Alabama is known for its beautiful natural scenery. We have cascading waterfalls, bountiful forests, and plenty of great trails and state parks that allow us to better explore them. One such trail is utilized by many adventurous spirits from the Birmingham area, as a significant stretch of it is located in nearby Cheaha State Park. The Pinhoti Trail displays the beauty of Alabama, as well as Georgia, and contains historical relevance as well. Today we take a closer look at this nearby wonder.

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One aspect of the Pinhoti Trail that brings visitors from all over the world is that it is in the Southern Appalachian Mountains. It is a part of the Eastern Continental Trail which is considered the Southern extension of the globally famous Appalachian Trail (or the A.T. for short). The A.T. is one of three most famous hiking trails in the United States along with the Pacific Crest Trail and the Continental Divide Trail, with the most dedicated backpackers tacking on the Southern and Northern extensions for an even more scenic and challenging hike. 

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Official construction of the Pinhoti Trail is relatively recent compared to the older Appalachian Trail. Many of the hiking spots and nearby campsites had existed long beforehand, but official work towards the Alabama section of the trail began in 1970. Construction began in Talladega National Forest (where Cheaha is located), with 60 miles having been formed by the year 1983. The full trail was completed in 2008 and has been a favorite of Appalachian enthusiasts in the years since. 

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Forester Benton MacKaye’s vision of a trail covering the full length of the Appalachian Mountains in the 1920s is often cited as the primary inspiration for the creation of the Pinhoti Trail. The Southern terminus of the trail is located on Flagg Mountain and the lowest point of the trail is also in Alabama near the Weogufka Creek and the Weogufka State Forest. The total trail length is 335 miles long, with Alabama housing 171 of those miles. 

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I personally am thankful for the Pinhoti Trail for all the memories it brought during my years with the Boy Scouts, and it delights me to know that Alabama families have such a convenient place to absorb our state’s natural beauty. 

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Cover image by Kevin Tanner