The first thing that should get your attention as you climb up to the ridge on Davis Mountain is the plaque on a large rock just off the trail on your right. It was placed by the Alabama Trails Association in October of 2002 as a special thanks to the Gerald Willis family of Piedmont who donated the easement on Davis Mountain that encompasses the Pinhoti Trail. (The plaque also mentions the Alabama Forever Wild Land Trust that purchased the last blocs of land on Indian Mountain just west of the Georgia line.) Another feature that stands out in the first half mile are the iron ore pits. In fact, the trail takes you through one of them. Pick up a rock and test the weight.
Near the end of the first mile the trail begins its ascent of the first of two peaks. The descent of the first peak is accomplished by a series of switbacks leading to a spring that runs in even the driest of seasons. At the headwaters of this spring you will find a stand of sweetbay magnolia. Hurricane Creek and its tributaries are one of the northernmost habitats for sweetbay. Watch for crabapple and sweet shrub in spring bloom all along the trail. Uncommon wildflowers you may spot include Indian pink and yellow primrose.
Just past that spring the Pinhoti begins a gradual ascent of the second peak. A rocky area at the top will soon be the site of a trail shelter to be built by the Alabama Trails Association with financial assistance from the Alabama Power Foundation. About half way between 278 and Salem Church Road you will reach a dirt roadbed where the trail turns southeast to coincide with the roadbed for about a quarter mile before it turns northeast again (at a wooden sign). The Pinhoti then hugs the side of a ridge for about a mile and treats the hiker to spectacular views to the south and east. You will encounter another old roadbed where you begin a very gradual descent from Davis Mountain, the last mile or so via switchbacks.
Cross Hurricane Creek on a footbridge built by the ATA, then cross an old railbed, and you'll emerge onto the Salem Church Road. You will have come four and a half moderately difficult miles from Hwy 278.
To reach Salem Church Road take Hwy 278 east out of Piedmont till you see a school bus-stop shelter on the left. Turn left onto a paved county road, cross a creek and turn right onto Salem Church Road. The road intersects the Pinhoti Trail just past a gated log road to the left.