My first 20-miler (approximately) and it was worth it. Did it in March. Went anti-clockwise, on the Pinhoti -> Chinnabee -> Skyway route. The Pinhoti is the toughest of the 3 in terms of elevation. At some point around 4 miles, there will be a lot of rocks. Make sure to follow the blue stickers on trees as it is a bit easy to get lost there. There’s a beautiful back country campsite on top of the Pinhoti for overnight options.
I did this over 2 days, stopping at the Chinnabee shelter which is approximately at the 9 mile mark, right next to the Cheaha river/creek. The Chinnabee trail is beautiful, filled with creeks and some falls. The last leg of Skyway is probably the more bland part of the hike. Did not encounter any wild animals, except for one wild turkey.
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Not a well maintained trail and not enough good views to make it worth the mileage. I would recommend this hike for fall/winter only when leaves and vegetation growth are down.
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First, my wife and I are rookies to hiking. We’ve just logged a few fairly easy trails and this was the longest hike we’ve been on yet. So, please keep in mind while reading this review that we don’t have a lot to compare this one to. We had a great time and as we were on the last mile we were definitely feeling it! It was the most challenging hike we’ve taken and the challenge was really awesome. There were many changes in elevation and a couple of areas where we were a bit anxious, but in a good way. A lot of rocks and roots and plenty of spots to lose your footing if you aren’t being cautious. We never felt too nervous, just a real nice challenge and took us just far enough out of our rookie comfort zone. A great step up for us (pun intended) and it will give us a good measuring stick for future hikes. We really had a blast and would do it again in a heartbeat.
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Challenging hike, especially if it’s raining due to the rocks. Has a couple great lookouts, and an optional path to a plane wreck.
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This is not a hiking trail. It's a moderately difficult off-roading trail.
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Prettier section of the Pinhoti. Nice section of long leaf not far after leaving Bull’s gap. An exceptional amount of trees down on the trail and up in the ridge.
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Prettier section of the Pinhoti. Nice section of long leaf not far after leaving Bull’s gap. An exceptional amount of trees down on the trail and up in the ridge.
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Awesome view and look out points a few great camping spots and great for any 4wd vehicle.
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Fun to go to the top and the little lookout built after the depression was so worth it.. the top is this mountain is Americana.. and is a ghost town right now 😢
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Super cool hike with plenty of good weather and privacy till the second half on the other side of the ridge.. thought I would be the only one out here today.. tons of busted blown down trees though.. some serious brush and trail finding near Hernandez ridge on the west flank... don’t miss the side trip to see the plane wreck and McDill point
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Moderate trails with some cool obstacles. Lots of Rocks, mud, water and ruts.
Need off-road tires and 4x4.
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Really fun off-roading trail, was able to make it with a 2WD FJ Cruiser. If you go on this trail, make sure you have the right ground clearance cause it got close multiple times. Really fun trail overall.
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Started the hike just after thunderstorms rolled through the area, took Cave Creek around to McDill Overlook to camp. The only water source on the trail (Cave Creek) was a small trickle through the rocks so it took a few minutes to filter enough to take to camp. Other than that it was a great trail with beautiful views.
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Great more technical trail. Stock Jeep can make it with caution; lockers recommended if wet.
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