A project paid for by Polk County hoping to provide a safe spot to get on and off the Pinhoti Trail is taking shape and soon to be completed.

Hikers and cyclists looking to enjoy the trail can now start parking at the new trailhead on Cave Spring Road where work has been ongoing to provide a parking pad and paved entry to better access the trail, of which 10 miles stretch through Polk.

Immediate plans as work continues are to include a wooden rail fence, signage, picnic tables and grills for the public use at the trailhead.

Expect additional announcements about the trailhead to come this summer, as well as an official opening ceremony to be scheduled as well.

The full Pinhoti trail stretches from Alabama into Georgia and is 339 miles long, ultimately connecting up to the Appalachian Trail at its southernmost beginning at Springer Mountain.

The Pinhoti begins at Flagg Mountain in the area of Sylacauga and connects into Georgia from East Alabama in Polk County, before it continues through Northwest Georgia over to the Dalton area and goes eastward past Chatsworth and north again to connect to the Appalachian Trail.