Today the Duggar Mountain Wilderness is Alabama′s second largest, at 9500 acres. The USGS considers Duggar Mountain, with its 2100 feet elevation, Alabama′s second highest. The mountain rises along the spine of the southernmost Appalachians in Cleburne County between the towns of Heflin and Piedmont. Although a few old roadbeds that ascend the mountain could be used by hikers (and possibly by horseback riders; riders should check with the Shoals Creek Ranger District office 256-463-2272), the simplest and most scenic way to view the mountain is via the Pinhoti Trail.
The Pinhoti enters the Duggar Mountain Wilderness at Rabbittown Road on the southwest corner and exits on USFS Road 500 about 8.5 miles to the northeast. Most of the ascent is gradual and only moderate in difficulty, though the first half mile or so counts among the steepest sections. Where the trail switchbacks you will frequently encounter wet season watercourses and the hollows that contain them. After reaching the spine of the mountain the trail snakes back and forth, offering views of small watersheds and valleys to the west, more mountains to the north and east. At the crest you′ll enjoy spectacular glimpses of the Jacksonville-Piedmont valley to the west for a ways along the trail.
Most of the trail the rest of the way down is situated on the shoulder of a creek drainage that continually beckons. The trail crosses strands of the creek just before reaching FS 500. In the dry season this creek may be your only water source, and it′s seven to eight miles from the start.
If you can treat yourself so well, visit Duggar in late April, when the wildflowers peak. A trek in July will be tougher due to heat and pesky insects, but you may spot Carolina lilies, bee balm or yellow-fringed orchids. Any number of larger mammals could be sighted, as well as a great variety of songbirds during migration and the nesting season. Of course, hunting is permitted. So is camping anywhere along the trail.
To reach the foot of Duggar Mountain, travel I-20 east from Anniston. Exit at U. S. 431, turn left across the freeway, then right on U. S. 78. Take Hwy 9 north toward Piedmont, then right at the Rabbittown intersection. Look for a national recreation trail sign where the Pinhoti crosses Rabbittown Road. . FS 500 is farther east a few miles at the top of a ridge. Look for the sign. Turn left onto FS 200 and go until you see the trail crossing sign.
The topo quadrangles that include Duggar Mountain Wilderness are titled Jacksonville East and Piedmont.