Alabama · Hiking

Pinhoti Trail

25.4 mi
round trip
6,494 ft
climb
1,845 ft
high point
Out and back
route
Sep–May
best months

Is Pinhoti Trail open right now?

Closure in the area

There's a closure order in National Forests in Alabama. It doesn't name Pinhoti Trail, so check the source for the area it covers (2 listed).

As of · Source: USFS · National Forests in Alabama. Agencies don't list every closure — check before you go.

The Pinhoti Trail is a 51-mile out-and-back hike in Alabama's Talladega Ranger District, part of the National Forests in Alabama. The route starts at 1,324 feet and climbs to 1,845 feet, with a total elevation gain of 6,494 feet and a loss of the same on the way back. The climb is steady, reaching a steepest grade of 21% at about 15.7 miles, and the trail is rated expert. Spring and fall are the most comfortable times to go. Typical averages from a nearby weather station in Sylacauga, about 5 miles away, show October highs around 76°F with lows near 49°F, while July highs reach about 90°F. That station sits roughly 1,350 feet below the trail, so temperatures on the ridge run cooler. The trip takes about 20 hours. Two lakes, Little Lake Wills and Lake Virginia, are within about 3 miles. The Sylaward Mtb Bills Creek Loop is also close. Paddlers can head to Tallaseehatchee Creek, about 4.5 miles away.

  • Best time to go · Sep–May

    Best time to visit Pinhoti Trail

    Best months: September–May. Best months have typical highs of 55–85 °F, lows of 30 °F or warmer (32 °F where the station doesn't record snow), at most one snowy day and no more than 12 wet days.

    1. Jan

      55° / 31°

      10 wet

    2. Feb

      59° / 34°

      9 wet

    3. Mar

      67° / 41°

      10 wet

    4. Apr

      75° / 48°

      8 wet

    5. May

      81° / 57°

      9 wet

    6. Jun

      87° / 65°

      10 wet

    7. Jul

      90° / 69°

      11 wet

    8. Aug

      89° / 67°

      9 wet

    9. Sep

      85° / 61°

      7 wet

    10. Oct

      76° / 49°

      7 wet

    11. Nov

      65° / 39°

      7 wet

    12. Dec

      57° / 34°

      10 wet

    Typical high / low (°F) and days with rain or snow, 1991–2020. Measured at Sylacauga 4 Ne, AL, 5.1 mi away at 490 ft. The station sits about 1,400 ft lower than this place, so expect it a little cooler here. Source: NOAA NCEI U.S. Climate Normals 1991–2020.

Map and trail data © OpenStreetMap contributors