Reaching the Dennis Mill Trailhead was bittersweet; it meant I only had about 40 (ish) more miles left. From here to the Northern Terminus is mostly uphill when headed NOBO, so I, of course, decided I would do most of it SOBO.
I actually started out at GA 52 and worked my way down to Dennis Mill TH for the first section.
The trail near GA 52 now runs through a high-end mountain subdivision along a gravel road for several miles. The road (Tatum Lead Rd) itself, I believe, is “private,” meaning only residents and guests are allowed on it. I don’t know for sure, as I couldn’t read the sign as Suspenders drove past it on GA 52.
Anyway, it was sad to see, and I began to wonder if this means they will now have to reroute the Pinhoti. I believe the road was probably at one time a Forest Service road, as it turns into FS several miles down as it heads back into the woods.
My trek to Dennis Mill TH was rather uneventful; I was able to meet Suspenders about halfway for lunch, and the only people I saw were a couple of car campers.
The next day I headed from GA 52 NOBO to Mulberry Gap. Again, it was a pretty uneventful day, other than the humidity being absolutely horrendous. I was dripping with sweat; at least I think it was sweat, despite gentle climbs and a sizable chunk of downhills. In that aspect it was awful. I did run into several mountain bikers.
The next two days were where the fun began. I started at Buddy Cove, which is the highest point on the Pinhoti, and went down both sides.
From Buddy Cove to Mulberry Gap was the most excitement I have had since returning.
There were a TON of blowdowns for a 3-mile section. There was one mile; it took me an hour to traverse!
In addition to that, I had a TON of water crossings. Each water crossing is like a puzzle as you try to get a route planned in your head on how to make it across before getting your feet wet, lol. By the time I finally arrived to Suspenders at the end of the day, I was completely mentally exhausted.
My final day was three miles, mostly downhill. It was such a bittersweet day and I ended up slowing my pace at the end, just so I could take it all in.
As I began to do my final water crossing on the Pinhoti, one which I could not avoid getting my feet wet, I noticed a bunch of butterflies. I stopped a moment and then plowed right on into the water.
The other side was a mud pit, also something I was unable to avoid.
It wasn’t long before I saw my final blue blaze and made it to the Northern Terminus. I was finally done with this trail.
Exit Strategy
I opted to have Suspenders meet me about 0.25 miles from the trail near the Harkins Creek Campsite on the South Fork Trail. I basically had to back about .5 mile, and honestly, this route was the shortest distance to a pickup point. It’s also pretty easy to get to. The bonus is a campsite, so you can camp there and get picked up the next morning or relax while waiting for your ride. There is plenty of flat ground, sitting logs, and a fire pit, and it’s right next to a running stream.
The other options are backtracking to Buddy Cove or get on the BMT and head to Watson Gap.
Whatever option you choose, you will need to make sure you plan it in advance, as there is no cell service.
Pinhoti #40 Video
Coming Soon!
Leave a Comment or Suggestion