Hey everyone. I just moved to southern alabama and am looking for some decent hiking within a few hours drive for a weekend trip. Anyone have any experience in the area or any ideas?

Florida Trail
http://www.floridatrail.org/

Supposedly there are some nice trails near Warm Springs, GA, in Roosevelt State Park. Sorry, but I don't have any more info on it.

If you get exploring backwoods areas in lower AL this time of year, I'd definitely wear some orange. I don't think hunters are used to seeing backpackers in most areas.

Not sure how far you want to drive but look east of I-75 between Chattanooga and Knoxville, in the Cherokee and especially Nantahala NF.

Slickrock Creek Wilderness is a really amazing area.

In AL, maybe try the Wm Bankhead NF. I haven't been there, just guessing.

Pinhoti Trail in AL
http://www.alabamatrail.org/hikingAL/Pinhoti/PinhotiI.htm

Pine Mtn trail in GA 23 miles long
http://www.pinemountaintrail.org/

Florida Trail the 35 mile section across Eglin AFB is suppose to be very pretty
http://www.floridatrail.org

Blackwater River SP, FL Panhandle
http://www.floridastateparks.org/blackwaterriver/default.cfm

Torreya St. Park in Florida Panhandle has pretty much the most varied terrain & elevation in FL. That's where I "train" for bigger hikes.

Check it out online and let me know if you're coming over and I'll try to show you the area.

RE: Pinhoti in AL - the section near Cheaha is GREAT! But the rock garden is a butt-kicker!!!! Can you say BIG BLISTER!?

Todd

I'd second the Pinhoti as a good one (I just did the Chinnabee, Pinhoti loop on Saturday and it was in pretty good condition however trail markers and trail condition are always very questionable on the Pinhoti.)I don't know what kind of mileage you do, but there is a great section from Adams Gap (Beginning of the trail) to a little pick-up point on highway 431 that is about 40 miles total. If you were to do this section beginning at Adams gap, I would suggest packing a few extra liters of water because it is about 7 miles to a treatable source (you may be able to suck it out from a small trickle area if you have a filter).If you were going at a more relaxed pace for a weekend I would suggest the loop I mentioned earlier. It also begins at Adams Gap and loops back around. I think it is something like 17 miles and a nice little hike. Beware of the Rock Garden (as mentioned above) because it is a total ankle-burner and a pretty steep incline. The views from Little Caidenhead are pretty enjoyable on a clear day.
If you choose this area I would highly suggest wearing orange because careless killing season is in full swing as of this past weekend.
Good Luck

Edited by shiree on 11/22/2010 15:59:49 MST.

Thanks for the ideas everyone. I look forward to exploring this new area.