View Full Version : continue SOBO hike down to southern florida???
Lumberpat73
12-13-2009, 22:54
I just had the idea that it would be awesome to continue my SOBO AT hike through the rest of Georgia and into Florida. Has anyone done this before? Any ideas on trails to take or well, any info at all would be great. Thanks
Two Speed
12-14-2009, 07:02
Not sure how it's done, but the Nimblewell Nomad did that many moons ago, so yeah, it's possible.
BumpJumper
12-14-2009, 09:41
I have heard that it is possible as well. Ask Hammock Hanger.
hikingbear
12-14-2009, 10:09
I am not sure how to get on the FT (Florida Trail) from Springer but once you do just stay on it and head south.
The Solemates
12-14-2009, 10:19
BMT to GA Pinhoti, to AL Pinhoti, AL roadwalk to FT.
http://www.georgiapinhoti.org/
http://www.pinhotitrailalliance.org/
http://www.floridatrail.org/
http://www.ectkeysglades.com/ECTKeysGlades.htm
http://www.internationalat.org/Pages/index
http://www.nimblewillnomad.com/eastern_continental_trail_guide.htm
Ladytrekker
12-14-2009, 10:20
I think the closest path would be at the southern terminus of the AT connect with the Georgia Pinhoti Trail to the Alabama Pinhoti to the Florida Trail in northwest Florida these trails are part of the Great Eastern Trail that ends in Key West. But the above is correct in that Hammock Hanger would know she has done all of these trails.
Lumberpat73
12-14-2009, 22:37
Wow guys thanks for the info, Ill look into it for sure. Any reason to hike instead of work is a good one.
Hammock Hanger
12-16-2009, 22:43
You will hike on the Benton MacKaye Trail south. when it connects with the Pinhoti Trail cut onto it and take that trail all the way through GA and AL. WHen you come to the end of the Pinhoti, there is a 250+ mile road walk to the AL/FL trail kiosk. The roadwalk is marked with YELLOW BLAZES. -- I did this walk a few years ago (07) and found it very interesting. There was always a place to "disappear" into the woods at night. Email me is you need more help, Sue/HH
David@whiteblaze
12-25-2009, 11:31
Be areful with the Pinhoti maps, The last update was late 90's so even though the trail is plain (mostly) the landmarks are different...
Ox97GaMe
12-25-2009, 15:30
When you get to Spinger, you will take the BMT back north for approx 80 miles to the Pinhoti trail. You can also follow the AT back north to Long Creek Falls, where the BMT splits off from AT.
If you arent too concerned about actually getting to Springer, but rather with getting to Key West, then there is also the option of catching the BMT just north of Fontana Dam and taking it south to the Pinhoti trail junction. Or you could catch the Duncan Ridge Trail from Blood Mtn GA. Take it to the BMT and then to the Pinhoti. LOTS of options.
BumpJumper
12-26-2009, 11:34
Thanks Sue..I knew you had done that section before...
I try to imagine what it was like to walk the Fl trail back before the new 7 mile bridge. It was frightening just driving it when a semi was coming the other way. Even today it must be challenging.
Well im leaving on wendsday january 6th 2010 for florida. Im going to hike from pensacola florida to katadin in maine. NOBO i will take an extension of the florida trail starting in fort pickens florida then take that to the alabama/florida border. then from there follow the alabama roadwalk and then onto the alabama trail. which leads into the pinhoti trail which leads into the benton mccaye trail which then leads into the appalacian trail. wow lol i cant wait to leave.
jnanagardener
01-02-2010, 13:36
Sounds like an incredible trip before you ever get to the AT! Two questions: I noticed you are from Colorado; why are you starting in Pensacola (just curious)? Where does the Alabama Trail cross into Georgia? Good luck on your journey!
well i decided to do theis extended at hike like a week ago and my first plan was to hike from the florida alabama state line and continue north from there. well trying with a weeks notice to find a shuttle from the airport in mobile or the nearest greyhound station to there i even considered taking a taxi. became eaither very expensive or impossible. eaither way i was going to do it well i called the www.hikerhostel.com (http://www.hikerhostel.com) to cancel my thru hiker special reservation i had in march. he asked why i told him my plans he said fly or greyhound it to pensacola and start walking. so i looked into it made some calls and thats how it became. i lived in colorado right know im in wyoming about 15 min from the colorado border my mom let me live at home for a while rent free to save money i love colorado though. well you end up on the benton mccaye trail which intersects the appalacian train.
jnanagardener
01-02-2010, 14:32
Yep, beautiful country where you are. Thanks for the quick reply and be sure to post your adventures on Whiteblaze.
good luck crl. Are you keeping an online journal? Documenting your trip from Pensacola may be very helpful for others. It sounds like a fantastic idea!!
Well the cool thing is the trail goes right through pensacola. literally a 15min taxi ride from the airport. not sure yet about the trail journal i will be keeping a journal for sure weather or not i update on online journal while im hiking is yet to be determind although i will post a journal eaither way when my hike is finished.
Poppa Yeti
01-08-2010, 14:53
Get with me when you're ready to plan your Florida Trail portion... there have been some recent trail changes. Have done Osceola NF down to Christmas, FL on the FT when it splits south in the Ocala NF; gone west/south to Dade City on the other leg.
bridgette_ctr
01-13-2010, 13:21
Hello
I live in FL and have often hiked the Florida Trail. Look it up in a search engine. It is not full connected but it extends from the tip of FL all the way to GA. I know that Wandering Bull hiked from FL to Maine in 2008 or 2009 I think. Hope it helps.
Bridgette (Brighty)
Spaz, currently sobo, started in canada and is heading to Key West.;)
BumpJumper
01-13-2010, 14:49
Oh Lordie..nice trip.
Mountain Dog
01-13-2010, 15:00
For anyone interested in hikeing the Alabama Pinhoti, go to http://www.pinhotitrailalliance.org/ That site has more information than needed to hike the Pinhoti, including links to maps, data book, and connector to the BNT. I've done the Alabama portion and I think the data book is as accurate for that portion as anything I've found in the AT data book. However, the Pinhoti officially terminates south of Rebecca mountain (IAW Forest Service), and that trail is easly found and hikable. The portion of the data book that takes you from Rebecca to Flagg mountain is mostly road walk and more of an approach trail than part of the official Pinhoti.