Information about Hiking the Trails at Cheaha State Park.
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Cheaha State Park Hiking Suggestions
Travel light. Take your canteen (full of water), your lunch and your camera. There is usually no water on the trail except at the series of waterfalls at the south end of the trail. If you wish to study the massive rock formations and to fully appreciate all the beauties of nature along the trail, you should plan for the more leisurely pace. Be extremely careful with fire and do not litter the trail. Although the trail is well defined, it is recommended that adult leadership accompany groups on the hike and that all hikers stay together.
Camping Suggestions
Excellent camping facilities are available at nearby Lake Chinnabee and Lake Cheaha. These include tent sites, outdoor fireplaces, restrooms and drinking water. Boating, swimming and fishing can be enjoyed at both lakes. Built and maintained by the Cheaha District of Choccolocco Council of Boy Scouts of America in cooperation with the United States Forestry Service.
Bald Rock Trail
This is an easy to moderate trail leading to a scenic overlook. The trail can be traversed as a loop of 1/2 mile or continued as a connector to the Pinhoti Trail due east. Both plant and animal life are in abundance along these two trails.
Odum Scout Trail/Pinhoti Trail System
The Odum Scout Trail begins in the Park and traverses the mountainous range to the southeast. Meandering through eleven (11) miles of eastern deciduous and pine forests, this trail ends in an area called "High Falls."
The Odum Scout Trail was conceived by scout leaders to encourage interest in camping and hiking in the great outdoors. Hiking time runs from four to six hours depending on your pace. It is suggested that you start hiking by 10:00 a.m. so that you can complete the trail by mid-afternoon.
The trail begins at the microwave towers high atop Cheaha Mountain. This is the highest point in Alabama with an elevation of 2,407 feet above sea level. The rugged trail winds along the crest of the mountain range nine miles southward to High Falls. The trail is accessible from paved roads at each end as shown on the map. The highlights of the trail are breath-taking views, wild flowers and the wild life.
The forest is inhabited by deer, foxes, wild turkeys and wild pigs. There are also many species of smaller animals such as squirrels, opossums, reptiles, skunks, wild cats and rabbits. Among the birds to be seen and heard are hawks, owls, crows, doves, quail, and redheaded woodpeckers.
The trail ends at the old rock quarry near Pyriton on Highway No. 46.
The Pinhoti Trail System is presently a forty-six (46) mile trail that begins in the Coleman Lake area north of the Park and links with the Odum Scout Trail continuing southeast to Adams Gap. This area is very picturesque especially during the Spring and Fall months. The trail is rated moderate to difficult.
Lake Trail
This trail is one (1) mile in length and rated difficult in places. Beginning at the cabins and ending at the lake, this trail follows a small stream for a short distance and traverses some rough country.
Rock Garden Trail
This trail is 1/4 mile in length and rated easy to moderate. The trailhead is in the cabin area and leads to a scenic overlook of the Talladega National Forest. If sufficient rainfall persists in the spring, a waterfall can be seen cascading down the mountain from this trail. The overlook area is also a favorite spot for rappeling.
Pulpit Rock Trail
This trail is 1/2 mile in length and rated easy to moderate. The trail leads to a scenic overlook in the Talladega National Forest which is characterized by it's many rock outcroppings. This area of the Park is noted for its high concentration of mountain laurel and when in bloom in the spring, makes for a very colorful walk. The trail is one way and does not loop back upon itself.
The Civilian Conservation Corps, under the direction of the National Park Service, built the original facilities in the Park. Using native stone and timbers, this group built the foundation of what is now our present day State Park system.
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