the approach. it'll never be white-blazed. the AT will always begin or end on Springer Mtn.
max patch
03-14-2008, 09:06
The Great Eastern Trail (http://www.greateasterntrail.org/) is being developed and will likely replace the AT as the premier eastern trail within the decade. It is a no-brainer to foresee a day when a triple crown mean someone has hiked the GET, CDT and PCT instead of the current AT, CDT and PCT.
Ridiculous
Frolicking Dinosaurs
03-14-2008, 09:41
RidiculousWhatever :rolleyes:
cowboy nichols
03-14-2008, 12:38
Ridiculous
Why?? The AT has always changed. The longer the better.:-?
minnesotasmith
03-14-2008, 12:50
Why?? The AT has always changed. The longer the better.:-?
Look at how reluctant the ATC has been to add the Approach Trail to the official AT, as little trouble as that would entail, even with the historical precedent of how the AT used to run further south of Amicalola, to Mt. Oglethorpe. Adding the Pinhoti to the official AT IMO will happen about when the IAT is officially added to the AT, e.g., never.
Oh, and even if the GET were as popular as the AT (something I wouldn't mind seeing), that wouldn't be enough to overcome the inertia of the AT being considered the 1st leg of the Triple Crown. The popularity of the AT is such that NO long (over-1000 mile) hiking trail can be expected to even come close to it for thruhiking within our lifetimes, short of some enormous calamity along the severity of nuclear war, asteroid strike, etc.
From this article:
Tom Cosby, chief marketing officer, Birmingham Regional Chamber of Commerce, said connecting the Pinhoti Trail to the Appalachian Trail is a "pro Alabama view" and has not been sanctioned by the Appalachian Trail Conference but it will happen eventually.
"The Appalachian Mountains end in Alabama and it is an Appalachian Trail so it should end where the mountains end," he said.By that logic, the Continental Divide Trail would run from Terra del Fuego to someplace in the Northwest Territories, and the America Discovery Trail would run from Genoa to Hispaniola.
By that logic, the Continental Divide Trail would run from Terra del Fuego to someplace in the Northwest Territories, and the America Discovery Trail would run from Genoa to Hispaniola.
Through Greenland, Iceland, and the Bering Strait. :D (Sorry, couldn't resist.)
max patch
03-14-2008, 15:38
I hope a bunch of trails are created and hook up with the AT. However, NONE of em are ever going to called the AT. Ain't gonna happen.
And if FD actually believes that the GET is going to be "THE PREMIER" Eastern Trail within the decade and that its a "NO BRAINER" that the GET will replace the AT as one of the legs of the triple crown....(I'll be polite and keep my thoughts to myself.)
Frolicking Dinosaurs
03-14-2008, 21:34
Aren't you going to summon the rest of the posse and pound FD into the ground? It's getting so predictable that it isn't even entertaining anymore. And you guys wonder why so many people only read at this site and do their posting elsewhere. :rolleyes:
warraghiyagey
03-15-2008, 04:36
Aren't you going to summon the rest of the posse and pound FD into the ground? It's getting so predictable that it isn't even entertaining anymore. And you guys wonder why so many people only read at this site and do their posting elsewhere. :rolleyes:
Obviously FD, if there are more miles on the official AT, then it will be longer, and therefore better, with more shiny patches to sew into the back of the third drawer down in an attic dresser.
Duh.
Your friend,
Warrghy
bloodmountainman
03-15-2008, 07:00
With gas and oil prices skyrocketing out of control, and our dependence on Middle Eastern energy sources, we need as many walking trails as possible! The day may come where walking to and from markets, jobs, etc. will be qur best form of transportation!! TRAIL THE NATION!!!!:-?
Just home from the ceremony, what a big accomplishment!
Some details: The ATC did send representatives, glad they made it. The AT is where it is. We (the state of AL) just want to have a trail over our Appalachian mountains. We are fortunate that we are able to connect them to the BMT and the AT. The AL tourism bureau was there this morning filming... look for my butt (literally) to be in advertising real soon!
I also thank everyone who came out on this gorgeous day! There were over 50 people that walked the 3/4 miles to the top. (for many this was an accomplishment!)
I also hope many of you will make the trip to see what Alabama has to offer hikers. If I can be of any help getting your trip planned, send me an email!
How far is it from GREENBOUGH ALABAMA!!!???
NPR this morning picked up on this story with the angle on some Alabamians desiring to extend the A.T.: http://www.npr.org/templates/story/story.php?storyId=89022308
(No mention of the GET or ECT in the NPR story...)
Cookerhiker
03-25-2008, 08:00
NPR this morning picked up on this story with the angle on some Alabamians desiring to extend the A.T.: http://www.npr.org/templates/story/story.php?storyId=89022308
(No mention of the GET or ECT in the NPR story...)
Note that in the NPR story, the reporter erroneously referred to Springer as the "original" southern point. I guess Mt. Oglethorpe's status ended too long ago.
The thing I thought was especially interesting about the NPR story is how they equably and affirmatively used two different pronunciations of "Appalachian".
BTW, how do you get your NPR fix out there? I spend a lot of time around Cumberland and not much from the left side of the dial seems to penetrate deep into the fastnesses of Allegany County.
Cookerhiker
03-25-2008, 10:38
...BTW, how do you get your NPR fix out there? I spend a lot of time around Cumberland and not much from the left side of the dial seems to penetrate deep into the fastnesses of Allegany County.
An outstanding NPR station here in Frostburg (http://www.ci.frostburg.md.us/) hosted by the university - WFWM (http://www.wfwm.org/) radio at 91.9. Venturing from Frostburg, I find that the signal "travels" much better to the east and south; I can still pick it up near the eastern terminus of I-68 and south to Petersburg, WV. OTOH, going west, I lose it in Grantsville.
WFWM (http://www.wfwm.org/) features classical music during the day and weekday evenings are creative with different programs featuring jazz, blues, folk, big band, bluegrass. My favorite programming is "Just Plain Folks" Saturday PM from 2-5 with an hour each of bluegrass, folk, and Celtic. It's hosted by Greg Latta (http://mysite.verizon.net/glatta/index.html), a professor at FSU and an accomplished hammered dulcimer player. During the summer, he gives free concerts at the nearby state parks.
The only NPR staple missing from WFWM is Prairie Home Companion which I listen to from West Virginia Public Radio.
Hmmmm this is all very interesting but one hard and fast fact has been omitted. The termini of and the corridor of the AT is a part of the National Scenic Trails System and can only be changed or altered (eg extended or rerouted) by an act of Congress. Not likely.
Lone Wolf
03-25-2008, 12:38
it'll be just another blue-blaze off the AT
it'll be just another blue-blaze off the AT
You got it, LW
Hmmmm this is all very interesting but one hard and fast fact has been omitted. The termini of and the corridor of the AT is a part of the National Scenic Trails System and can only be changed or altered (eg extended or rerouted) by an act of Congress. Not likely.
Actually the NPR story (today's bump) had the voice of none other than Dave Startzell saying exactly that.
An outstanding NPR station here in Frostburg (http://www.ci.frostburg.md.us/) Off topic, but I can't help noticing what a fine name you have for your town!
Hmmmm this is all very interesting but one hard and fast fact has been omitted. The termini of and the corridor of the AT is a part of the National Scenic Trails System and can only be changed or altered (eg extended or rerouted) by an act of Congress. Do you know this to be true, or assuming? I haven't read the law but I doubt it was worded to prevent the ATC from making changes.
Do you know this to be true, or assuming? I haven't read the law but I doubt it was worded to prevent the ATC from making changes.
I can look up the law in the cfr if you like, or you can do it yopurself. It is public law. Look for the National Scenic Trails Act of 1968.
As to the reroute aspect, the ATC is allowed to do relocations within the corridor but major relos outside the corridor have to be approved.
Bulldawg
03-25-2008, 18:33
First of all, who in the world wants to listen to NPR, just yuk! And on to the trail. I could care less if they add to the AT, so long as it is a woods trail. Am I right in understanding an awful lot of the Pinhoti includes long road walks? But you gotta take into account I live in the economic area affected by the southern terminus being where it is. We don't want to lose that designation.
Appalachian Tater
03-25-2008, 18:44
The day may come where walking to and from markets, jobs, etc. will be qur best form of transportation!! Move to some place like Philadelphia, New York, D.C., or Boston where that day has already come.
Am I right in understanding an awful lot of the Pinhoti includes long road walks?
"The Vista" blog has an entry quoting someone at length making tasty lemonade from that citrus tree: http://americanhiking.chattablogs.com/archives/068418.html
As usual, news has again twisted, omitted or changed words... The AHTS is not pushing to have the AT moved, changed, altered etc to end in Alabama. Our mission is/was to connect to the AT via the BMT, thats done!
NO, the Pinhoti (in Alabama) has few road walks. Its current woods-trail terminus is Bull Gap. There is a land purchase that is less that a year from being completed which will add a huge portion on the southern end. Eventually, we aim to have woods-trail to Flagg Mtn, the southern-most mountain over 1000 feet in the Appalachian chain. This will become the southern terminus. (Dang, now I"ll have to go thru hike this trail again!)
And, just because you dont happen to like NPR, theres no need for the comments (in this thread anyway). Find what you like to listen to and stick with that. To each his own...
Bulldawg
03-25-2008, 21:06
OK so the Pinhoti in Alabama has a lots of woods trail. How much road trail on the Georgia Pinhoti?
I think there is only 2 stretches of road walk left in GA... a 20 miler and and 25 miler? But dont quote me on that. I do know that the entire route from Flagg Mtn to the BMT junction is fully blazed tho, roadwalks and all!
I can look up the law in the cfr if you like, or you can do it yopurself. It is public law. Look for the National Scenic Trails Act of 1968.You ought to look it up.
Congress did not take on responsibility for routing trails. They only desginated trails including future trails, some of which still do not exist. They gave responsibilty for creating and routing the trails to the Secretary of the Interior, with only vague guidance (working with State and local officials, preserving historic sites, etc).
It isn't likely that the terminus will change. But if Secretary of the Interior wanted to, he could change it in two seconds with a sweep of his pen.
No act of Congress required.
Bulldawg
03-25-2008, 21:43
I think there is only 2 stretches of road walk left in GA... a 20 miler and and 25 miler? But dont quote me on that. I do know that the entire route from Flagg Mtn to the BMT junction is fully blazed tho, roadwalks and all!
That might be OK for some (and don't get mad here when I say this, I mean no disrespect) but if I'm gonna walk on the black top (yellow blaze), I can yellow blaze at home. Just my 3 cents worth. No offense meant.
NO, the Pinhoti (in Alabama) has few road walks...Don't forget the Official Frosty "bypass-the-big-ridge-in-Cheaha-and-go-straight-to-the-restaurant-in-the-Park" Road Walk :cool:
No offense taken! The GA PT groups are working their best to get land purchased to make woods trails. its just such a long drawn out process... and of course the land owners think they are sitting on land worth billions, when its really just a chunk of land that could probably never be built on unless they leveled the mountains anyways...
I wonder if trail clubs could impose "eminent domain" and just take the land we want/need for trails? Now that would be a good use of ED!
Don't forget the Official Frosty "bypass-the-big-ridge-in-Cheaha-and-go-straight-to-the-restaurant-in-the-Park" Road Walk :cool:
Oh how could I forget that!? but I could hear that warm cozy hotel bed and hot shower calling your name all the way in the Wilderness!
That might be OK for some (and don't get mad here when I say this, I mean no disrespect) but if I'm gonna walk on the black top (yellow blaze), I can yellow blaze at home. Just my 3 cents worth. No offense meant.Depends on the road for me. Some road walks are pretty awesome, meandering through country past farms and such. THey are especially pleasant in late afternoon. You can hear cows and smell hay and hear voices that carry over the fields. Makes you feel you've gone back in time, and gives you a yearning for what Thoreau might have enjoyed. I don't mind those road walks at all.
Other road walks are on the (mostly non-existent) shoulder of a busy two-lane highway where you have to step into a ditch every other minute to avoid have the side mirrors of a big truck take you head off. Those I don't like.
halibut15
03-25-2008, 22:12
Shouldn't the whole point be that there's more trail to hike in the South now, rather than arguing about whether or not the AT terminus will be moved? I personally don't think it should be moved or ever will be, and I doubt that's the whole point behind the Pinhoti existing in the first place. The Cheaha section alone reminds me a lot of sections of the AT. Stop bickering and start hiking...there's a lot more trail to explore now.
Lion King
03-26-2008, 13:12
AL-ME
<TABLE><TBODY><TR><TD vAlign=top noWrap>n.</TD><TD vAlign=top>1.</TD><TD>An Egyptian dancing girl; an Alma. The Al-mehs (http://www.thefreedictionary.com/Almehs) lift their arms in dance. - Bayard Taylor.
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I wonder if trail clubs could impose "eminent domain" and just take the land we want/need for trails? Now that would be a good use of ED!
That's been done for the A.T. Good way of building local animosity for generations (think US 19E area in Tennessee?). Also the reason why other National Scenic Trails can't even get "willing seller" authority.
There are ways of obtaining permission to cross private lands with footpaths, they involve a good deal of patience and humility and starting on the right foot (and perhaps acceptance of hunting season closures). Some groups seem to have (perhaps by sheer necessity) developed workable strategies in the absence of $$$. I wish there were a better way of information transfer among the volunteer clubs for stuff like this. Anyone interested in specific contacts on this issue PM me.
The thing I thought was especially interesting about the NPR story is how they equably and affirmatively used two different pronunciations of "Appalachian".
:D Don't you know there are TWO ATs? Going NoBo it's the App a latch'un
and going SoBo it's App a lay shun.
Always been that way according to my source in Damascus, VA.
LOL, Coosa
envirodiver
03-26-2008, 17:40
Cuffs, this new set of trails ties in with the BMT and AT at springer as I understand. How many miles of trails?
The interesting thing to me is that you could tie it in to the BMT and make a much longer trail then with the AT loop, would be very nice.
kayak karl
03-26-2008, 17:52
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Alabama connects to Appalachian Trail (http://news.google.com/news/url?sa=T&ct=us/0-0&fd=R&url=http://www.troymessenger.com/articles/2008/03/14/news/news05.txt&cid=0&ei=xRbaR4C-Moa08ALnhOzmCA)
Troy Messenger, AL - <nobr>24 minutes ago</nobr>
At 2 pm Sunday, March 16, the Pinhoti Trail at Cheaha State Park will be connected officially to the Appalachian Trail. A permanent historic marker ...
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More... (http://news.google.com/news/url?sa=T&ct=us/0-0&fd=R&url=http://www.troymessenger.com/articles/2008/03/14/news/news05.txt&cid=0&ei=xRbaR4C-Moa08ALnhOzmCA)
the Pinhoti Trail runs half way through Alabama and should connect to the Flordia trail in the future.
http://www.greateasterntrail.org/AL.htm http://www.hikealabama.org/
question is: can you hike from the end of the Pinhoti trail to the Flordia trail now. there seem to be many trails that could be connected with road hiking :-?.
has anyone done this?
From the southern end of the PT, you can get to the FT, but it is all blazed road walk...
The PT is 136.x miles in AL and a total of 324.x miles.
The BMT/ PT connection is about the 69MM of the BMT (NOBO from Springer)
Cool. Does the trail go anywhere's near Maycomb? ;)
kayak karl
03-26-2008, 21:14
From the southern end of the PT, you can get to the FT, but it is all blazed road walk...
The PT is 136.x miles in AL and a total of 324.x miles.
The BMT/ PT connection is about the 69MM of the BMT (NOBO from Springer)
cool, are there maps for this to purchase and where if there are.
thanks for your answer Cuffs:)
There are PT maps, but they are under revision right this moment. I'd wait, the ones that are available are not so great... A water/tear proof pocket sized guide book will be out soon!
There are PT maps, but they are under revision right this moment. I'd wait, the ones that are available are not so great... A water/tear proof pocket sized guide book will be out soon!
Do you know who is putting this together? I would like to have one of these guide books.
kayak karl
03-27-2008, 12:32
Do you know who is putting this together? I would like to have one of these guide books.
i think this is the one cuffs is talking about, but i might be wrong http://www.pinhotitrailalliance.org/pocketguideorder.html
i ordered one anyway. money won't go to waste
birdygal
03-27-2008, 15:59
One of the road trips on the pinhoti is right thru main street of Dalton Ga The pinhoti roadway trail starts where it has to cross I-75 at Dug Gap I hike a 20 mile section starting at Dug gap to snake creek . I have never been on the AT but the pinhoti is white blazed on the 20 mile section that passes my home mentioned above not blue blazed the trail heads are blue blazed
KK, that is not the one I was referring to. That one is printed on someones home computer, and has many extra, but not really needed pages. This one will be done by an established publisher/printer. For a reference, it will be very similar to the one the BMT now has.
Dances with Mice
03-29-2008, 00:36
They're even talking about it in Russia!
The Leningrad Cowboys (...a rock group...) teamed up with the Red Army Choir to celebrate. (http://youtube.com/watch?v=0lNFRLrP014)
kayak karl
03-29-2008, 10:58
KK, that is not the one I was referring to. That one is printed on someones home computer, and has many extra, but not really needed pages. This one will be done by an established publisher/printer. For a reference, it will be very similar to the one the BMT now has.
......ty
Earl Grey
03-29-2008, 17:00
Technically speaking the Appalachians begin in Alabama. And it is the Appalachian Trail so why not have it start there?
Dances with Mice
03-29-2008, 17:22
Technically speaking the Appalachians begin in Alabama. And it is the Appalachian Trail so why not have it start there?Technically speaking, where do they end?
Appalachian Tater
03-29-2008, 18:34
Mexico, in the south. http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2006/11/061117123212.htm
Oklahoma and Arkansas have some bits 'n' pieces in the Midwest, and they go up to Newfoundland in the North.
Dances with Mice
03-29-2008, 19:27
Mexico, in the south. http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2006/11/061117123212.htm
Oklahoma and Arkansas have some bits 'n' pieces in the Midwest, and they go up to Newfoundland in the North.I thought they re-commenced on the other side of Atlantic Ocean Gap.
Two Speed
03-29-2008, 20:02
I thought they re-commenced on the other side of Atlantic Ocean Gap.Keep it up and we're gonna confine you to the "engineering" threads.
Isn't there a geologist in the house who can help us sort this all out? ;)
I disagree, Maine and New Hamphire are by far the most attractive parts of the Appalachain Mountains. Plus, the AT is one of Americas oldest footpaths.
kolokolo
04-18-2008, 22:05
I think it's silly to suggest (or demand) that the AT start in Alabama because the Appalachian mountains 'start' there. There are certainly parts of the Appalachians in Kentucky,South Carolina, and even Ohio, but no AT in those states. Everybody doesn't have to have a piece of the AT in their back yard.
SGT Rock
04-19-2008, 10:29
Good point. I think you are right on - not every trail needs to be "The Appalachian Trail".
The only thing I'll add is Benton MacKaye envisioned not only an Appalachian Trail, but a trail system that involved feeder trails from other surrounding states. Even if it isn't the AT - the Pinhoti and others like it meet Benton MacKaye's vision and should be commended. I personally feel groups like the South Eastern Foot Trails Association are on the right track and more cooperation and association between these trail groups are going to make our hiking experiences better and better.
Perhaps in the future we will talk more about Trail Systems and talk less about Trails.
Now if I could only get myself to hike more and talk less...
RITBlake
04-20-2008, 15:12
The Great Eastern Trail (http://www.greateasterntrail.org/) is being developed and will likely replace the AT as the premier eastern trail within the decade. It is a no-brainer to foresee a day when a triple crown mean someone has hiked the GET, CDT and PCT instead of the current AT, CDT and PCT.
Hopefully by then they'll put a better trail map on their website.
http://www.greateasterntrail.org/Get_allforweb.jpg
Theyve put up what trail they have... cant ask for more than that.
Blake, the map was never designed for that scale. It was put together by a grad student at West Virginia University, and it is simply an overview. THE Great Eastern Trail volunteer GIS coordinator has better maps than that, and many of the trail clubs have maps that are quite good of their respective sections.
Hopefully by then they'll put a better trail map on their website.
The intention is to use that big picture map to click down to the individual states then to each individual club. Some of the individual clubs sell maps and others offer downloadables. Any suggestions for improvement are most welcome and might even be acted on - eventually. It's most definitely a work in progress - and someone with more time and talent than the current GET interim webmaster is welcome to take over! :)
RITBlake
04-20-2008, 20:04
I guess I just found the map incredibly confusing. There's some trail running from Michigan to New York. Then there is also some trail running east west out of Washington D.C.
Then what I assume is the GET Trail in red seems to run directly in to the AT and turns green. Is it no longer the GET at that point?
The green trails are intersecting National Scenic Trails - North Country, Potomac Heritage, Appalachian, and Florida. I suppose labels would help...
I understand the GET/AT intersection/interaction in the Pearisburg/Burkes Garden area is the subject of some fine pointed multi-party talks at the present time. Consequently that particular zone is intentionally vaguely rendered on the map.
THE Great Eastern Trail volunteer GIS coordinator has better maps than that
...except for crossing the Tennessee River to Signal Point, is there an official shuttler? ;)