SYLACAUGA, Ala. – Pinhoti Fest will celebrate its fifth anniversary at Noble Park in Sylacauga, bringing hikers, families, trail advocates, vendors, and outdoor enthusiasts Friday through Sunday, Sept. 25-27.
The festival highlights the Pinhoti Trail, a 350-mile route through Alabama and Georgia with 50,000 feet of vertical gain. The name Pinhoti originated in the Creek Indian language and means “Turkey Home.”
The trail’s southern terminus is at Flagg Mountain near Weogufka, recognized as the southernmost Appalachian mountain rising above 1,000 feet. From there, the trail winds north through forests and ridgelines before reaching its northern terminus near Ellijay, Ga., where it connects with the Benton MacKaye Trail and Appalachian Trail system.
Setup began at 9:00 a.m. Friday, with the festival to begin at 5:00 p.m. Kenny Shirley will perform at 5:15 p.m.
Saturday’s entertainment lineup includes The Outlaw Cousins, Homegrown Harmony, Jason Geise, and Jennifer Pharr Davis.
Festivities will feature giveaways, awards, demonstrations, vendors, bingo, a book signing, and more. Vendors and food trucks will be on-site Friday and Saturday. The festival will conclude around 3:30 p.m. on Sunday.
“It is a privilege to welcome hikers, families, trail advocates, vendors, and outdoor enthusiasts from across the country to America’s Marble City,” Sylacauga Mayor Matt Hubbard said. “Whether this is your first visit or your fifth year celebrating with us, we are delighted to have you here.”
Festival founders Kimm and Nathan Wright also said the event has become more than they imagined.
“Over the past five years, Pinhoti Fest has grown into something far greater than we ever imagined,” they said. “It is powered by the hikers, volunteers, vendors, sponsors, musicians, speakers, and community members who return year after year and welcome newcomers with open arms.”
KiX Country’s David McCurley recently spoke with Kimm Wright on his morning show about everything pertaining to Pinhoti Fest 2026.
