WEOGUFKA, AL — A historic dedication ceremony took place last week on Flagg Mountain in Coosa County, officially establishing the mountain’s iconic stone tower as the southern terminus, or “Mile 0,” of the Pinhoti Trail, including unveiling a survey marker highlighting the starting point. The event also celebrated water coming to the mountain, and revealed new signage that details the trails found both on Flagg Mountain and the full route of the Pinhoti Trail in Alabama.
A New Beginning for a National Treasure
The ceremony, attended by state and local officials, State Forester Rick Oates, from the Alabama Forestry Commission (AFC), Paul DeMarco, President of the Alabama Trails Foundation, and a cadre of dedicated Pinhoti Trail volunteers, marked another pivotal moment for Alabama’s outdoor recreation community.
“Flagg Mountain is more than just a beautiful peak; it is now the definitive starting point of a 350-mile journey that links Alabama’s wilderness to the Appalachian Trail,” said Paul DeMarco. “This project is a testament to what we can achieve when we commit to preserving and improving our natural assets for public enjoyment. The heavy lift you see here today from the Alabama Forestry Commission has provided a real starting place for the Pinhoti Trail. Not just a sign at a trailhead, but a meaningful connection to our built environment, to our history as a state, and to the Appalachian Mountains on which we are standing.”
Enhanced Hiker Resources
A key highlight of the day was the celebration of a major infrastructure project: the successful installation of a Stewartville Water Authority extension to the summit. For the first time since the Civilian Conservation Corps (CCC) constructed the tower in the 1930s, the facilities at the top of Flagg Mountain have reliable, potable running water. This improvement drastically increases the safety and quality of the experience for hikers, campers, and the caretaker who resides on the mountain.
New Maps to Guide the Journey
To further support trail users, the event featured the official release of new map signs for both the Flagg Mountain trail system and the Alabama section of the Pinhoti Trail.
- Flagg Mountain Day Map Signage: A map of all the trails found on Flagg Mountain, highlighting mileage for each trail, the connections, and trailheads.
- Full Pinhoti Trail Map Signage: The Alabama Trails Foundation unveiled the latest iteration of the complete Pinhoti Trail map, incorporating roadwalks, shelters, and trailheads, providing a glimpse into the trail at the official starting point.
Officials expressed hope that the combined improvements will not only attract more visitors, boosting local tourism in Coosa County, but also serve as a strong base for the countless volunteer hours necessary to maintain the trail’s beauty.
About the Alabama Trails Foundation The Alabama Trails Foundation is a non-profit organization dedicated to fostering the development of Alabama’s outdoor recreation economy by assisting in the planning, development, and maintenance of trails.
About the Alabama Forestry Commission The Alabama Forestry Commission is the state agency responsible for protecting and sustaining Alabama’s forest resources for present and future generations.
Photo Credit: Mollie Kate Erwin, Alabama Forestry Commission