Cheaha Wilderness

From the stone tower on the summit of Cheaha Mountain, Alabama's highest point at 2,407 feet, a dense second-growth woodland stretches south across Cheaha State Park and into Cheaha Wilderness, Talladega National Forest. For a scenic peek over the area, an asphalt road leads to the top of the mountain off of Alabama Highway 281, the Talladega Scenic Drive. The Cheaha Wilderness is best known for its elevated terrain and overlooks with panoramic views of east-central Alabama, and it attracts hikers to the Pinhoti National Recreation Trail, Alabama's longest walking path. This stretch of the trail runs from northeast to southwest across the entire Wilderness, a distance of 7.8 miles, primarily following a ridge system through Talladega National Forest and crossing the top of Cheaha Mountain. To the Creek Indians pinhoti means "turkey's home" — indeed, wild turkeys are common trail companions, as are white-tailed deer. From the Lake Chinnabee Recreation Area, the Chinnabee Silent Trail leads into the Wilderness just east of the lake and joins the Pinhoti and Odum Scout Trails at about 5.3 miles; a shelter is located approximately midway to the junction, outside the Wilderness. The Odum Scout Trail runs almost due south from the junction, covering approximately 4 miles. The Cave Creek Trail starts at the Cheaha Trailhead at Cheaha State Park, heads south into the Wilderness, and ends after approximately 3.3 miles at the Nubbin Creek Trail in the middle of the Wilderness. The 4-mile Nubbin Creek Trail starts off County Road 61 in Clay County, heads northwest, then turns southwest to intersect the Odum Scout Trail about a mile from the Chinnabee Silent, Pinhoti and Odum Scout junction. Wilderness camping and campfires are allowed; fire closures will be posted at trailheads during high fire periods. Near the edge of the Wilderness you'll find the Turnipseed Campground for picnicking and camping, located where the Chinnabee Silent Trail and the Talladega Scenic Drive intersect. Campsites with hookups, a motel, and rental cabins can be found in the adjacent Cheaha State Park. Hunting is also permitted during hunting season, so hikers are advised to wear bright orange on their outer garments.