THE PINHOTI TRAIL
EXPLORING THE TALLADEGA NATIONAL FOREST & COLEMAN LAKE
FREE WITH REGISTRATION / SPACE IS LIMITED
REGISTRATION CLOSES FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 2 AT 12AM
The Pinhoti Trail near Coleman Lake campground in the Talladega National Forest is prime habitat for two unique species in Alabama: the endangered Red-cockaded Woodpecker and Red Crossbill. The woodpeckers prefer the open pine forests, whereas the crossbills use their uniquely-shaped bills to extract seeds from pine cones that have yet to open.
In addition to these two exciting species, we have a good chance of spotting Fox Sparrow and Bachman's Sparrow. On rare occasions we have seen Golden Eagles here, but that is not an expected species by any means—though certainly hoped for! It is not uncommon for both of our target species to be seen from the road, so keep a lookout as you arrive and depart as well.
FOX SPARROW David Boltz / Audubon Photography Awards
NEED-TO-KNOW
REMEMBER Please dress appropriately for the weather and in recognition of the fact that this is a remote area in the national forest, where we will not have access to amenities. Be sure to have a full tank of gas, your picnic lunch, snacks, and plenty of water. Sturdy walking shoes are recommended.
DETAILS There is no entry fee. The campground is not open in winter, and, there are no facilities at the trailhead parking area, so plan accordingly.
REQUIRED Participants must complete the mandatory online waiver when registering. Please do not request registration for others when submitting your request.
ACCESSIBILITY The field trip will entail walking on portions of the Pinhoti Trail and, while the trail is well-maintained, it is uneven terrain. The road between the trailhead parking lot and the entrance to the campground is paved and thus is easier to traverse.
CANCELLATION In the event of inclement weather, or if you need to cancel at the last minute, please text your trip leaders, as the main office will be closed.
TRIP LEADERS
The leaders for this trip are Greg Harber / 205-807-8055 and Paul Franklin / 205-542-7647. Please contact by phone on the day of the trip only.
WHERE TO MEET & WHEN
MEETING LOCATION I
Buc-ee’s
6900 Buc-ee's Boulevard
Leeds, AL 35094
I-20 East / Leeds Exit 140
We will meet promptly, at 7AM in the parking area of the can’t-miss-it Buc-ee’s near the electric car charging stations. Arrive early if you wish to grab a bite to eat.
MEETING LOCATION II
McDonald's
1816 Almon Street
Heflin, AL 36264
I-20 East / Heflin Exit 199
We will reconvene at approximately 8:15AM. If you plan to meet us at the McDonald's, again arrive early if you wish to eat. It is a 30-minute drive to the Pinhoti Trailhead from this location via US 78 and County Road 61. We'll plan to have a picnic lunch at our cars.
EQUITY, DIVERSITY, & INCLUSION
Through more than seventy-five years of conservation work in one of our nation’s most ecologically rich states, Alabama Audubon has seen firsthand how diversity strengthens natural communities. This same principle applies to human communities, which is why our organization is committed to providing equitable and inclusive opportunities for all Alabamians to learn about and enjoy wild birds, their habitats, and the natural world. One of the best ways to support that belief is by valuing and actively seeking to strengthen diversity among our staff, our board, and our membership. To that end, Alabama Audubon welcomes everyone to participate in our work, and strives to make our programs, classes, and events welcome, inclusive, and accessible to all.