Category: Community News

WEOGUFKA, Ala. – As part of “Alabama’s Year of Trails,” the Alabama Trails Foundation and the Alabama Forestry Commission held a special dedication ceremony to recognize Flagg Mountain’s Observation Tower as the southernmost point of the Pinhoti Trail and to celebrate a project that has finally brought reliable water to the mountain, from the Stewartville Water Authority.

Flagg Mountain, the southern-most Appalachian peak in Alabama at 1,156-feet, and the tower at 54-feet, the Pinhoti Trail Head was officially moved to the Flagg Mountain Observation Tower in the Weogufka State Forest.

The Civilian Conservation Corps (CCC) built the iconic stone tower in the 1930s, which served as a fire lookout for decades. Its recent restoration returned the tower to its original grandeur, allowing visitors to once again climb to the cab for panoramic views of the surrounding landscape that, on a clear day, allows visitors to see across seven counties.

In keeping with this restoration, the tower will now Officially serve as the iconic beginning of Alabama’s longest footpath, the Pinhoti Trail that connects with the Appalachian Trail in Georgia.

“The restoration and work done on Flagg Mountain is more than just a project; it’s a celebration of Alabama’s natural heritage,” said Paul DeMarco, President of the Alabama Trails Foundation. “By preserving this historic structure and formally linking it to the Pinhoti Trail, we are creating a world-class destination that will attract hikers and nature lovers from across the country while providing a better experience that all Alabamians can enjoy.”

Rick Oates, State Forester of the Alabama Forestry Commission, added, “This partnership demonstrates the great things that can happen when we all work together for a better Alabama. The renovated tower complements the new Pinhoti trailhead. We hope the combination of the two will encourage not only avid hikers, but also outdoor enthusiasts to embark on exciting adventures right here on the peak of beautiful Flagg Mountain. We are proud to help make this historic resource accessible to the public.”

“Ride to the Rescue” from the Childersburg Rescue Squad has multiple purposes and even more aspects for the public to enjoy the weekend of Saturday, October 11, 2025.

First of all, the big tourist event is a fund-raising event to support the all-volunteer squad’s year-round rescue efforts in the local area and well beyond. Besides sponsorship opportunities, there’ll be entertaining and delicious opportunities to help the cause, plus a need for community volunteers before, during, and after the ride.

Jim Dennis invites bikers from our area to join bikers from all over the southeast, “There’s lots of reasons to ride along – the scenery along country roads, a huge awesome meal guaranteed to leave you full and satisfied, the fellowship with friends and new friends to be made, and last but not least, your support of Childersburg Rescue Squad helps us to answer the call for help when a family is having the worst day of their lives.”

The Childersburg Rescue Squad responds to a variety of calls ranging from mass casualty events to a child lost in the woods, water recovery of drowning victims, storm recovery, and a host of other emergencies. They’ve made sure that local schools have disinfectants and cleaning supplies. They’ve gathered and distributed emergency supplies, and even Christmas gifts to storm-ravaged locations, as part of an association with other rescue squads that they helped create.

The things they do aren’t just important, they’re life-saving and life-changing. And that requires intense professional training, that requires investment in reliable emergency equipment. That’s why they appreciate your support.

The “Ride to the Rescue” has two routes – 32-mile and 62-mile. It starts and ends at the Childersburg Baseball Complex on Pinecrest Road. And the need for community volunteers starts at 6:00 a.m., with the rides starting at 8:00 a.m.

Thousands flowed through Sylacauga’s Noble Park for the 3-day Pinhoti Fest 2025 over the past weekend, bringing together hikers, families, and enthusiasts for a celebration of Alabama’s outdoor heritage. The addition of the Rec Department’s Food Truck Friday to the festival line-up got things kicked off Friday evening with a great crowd.

“We had, by far, the largest crowd ever for Friday thanks to the partnership with the Sylacauga Recreation Department and their food truck event,” said Kimm Shock Wright, one of the event organizers, along with her husband Nathan Wright. “Besides all of our exhitors and vendors, that helped bring out a lot of locals, who got the chance to experience what the event is all about.”

The annual event highlights the 351-mile Pinhoti Trail, a scenic path that winds through Alabama and Georgia. The trail’s southern end lies near Sylacauga at historic Flagg Mountain, a popular access point &/or end-point for adventurers across the region. Festival organizers say Pinhoti Fest is more than an outdoor expo. It features live music, vendors, workshops, and food, combining with outdoor gear displays, family activities, and a lot of visitors camping in Noble Park for the weekend.

The gathering has grown into an annual tradition that underscores the cultural and recreational significance of the Pinhoti Trail. Its mix of adventure, education, and entertainment that connects people of all ages with the landscapes that make Alabama a destination for hiking and exploration.

Every year, the Childersburg Water, Sewer Gas Board hosts a fun and rewarding community event, whose purpose is rooted in safety – Natural Gas Public Awareness Day!

They invite the public to join them ons Friday, October 3rd, from 10:30 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. for Natural Gas Public Awareness Day. The goal is to educate the public on the many dangers associated with natural gas and what to do if you smell natural gas.

But it also provides a lot of community fun and fellowship – free hot dogs, chips, popcorn, and drinks, along with giving away gift bags while supplies last. Reading an informative card about natural gas safety and the importance of the 8-11 call before you dig, and signing and returning it, makes you eligible for cassh drawings, too.

The crowd is already gathering in Sylacauga’s Noble Park for Pinhoti Fest 2025, that lasts through the weekend, bringing together hikers, families, and enthusiasts for a celebration of Alabama’s outdoor heritage. Tonight, the Sylacauga Parks and Recreation Departments adds Food Truck Friday to the festival line-up.

The annual event is to highlight the 351-mile Pinhoti Trail, a scenic path that winds through Alabama and Georgia. The trail’s southern end lies near Sylacauga at historic Flagg Mountain, a popular access point &/or end-point for adventurers across the region.

Festival organizers say Pinhoti Fest is more than an outdoor expo. It features live music, vendors, workshops, and food, combining with outdoor gear displays, family activities, and a lot of visitors camping in Noble Park for the weekend.

The gathering has grown into a community tradition that underscores the cultural and recreational significance of the Pinhoti Trail. Its mix of adventure, education, and entertainment that connects people of all ages with the landscapes that make Alabama a destination for hiking and exploration.