Pinhoti Trail Thru-Hike 2018 : Part 1

[@roberthodges5039]

Hi Darwin. You and Dixie have influenced my 70 year old Alabama butt to get out and start hiking. I am in my training phase now ,(hiking roads to the store etc) but I want to hike the Pinhoti cause it is in Bama. Thank You and Dixie for the positive encouragment and you other "training" vidios..Keep up the best videos on you tube.

[@TinmanHikingShaun]

Robert Hodges , i think its awesome how the spirit of the whole thing spreads. I too have watched everything i can that Darwin and Dixie has made. They both have given my the drive and inspiration that i really needed at an extremely low point in my life. I wish u all the luck in the world and safe hiking in ur future. Im planning for 2019 AT thru-hike. Hope to see u out there buddy.

[@RICHat22]

Darwin, glad I was able to help out with the filter and such, and even more to see you get trail magic from others. Great to meet you and Toasted Toad. I started seriously considering a thru-hike of the Pinhoti last year for 2018. I spend so much time doing my thing in the first few sections and never get to truly hike the trails much. Plus we have now started busy season of my side job. 2 this week so far. So that was why I had so much interest and excited about you coming. Glad you enjoyed it. It is a beautiful part of the country that us local hikers cherish. Hike on.

[@DarwinOnthetrail]

You Rock Brian Man!!! Thanks for Everything!!!🤘🤘🤘🤘🤘 Hike On, Darwin

[@RICHat22]

Found my Mini. It was in the Tahoe in my box. Still searching for the BeFree. lol

[@madalynclark7417]

My husband and I hiked the Pinhoti in 2014. He logistically mapped out a route from the Pinhoti to the Benton McKaye to the AT. It was magical and we got the best trail magic ever on the Pinhoti. Alabama and GA has some of the best trail angels ever. Thx for the video. You're also correct, the info is definitely lacking as far as navigation and logistics. We managed well due to his leadership and those wonderful trail angels

[@TrailSessions]

Thank you for taking time to Thru Hike the Pinhoti. Alot of passionate folks about this "gem" and we would love to have more people come and enjoy it.

[@iMatt65]

Love your video! So happy that you enjoyed the Alabama section of the Pinhoti! Greatly appreciate the positive comments that could encourage others to enjoy this awesome trail!

[@jonbakermr]

That is just down the road from my house. My friends and I were the last ones to visit the shelter at the beginning of the trail. We left the stuff inside and organized it. It's awesome to see everything is still there. You had to only be a few days behind us.

[@Livingston4315]

Great video! The Pinhoti is where my love for backpacking began!

[@JBENHIKES]

Glad you got the "Blair-Witch trail-magic...! I hope you found the little blue PINHOTI turkey foot sticker I left in it for ya. Hike on Brother..., hike on, JBEN

[@djjerome]

I love the forest! The video you captured between 6:14 and 6:32 really captured that special feeling you get when you hike through a misty forest after it rains : )

[@WAndrewHarper]

So glad you did this - I've been trying for a year or two to figure out what the heck the Pinhoti had to offer and how to do it. Thanks Darwin!

[@frankfowlkes7872]

Welcome to Alabama Darwin! I grew up in North Alabama but now live on the Gulf Coast. Great hiking upstate. I have hiked in Cheaha many times and love the lower Pinhoti. Someday I hope to hike the rest into Georgia. Good luck on the rest of your hike and thanks for keeping us informed!

[@IvoryGoddess887]

I've been anxiously awaiting this video! Me and my husband have hiked a majority of Cheaha's trails and have been wanting to do sections of this trail, we can only make it out to hike on the weekends sadly. But I am glad you enjoyed the trail and one of the things Alabama gets a ton of, rain. :) Glad you enjoyed it and I look forward to your next video!

[@scottbaker2090]

Currently living in SW Alabama, and haven’t been up in the Cheaha Wilderness in 20+ years. Might need to head up there and check it out again. Thanks for the video!

[@kategribbin9272]

Hey Darwin! I'm glad you enjoyed your visit to my home state, and I just want to say I've really enjoyed following your adventures the past few months. I'm going through some exciting life changes right now, including starting a business to help get women outdoors, and your channel and blog have provided me some great resources. Happy trails, and thanks!

[@harmony331000]

What an amazing community!! How lucky you were eh!? Wow bama you rock!! Trail angel masters!! And Darwin your gratitude was genuine and heartfelt...damn I feel all warm and fuzzy inside...and I really wanna go hiking✌🏻

[@dirtribbonaddiction]

Wow, what a surprising trail community. I would not have thought that many people even knew about the Pinhoti. The watrr filter save was amazing! Thanks for sharing.

[@DarwinOnthetrail]

Yep, pretty great! I couldn’t believe it either! Hike On, Darwin

[@TheBlinkboy356]

Kate Long We're nice here in Alabama :)

[@leftistelf]

First, I want to say that despite some criticism of the AZT films you made, this one was is waaaaaay better. I got the story, followed along with chronological way you covered it (remember Dixie sometimes does themes), and enjoyed the narration you gave. You’re one awesome speaker. I wish I could have been more introduced to Toad, understood more about the Pinhoti history and route, better understood the challenges with thru hiking a little documented trail, and seen the wetness you experienced. I understand the difficulty with keeping the camera rolling in bad conditions, but it makes for good film :) This all is said to contribute to you because I absolutely love what you’re doing and how you’re doing it! I just want more (from the comfort of my sofa, thank you). You’re amazing, I love the can-do attitude you have and totally can’t wait for all you’re going to do on the PCT. but, before then, let’s get an update on the weather-worthiness of your gear after a colossal deluge we got in Alabama and George that sent rivers to flood stage EVERYWHERE. Way to go. Love it all!!!!

[@woodsman335]

I've done High Point Trailhead (near Piedmont, AL) all the way to Sylcauga, AL as a thru hike. Ive also done the same trail in sections multiple times. I'm from the Sylacauga area, so the Pinhoti is a natural go-to for me anyway. If you feel ya just can't hike the AT, take the Pinhoti for a spin. Its a scenic trail and normally clear of tree falls. And you can take a challenging section or let of a challenge, depending on which section you pick. Good luck.

[@svseaglobe]

Thank you so much for sharing additional hikes besides the Pacific crest Trail, Appalachian Trail, the continental divide trail it helps to know that there is more options thank you for all your research and your time and your efforts really appreciate your channel you are probably hiking so I don’t expect a response till October PS safe journey on the PCT 2018

[@ice92355]

I love this video/upload format. Waiting each day for your Instagram posts kept me interested, but I felt like this style also seemed to allow you to enjoy the trail for yourself without worrying about uploading videos and stuff.

[@atnj2011]

Great production! Really enjoying this series so far. Thank you for taking the time to get these out! Happy hiking... Ian

[@DarwinOnthetrail]

Thanks for Watching!!!🤙 Hike On, Darwin

[@bodhipod64]

Thank you. Like you, I hadn't been able to get a lot of info on the Pinhoti. This seems like it would be a great warm-up and shakedown for the AT.

[@DarwinOnthetrail]

It would be a Perfect Training Hike for the AT! Hike On, Darwin

[@danisawesome7754]

Hey Darwin, thanks for coming to Alabama. Consider doing the Walls of Jericho trail in Estillfork, in Jackson County, Alabama. It's beautiful. There's camping.

[@stby_outdoors]

Pinhoti is my home trail and the one I've been hitting since a beginning. Glad I'm not the only one that finds it hard 😅

[@EricOther]

That looks likes beautiful country for hiking. I am looking forward to the next video. You are an inspiration to me.

[@golferpatbug]

Hey Darwin just curious how old Toad is, I'm 63 and if he's older than me I hope I can hike like him at that age.

[@hellonthetrail6951]

Thanks for documenting this trail. I wanna hike it next now.

[@cwoodard428]

Hey Darwin glad you enjoyed the bama section of the pinhoti I can't wait to get back out on trail " HIKE THE PLANET " !!!!!!!

[@stephenhanrahan7638]

too bad toad got toasted.. we still love him though and you darwin and the pinoti trail looks awesome! i think its so cool your bringing awareness cool long distance hiking trails that aren't just the big three ones you often hear about

[@xGlitterMeUpxo]

hiked the cheaha section of the pinhoti back in January and man it was rough!! Those slick rocks and stream fords were just so much fun in the rain haha

[@StormLaker]

Awesome video! Last fall, I had water get into my tent up in the Boundary Waters. Thankfully I had the forsight to grab a cheap piece of plastic to put down on the floor of my tent before I left. Saved me a ton of trouble on that trip- it rained the whole week. I blame the leaking on the fact i was using my old (really old) Eureka Timberline tent with plenty of pinholes in the floor from over 20 years of use, haha. But I'd never take my $400 Big Agnes up there....it'd get shreaded after one thunderstorm in the northwoods.

[@JeffWalldorf]

That brutal climb up to the top of Mt Cheaha is called the highway to heaven. Agreed its brutal. Hiked that stretch a few times but the views are worth it. Did you happen to notice the small plane crash on the other end after McDill point? That area is a fun but rocky section. Might be good for Pennsylvania training.

[@EvansBackpackingVideos]

Enjoyed the video and looking forward to more. Thanks for taking the time to do this ... Sometimes it’s hard to get good info on the lesser-thru-hiked trails. Wish there were an easier way (as a thru-hiker of some lesser-thru-hiked trails).

[@jakejohnson2428]

Hey Evan. Love your videos man. Nice to see some hiker to hiker love.

[@EvansBackpackingVideos]

Jake Johnson Thanks, appreciate it!

[@OrvilFields]

Actually there is a lot of information. www.pinhotitrailalliance.org/ but don’t tell everyone so it doesn’t get too crowded.

[@hillbillyrvbehindthecurtain]

Sooo glad you are posting these videos. I am thinking about doing 150 Miles on the Pinhoti end of March. Not much info out there on this trail.

[@DarwinOnthetrail]

Eventually I will have a Trip Report on my Website with a little bit of Info! Hike On, Darwin

[@Quox42]

Darwin, thank you for sharing the magic. Best wishes from Germany!

[@poppy3215]

Hi, Darwin. I had a Sawyer fail on me, because I flushed it with tap water, then stored it over winter, it dried out and the hard water minerals plugged the filter. Nothing would go thru it. Thanks for taking us along on a great hike.

[@DarwinOnthetrail]

That sounds like the exact same thing that happened to mine! Water wouldn't flow thru either way I tried to push it. Hike On, Darwin

[@OneclickOutside]

Same here. Also the same thing with a nearly new katadyn befree. I’m now storing them in a ziploc full of water and a few drops of chlorine

[@poppy3215]

Mark B, great idea. I'll try that, thanks.

[@TheHavnmonkey]

I'm glad someone else came to this conclusion as well! My Sawyer squeeze did the same. Rinsing with Distilled/Purified +10% vinegar from now on!

[@tjk9417]

Awesome video as usual!!! It's nice to know that no matter what trail you are on there is an awesome trail community nearby!!! Trail Angels Rock!! Keep up the good work!

[@asankam]

OMG... i just wish... just wish you could have done this kind of a vlog on your AT. To the point and very down to earth narrative with a good sense of humour. You have come a long way, Darwin. I still remember your 1st Q&A recorded in the Black Stallion. look forward to the rest of the videos.

[@AlwaysBelieve777]

Good job Brian. Way to be an angel.

[@DarwinOnthetrail]

Brian Rocks!!! Hike On, Darwin

[@garybolenable]

Been waiting for this vid for what seems like forever, haha! I know what you mean about trails turning into creeks. On one hike to Upper Lake Lena in the Olympics in the rain, the trail was very rocky and kinda sketch, I kept asking my hike partner if he was sure we were still on the trail because I had become convinced we had lost the trail and were walking in a small creek.

[@thevideostump46239]

Awesome job Darwin... Toad, do your thing brother!.. Thanks Bama Trail Magicians for taking or our brothers out there! Hoobilly...

[@williambakos2716]

Love the video! I have to say your videos are showing much improvement. Comparing the format of this vs. your AT vids (more narrative, personal) we find that we enjoy this way more. My wife is drooling and daydreaming of some warm weather hiking watching this. I am just fatalistic that it will be another summer of way too much OT ;)

[@DarwinOnthetrail]

The Quality got a little funky on this one.... The footage wasn't as Cyrstal Clear as what it should have been. File Transfering problems!..... But Thanks for the Kind Words & Thanks for Watching! HIke On, Darwin

[@pecarew2003]

You ROCK Toad! A bold attempt and valiant effort dude! Happy trails!

[@thechubbyhiker4142]

Great video Darwin! How funny the guy hung the trail magic in a tree! That was awesome!! People are just so nice!! Can't wait to see the rest 👍

[@DarwinOnthetrail]

People in the South are the best! Hike On, Darwin

[@muleyscousin6258]

Thanks for the video of a trail close to my relatives in AL. Best wishes for your hikes.

[@JohnHikes]

Awesome video man. I enjoyed section hiking the Pinhoti. Glad to see more people hiking and thru hiking the Pinhoti Trail!

[@davidson_oldbull_sectionhiker]

Other than the rain I really enjoyed this portion of your hike. You sound quite and reserved. Hope all is well, take care. I am looking forward to the next section.

[@keithcoleman16]

Awesome vid!! Looking forward to next part. I'm excited for your PCT adventure too!

[@leatherneck9944]

Your information is a spot on and very helpful. Really would like To see more on camp set up and camp routine. I know that you are tired after a hard day but if you could maby cut a day short and address camp life as it really is on the trail ( not in a separate video) I would really appreciate it. Thanks.

[@canoehead2606]

Seeing people share and love is awesome!! Great video

[@jasonsoutthere7733]

My home state! Most people underestimate the Pinhoti,,,myself included. It's a wonderful ass kicker.

[@oceantulip]

Looks fun! Thanks for sharing the journey! Love the trail magic!

[@bealer1234]

Wow, what a nice video. I enjoyed the videography, the music, everything about this one. Welcome to Alabama!

[@DarwinOnthetrail]

Thanks for Having Me!!! Hike On, Darwin

[@philnesmith8635]

Hey Darwin, as always love the vids. That foggy stretch looked great. Keep it up! You are a great inspiration for those of us tied to cubicals more than we would like. Happy trails.

[@luke_mckay]

Did you go see the plane crash at McDill point? My first ever backpacking experience was 5 years ago in Cheaha. That's where is all started. I can show you pictures of all the places you were at! Love the Pinhoti. Super cool to see a hiker I love enjoy a place I have enjoyed a dozen times. This is where I fell in love with backpacking, and forced my friends to love it too. Or at least tolerate it. 😅

[@Away.Aweigh.A.Way.]

Shout-out to Cheaha. I love camping in Talladega. Great video, man!

[@Rotativo25]

Putting out great media, bro! Looking forward to seeing what you do on the PCT! It will be great to have fresh intel for when I go hike it next year. Take care!

[@MyraHart1943]

Aww we'll miss you, Toad!!!

[@VikingOnTrail]

Hey Darwin - FYI, Guthooks app has the Pinhoti Trail under East Coast Long Trails....I have used it and it is a good way to check orientation in the few stretches of uncertainty = VIKING AT98

[@19biglou]

You should check out the Allegheny Trail in West Virginia... 330 miles weaving thru the Allegheny Mountains in Monongahela NF and various WV state parks... I've only done the middle 2 sections of it because I just found out about it a year ago and the other two sections have been pretty tough for me to figure out logistically since the last section is technically "unfinished" and there's only a handful of people who have recorded and shared there experiences with the first section... Monongahela NF and those 2 middle sections are my favorite backpacking experiences ever, even when considering Yosemite, Tahoe, GSM, Shenandoah and the Whites... WV and Eastern KY just give off a super strong "homie" vibe I've never felt anywhere else...

[@theg-man7868]

Looks good out there on the trail. Beautiful countryside. Alabama done you proud. Very enjoyable yet again, cheers.

[@upadamadventures5322]

Hike the sipsey wilderness aka land of 1000 waterfalls it's also here in Bama.

[@OnyxProducts]

Really glad you're covering this!

[@JustJoe36]

Great to see you out hiking again!

[@scottlooper3505]

Excellent! Can't wait for part II.

[@mooreoutdoor9841]

I did the section in Cheaha a few years ago. Very nice section. Hope the weather gets better for ya.

[@quanjano382]

I did some hiking with my boy scout troop on the pinhoti, we set up a our tents where darwin was at the start of the video and we put a projector in that building and watched monty python and the holy grail, it was one of my favorite trips as a scout.

[@ChrisBrown-gw5tg]

Glad to hear how excited you are to be hiking the pinhoti. I will be doing a 40 mile section hike between bull Gap and Cheaha wilderness in April and was wanting to know if there is any additional info you can give me on that section because as you said in your video there is not much information on the pinhoti trail at all? Thanks for another great video Darwin!!

[@dropforgebishop]

Great video, Darwin. Looking forward to more!

[@traditionalbowhunter5862]

damn right we are nice!! Southerners will always treat you right, awesome vid and love the Pinhoti. War eagle!!

[@TheRealJerseyJoe]

Nice... this hike is going on my to-do list for sure ! Thumbs-up buddy !

[@WanderingBlock]

Hey Darwin, I know I'm late to the Pinhoti Trail videos; great video as always! Just curious if you've ever considered thru hiking the Ozark Highlands Trail in Arkansas. I've hiked a few sections of it and the terrain is similar to what's in this video (don't think there's any road walking tho).

[@amyfletcher4749]

Wooohooo Feb 5...my birthday! Great start. Sorry but your partnet. Best of luck!

[@petertrowell6532]

Hello Darwin I have two issues on leave no trace rules a video I watched specially said that no campfires are to be made and you must only camp on specific ground now for people like me this raises two issues 1 there are no camp grounds on the trails near me and wild camping is all I can do and secondly campfires add nutrients to the ground once buried plus there fun and stoves take up important real estate in your bag. Can't wait on your response or video on leave no trace values

[@hmarkison]

Looks like a great trail! Can't be as tough as the Long Trail but looks tougher than I would have thought. Have fun!

[@texasermd1]

Just did a portion of this as part of the Cheaha Wilderness 30-mile Loop. Yeah. Parts were kinda tough. Damn.

[@Tboneguy03]

Excellent video, Darwin! Looking forward to your PCT videos and adventure! Curious, when road walking do you tend to find yourself walking with traffic (right side of the road) or against traffic (left side of the road?) just curious if blazes are set up for certain sides of the road, etc. Hopefully that makes sense :)

[@DarwinOnthetrail]

Always “Against” traffic. Wanna make sure i can see them coming! The blazes go all over the place. Hike On, Darwin

[@hannesnolf]

You should go hiking in Europe! I recommend the GR5 Holland, Belgium, France. Greets from Belgium!

[@stanthemanhikes2965]

Looks like a great trail to hike Darwin. Great footage thanks for sharing!

[@cgriggsiv]

Love the video I'm surprised that your Sawyer squeeze got a hole in it like it was drilled glad that someone was able to pick you up stay safe catch you later to both of you stay safe

[@HikerJohn316]

I hiked a section of the Pinhoti in AL and it had turkey footprint blazes. That was a nice change. IDK why they didn't do that for the whole trail.

[@Scashod]

All the best, Darwin!

[@michikipsy1951]

love your vids, can't wait for more! keep on hiking

[@sagemcreynolds1699]

Obviously the trails and the weather on the trails out west vs the eastern US can be so much different. The western US can be much dryer with many days of rain and storms on the eastern side. Does the amount of rain effect how much you take pictures or video? Would you advise hikers that want to video their trip to take different cameras based on the rainfall possibilities vs. dryer climates?

[@paladinwalker7]

Why did your tent leak and your filter fail? Thanks for the vids.

[@mikefranks8469]

It didn’t leak it filled up water because of where he placed his tent.

[@jasonwish-]

Awesome Darwin! Looking forward to the rest as I am planning to do this trail in early 2019. How did the G7X mark 2 do for you and how are you carrying it while hiking? What is your go to setting for video? Thanks!

[@azcolby40]

Great to see you back on a trail, aside from the road walks that trail looks fantastic, you said there wasn't much info available for this trail how did you plan accordingly? Yea rain I know I know Imbrace the suck

[@philhartman1501]

Rotten weather comes with the territory! Thanks for sharing.

[@DarwinOnthetrail]

Yup! 😂 Hike On, Darwin

[@roqofort5110]

Have you done the Overland track in Tasmania? If you're ever over this way be sure to give it a trample, a make a good 5-7 part vlog, would like to see your presentation on our famous track

[@willeisentraut4779]

Your my favorite KZbinr! Keep up the good work👍🏻

[@OnyxProducts]

What's the song? It's a very good relaxing choice for the video.

[@thevideostump46239]

Ok, after watching this video again, you mentioned that water came in to you Zpaks Duplex tent. Why or how did it happen and what would you do to prevent that from happening again? Mark...

[@TwmSaer]

The audio quality on this video is absolutely crystal. New mic?

[@DarwinOnthetrail]

Nope! Just Good Editing!...😂 Hike On, Darwin

[@cospernc]

Excellent quality video, thanks.

[@wilsmtt]

Yeah, that climb is brutal. It was good to see some Bama boys helping you guys out.

[@driggera]

How did the new rain gear hold up? You definitely got a chance to run it through it’s paces.

[@DarwinOnthetrail]

Great! I will be doing Reviews of them soon! Hike On, Darwin

[@BackcountryForward]

Oh no the sawyer squeeze! How did it fail? I always bring back up chlorine tabs just in case... but that wouldn’t help me much on a thru trail. Also, you said you got water in the tent? How’d that happen? Where did it leak in from? Would you still recommend it?

[@DarwinOnthetrail]

The Sawyer just Stopped working. Don’t really know what the deal was. It was an older one that I had for some time, so I guess it was just DONE!...As far as my Duplex Tent, it was dark when we pitched camp & my pitch was “Sloppy” + we set up camp on a “WaterShed Hill”! Didn’t relize it that night, but when it stormed all night the water flooded under the tent & just came in. Toad’s Tent was the same! Totally “User Error”😂.... Never had the same problem again because I payed attention to where the hell I was setting up camp. Hike On, Darwin

[@WL-tw4nt]

You're no longer using the Versa Flow? Have yourself a wonderful rest of your hike.

[@TheHavnmonkey]

My Sawyer squeeze failed on me a few weeks ago in the Ocala Nat'l Forest. It felt like it was clogged up and needed backflushing.... but no amount of squeezing could I get it to back flush. I think the minerals/sediment in my tap water at home may have "calcified" the filter media when I last rinsed it out months ago. That's just my theory because it has never been in freezing temps and was just over a year old. I am now trying the Versa Flow and love it so far... Only rinsing with distilled/purified water and 10% vinegar from now on.

[@Hikergy16]

Great vid Darwin. Stay safe out there man, looking forward to the rest!

[@twowheelslater7112]

I'm doing an overnight bikepacking trip next month on the silver comet. I hear it intersects the Pinhoti on the cheif ladiga side, I know your not suppose to bike the Pinhoti but I wander if there would be an issue if I walked the bike out far enough to pitch a hammock? I really don't like campgrounds and thats the only other choice I know of.