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Porter's Gap Trailhead
4.8 ★★★★★ 88 Google reviews · Running trail in Talladega, Alabama · Open 24 hours
Runner's snapshot
- Surface
- Crushed gravel
- Distance
- 7 mi
- Shape
- Not reported
- Shade
- Not reported
- Access
- Open 24 hours
Confirmed from Porter's Gap Trailhead's own listing, the park or land manager's website, and runner reviews. Blank cells mean we could not verify that fact — we would rather say "not reported" than invent one. There is no Easy / Moderate / Hard rating on this page on purpose: a one-word difficulty score tells you nothing about whether a trail suits your run. Surface, distance, shade and hours do.
Destination for hiking, including a long, remote trail, with well-marked paths and some elevation changes.
What runners say about Porter's Gap Trailhead
“Secluded, serene and scenic are the best ways to describe this portal to Talladega National Park.”
“Well marked trail, easy hiking with enough variety and elevation changes to keep it interesting.”
Hike to Scotts lake with a family of 6, 4 boys between age 5 -16. The 7 mile hike was nice, lots of shade makes it easier for the 5 and 8 years old. The reason I gave 4 stars is because the presence of alligators in the Lake without any signs. Be aware with your little ones.
Parked at gravel parking area, crossed the highway and walked a lengthy 3.5mls. out and 3.5 mile back. Took about 2 1/2 hours to reach the lake with the old stone foundation and small water fall spill over on the other side of the lake. Hike was not strenuous, just long. Took a total of 4 1/2 hrs out and back.
Porter's Gap is a beautiful place to stop and take a hike on the iconic Pinhoti Trail. At the foothills of the Appalachian Mountains, the Pinhoti covers 300+ miles of scenic trails and beautiful landscapes. This time I was at Porter's Gap was during the Pinhoti 100.
Large gravel parking area with good shade. Parked there many times and never had any issues. Immediate access to Section 5 of the Pinhoti and Section 4 access across the highway.
Trail conditions & character
“Took couple pics at the waterfalls until 2 cottonmouth decided to tumble down the waterfalls ending within 2 feet of our 2 teens.”
“Parked at gravel parking area, crossed the highway and walked a lengthy 3.”
“Well marked trail, easy hiking with enough variety and elevation changes to keep it interesting.”
“Well marked trail, easy hiking with enough variety and elevation changes to keep it interesting.”
“The 7 mile hike was nice, lots of shade makes it easier for the 5 and 8 years old.”
“Parked at gravel parking area, crossed the highway and walked a lengthy 3.”
Plan your run at Porter's Gap Trailhead
The practical stuff
- AccessOpen 24 hours — no gate to beat, so a 5am or a 10pm run both work
- SurfaceCrushed gravel — the rail-trail classic: softer than asphalt, still smooth enough for tempo work
- Distance7 mi as reported — check whether that is one way or a round trip before you commit. Long enough for a real long run.
- ShadeNot reported. Assume some of it is exposed and carry water in summer.
- At the trailheadparking — reported by runners
Hours
| Monday | Open 24 hours |
| Tuesday | Open 24 hours |
| Wednesday | Open 24 hours |
| Thursday | Open 24 hours |
| Friday | Open 24 hours |
| Saturday | Open 24 hours |
| Sunday | Open 24 hours |
Running trails near Talladega
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