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Cheaha Falls: A Natural Cascade in Alabama's Talladega National Forest

Discover Cheaha Falls in Alabama's Talladega National Forest: a gentle cascade, scenic hikes, and a tranquil escape into nature.

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Cheaha Falls, nestled within the Cheaha Wilderness of the Talladega National Forest near Lineville, Alabama, is a picturesque waterfall offering a refreshing escape into nature [4, 6]. The falls cascade gently over a series of rock formations, creating a tranquil and visually captivating scene [4].

A brief summary to Cheaha Falls

  • Lineville, Alabama, 36266, US

Local tips

  • Wear sturdy hiking shoes as the trail to Cheaha Falls can be rocky and uneven [9].
  • Bring a swimsuit and towel to enjoy a refreshing dip in the pool at the base of the falls during warmer months [9, 13].
  • Pack a picnic lunch to enjoy by the falls, as there are limited dining options directly at the falls [9].
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Getting There

  • Driving

    From Lineville, AL, head south on AL-77 [9]. Turn left onto Co Rd 49/Cheaha Rd and continue to follow Cheaha Rd [9]. Turn left onto AL-281 N/Talladega Scenic Dr [9]. Continue to follow AL-281 N [9]. Turn left onto Co Rd 42 [9]. Follow Co Rd 42 to the Chinnabee Silent Trail parking area [9]. Parking is free [9]. From the parking area, the falls are accessed via the Chinnabee Silent Trail [6].

  • Hiking

    From the Chinnabee Silent Trail parking area, the final approach to Cheaha Falls is a 2.1-mile out-and-back hike along the Chinnabee Silent Trail [6, 9]. The trail is well-marked with blue blazes and is generally considered easy [6, 9]. Follow the trail as it parallels Cheaha Creek, crossing several small streams along the way [6, 9]. The trail leads directly to the top of Cheaha Falls [6, 9]. There are no fees associated with hiking the trail [9].

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Discover more about Cheaha Falls

Cheaha Falls is a scenic waterfall located within the Cheaha Wilderness of the Talladega National Forest, near Lineville, Alabama [4, 6]. Unlike some high-volume waterfalls, Cheaha Falls offers a more gentle cascade as it spills over a series of rock formations into a refreshing pool [6]. This makes it a popular spot for wading, swimming, and enjoying the soothing sounds of nature [6, 13]. The falls are accessible via the Chinnabee Silent Trail, a 2.1-mile out-and-back hike that is generally considered moderate in difficulty [6, 13]. The trail meanders through a lush forest, paralleling Cheaha Creek and crossing several small streams [6]. The path is well-marked with blue blazes [6]. As you near the falls, the sound of the cascading water grows louder [6]. The surrounding Cheaha State Park, established in 1933, is Alabama's oldest state park and showcases the work of the Civilian Conservation Corps (CCC) [6]. The CCC played a vital role in developing the park's infrastructure, including trails, roads, and buildings [6]. Beyond the falls, the Talladega National Forest offers opportunities for outdoor recreation, including hiking, camping, and wildlife viewing [4, 6].

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