Talladega National Forest

Talladega National Forest offers visitors a place to swim and relax.

Campers enjoy a cookout at Talladega National Forest.

The Talladega National Forest covers about 376,000 acres on the Oakmulgee, Shoal Creek and Talladega Ranger Districts and features many hiking trails, camping, hunting, and fishing opportunities, shooting ranges, two wilderness areas and designated trails for all terrain vehicles.

The Pinhoti National Recreation Trail System runs 120 miles through the forest beginning at Hwy. 148 east of Sylacauga to Hwy. 278 east of Piedmont. Hiking, camping, hunting and fishing are allowed in the 7,400-acre Cheaha Wilderness and the 9,200-acre Dugger Wilderness. However, motorized vehicles, bicycles, and horses and pack animals are prohibited.

The Talladega Scenic Byway winds 26 miles along the backbone of the southern Appalachian Mountains, starting near Heflin and ending at Adam’s Gap. The byway, which climbs to an elevation of 2,407 feet at Cheaha Mountain, the highest point in Alabama, offers spectacular views of the Talladega National Forest.

Not far from Cheaha State Park is the Lake Chinnabee Recreation Area. This 17-acre lake and small campground are tucked into a pastoral valley of peacefulness.

Lake Chinnabee Recreation Area has eight campsites and offers camping, hiking, picnicking and fishing.

The Chinnabee Silent Trail connects the campground to the Cheaha Wilderness.

About 1,700 acres of forested land have been designated for physically disabled hunters in the forest. The area has designated travel corridors, planted wildlife openings, primitive camping, and flexible hunting sites.