“Top of the World” observation tower now open at Pinhoti Trail

Northeast Alabama’s Pinhoti Trail traverses land rich from a cultural, historical and ecological standpoint. Hikers can wander among centuries-old longleaf pine forests, through Creek and Cherokee native lands and eventually connect to the famed Appalachian Trail in Georgia.

Now, thanks to The Conservation Fund, other environmental organizations and individual donors, the Pinhoti Trail boasts an observation tower on Terrapin Hill.

Terrapin Hill’s Top of the World tower

Officially open as of Friday, March 13, the Top of the World observation tower on Terrapin Hill is one of many ways The Conservation Fund works to keep Alabama beautiful.

“This observation tower along the Pinhoti Trail in Coosa County is just one culmination of The Conservation Fund’s and others’ more than 15-year effort to establish a route for the Pinhoti between Flagg Mountain in Weogufka State Forest and US Forest Service land at Rebecca Mountain in the Talladega National Forest.”

Mike Leonard, Senior Advisor, The Conservation Fund

The Pinhoti Trail is Alabama’s longest hiking path, and now, you can see all of it!

“The tower offers magnificent views along the southernmost 50 miles of the Pinhoti—all the way from Flagg Mountain to the southwest to Horn Mountain far to the northeast, plus views reaching all the way to Oak Mountain far to the northwest.

More work remains to be done, but this tower on Terrapin Hill provides visual proof of the great work done to date and inspiration to continue to work for tomorrow’s, even better, Pinhoti.”

Mike Leonard, Senior Advisor, The Conservation Fund

Leanord was quick to shout out the organizations who helped make this happen:

• Coosa County
• Alabama Forestry Commission
• Alabama Hiking Trail Society
• Alabama Forever Wild
• Alabama Pinhoti Trail Association
• The Alabama Trails Foundation
• Freshwater Land Trust
• Nature Conservancy
• Alabama State Legislature

And donors who supported either acquiring the ridge or constructing the tower itself:

• Fred and Alice Stanback
• Robert and Elizabeth Shaw
• Bruce Murray
• Olivia, John + Will Ferriter
• Jay Spieler + Riverside Trail Services

Get an inside look

Learn more about the Pinhoti Trail and it’s impact in Alabama:

• 3 facts to know about Alabama’s unique Pinhoti Trail
• Pinhoti Trail opens connection to historic Flagg Mountain fire tower
• What it’s like thru-hiking the Pinhoti Trail

Have you hiked the Pinhoti Trail or seen the Top of the World tower? Tag us @thebamabuzz and share your photos!