Bob's Trip Report (With his Boy Scout Troop)

We put in at the main parking area at Cheaha hiking up the road and then entering the Pinhoti Trail heading North. We hiked in complete darkness as it was a new moon. The footing was precarious but we went slowly and no one had problems. The trail is remarkably well marked in this area with the diamond metal turkey foot markers on trees every 50 feet it seemed. Very helpful for a night entry as they really pick up the mag light output.  

We stayed at the Blue Mountain shelter and could not believe how great it was. The AT shelters are not even close! The loft is a particularly nice touch and the picnic table was welcomed for cooking. Saturday we continued North on the PT and found it to be challenging for our novice hikers, but very pleasant for the experienced. We had hoped to make the falls but stayed just past County Rd. 24. We camped to the right and below the trail in a flood plain type area by the creek. We had hoped to stay by Lake Morgan, but no suitable sites were found (there were 16 of us). The peak above the trail over the lake would have handled a smaller group. In retrospect, we think we'd rather have stayed on the South side of 24 as there were better areas there. (the creek is really malodorous too).  

One issue that should be emphasized here is that North of 24 the trail is suddenly poorly marked, with no turkey feet to speak of, and blue blazes become your guide. We worried for quite a ways that we might not be on the right trail, but when we stopped for lunch at FS 515 a couple came by and explained the differences. It has to do with Shoal Creek vs. Talladega club trail maintenance, but it is worthy of note for people hiking in this section. We had new life Sunday and made it the 5.3 miles out in no time.

As you had told me the intersection with US 431 is interesting. The NRT sign on the North side is obvious, but by then you have passed the gravel entry to the South take out. Also, as we approached the open area of gravel we heard very close and very scary gun fire. Men were at the open area "siting their rifles", and I don't think we were in any danger, but we sure did blow our whistles! This open area is a great rendezvous point - the kids were off the main road, and some of us went the half mile up 431 to the Fina station and bought cokes for everyone. When our pick up crew arrived they took us to the cars at Cheaha and the kids could run around up in that open area and not get too bored or in trouble.

A great 17.2 mile hike with the most gorgeous weather and scenery possible. The one and only disappointment from the Scouts perspective was that the falls were not what they had imagined them to be. Having not rained a whole lot lately they really were trickling. Still, there is no way any one can complain. A fantastic trip, aided very much by your narrative on the web site. Thanks again and look forward to seeing you in the woods one day!

Bob