Background

Cheaha Wilderness: Alabama's Mountain Sanctuary

Discover Alabama's highest point and pristine wilderness: hike scenic trails, camp under the stars, and experience the solitude of nature.

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Escape to Cheaha Wilderness, a 7,400-acre protected area within Talladega National Forest. Hike scenic trails, experience solitude, and witness panoramic views from Alabama's highest elevations. Adjoining Cheaha State Park, this natural haven offers a unique and undisturbed environment for outdoor enthusiasts.

A brief summary to Cheaha Wilderness

  • Lineville, Alabama, 36266, US
  • Monday 6 am-10 pm
  • Tuesday 6 am-10 pm
  • Wednesday 6 am-10 pm
  • Thursday 6 am-10 pm
  • Friday 6 am-10 pm
  • Saturday 6 am-10 pm
  • Sunday 6 am-10 pm

Local tips

  • Wear sturdy hiking shoes and bring plenty of water, especially if you plan to hike the longer trails [8].
  • Check the weather forecast before your visit and be prepared for changing conditions, especially during the spring and fall [8].
  • During hunting season (October 15 to January 31), wear bright orange clothing for safety [8].
  • Be aware of fire closures during dry periods, as campfires may be prohibited [8].
  • Visit early in the morning or during the off-season for a more tranquil experience and stunning sunrise views [8].
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Getting There

  • Driving

    The most common approach to Cheaha Wilderness is by car [8]. From Lineville, Alabama, head south on AL-77. Turn left onto Co Rd 49/Cheaha Rd and continue to follow Cheaha Rd. Turn left onto AL-281 N/Talladega Scenic Dr. Continue to follow AL-281 N. Turn left onto Co Rd 42. Follow Co Rd 42 to the Chinnabee Silent Trail parking area, a primary access point [8]. Parking is free at the trailheads, but can be limited, especially on weekends, so consider arriving early [8]. Note that Cheaha Road (County Road 42) is not recommended for large recreational vehicles [8, 28].

  • Hiking

    From the Chinnabee Silent Trail parking area, access to Cheaha Wilderness is via the Chinnabee Silent Trail [8]. The trail is well-marked with blue blazes [8]. Follow the trail as it parallels Cheaha Creek [8]. There are no fees associated with hiking the trail [8].

  • Public Transport

    Public transportation to Cheaha Wilderness is limited. From Birmingham, take a Greyhound bus to Anniston [22]. From Anniston, a taxi or rideshare to Cheaha State Park will cost approximately $45-$60 [6, 23]. From the park, follow signs to the Chinnabee Silent Trail parking area to access the wilderness [8].

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Discover more about Cheaha Wilderness

Cheaha Wilderness, nestled within the Talladega National Forest in Alabama, provides a unique escape into a primitive and undisturbed environment [8]. Designated by Congress in 1983, this 7,400-acre wilderness area adjoins Cheaha State Park and encompasses a significant portion of the Talladega Mountains [8, 15]. The wilderness is characterized by its elevated terrain, with elevations ranging from 1,100 feet to over 2,342 feet at Odum Point [8]. This rugged landscape provides hikers with challenging trails and breathtaking panoramic views [8]. The Cheaha Wilderness attracts hikers to its section of the Pinhoti Trail, Alabama's longest walking path [2, 6]. This stretch of the trail runs from northeast to southwest across the entire wilderness, a distance of 7.8 miles [2]. Primarily following a ridge system through Talladega National Forest, the Pinhoti crosses the top of Cheaha Mountain [2]. Other notable trails include the Cave Creek Trail and the Nubbin Creek Trail [2, 25]. The wilderness is a sanctuary for wildlife, and visitors may encounter wild turkeys and white-tailed deer [2]. Hunting is permitted during hunting season, so hikers are advised to wear bright orange on their outer garments [2, 8]. Wilderness camping and campfires are allowed, except during fire closures [2, 8]. Cheaha Wilderness was made possible by Boy Scouts and passionate wilderness advocates who opposed a highway through Alabama's highest wild ridge [11]. The Odum Scout Trail, developed by local scouts, follows the stunningly beautiful ridgeline [11].

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