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Pinhoti Trail: Cheaha Section

Talladega National Forest, Alabama · 2 min read

Distance
12 mi
Elevation Gain
2,400 ft
Difficulty
moderate-hard
Route Type
Point-To-Point
Best Season
March through November
Est. Time
6-8 hours
Dog Friendly
Yes
Kid Friendly
No
Difficulty Score
8 / 10

Trailhead Amenities

Restroom
None
Parking
Free
Cell Service
Limited
Water
Nearby
Camping
Dispersed
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Conditions, regulations, and fees change frequently. Verify with the local ranger district before your trip. Full disclaimer

At a Glance

  • Pinhoti National Recreation Trail: 172 miles through the southern Appalachians
  • Cheaha Mountain area ridgeline with some of the highest terrain in Alabama's national forest
  • Rocky quartzite and sandstone terrain with long views from exposed sections
  • Old-growth-quality hardwood forest on the mid-elevation slopes
  • A genuine mountain hiking experience unique in the Deep South
summitviewsrock formationswildliferiver

Overview

The Pinhoti Trail through the Cheaha area represents the most compelling section of Alabama's premier long-distance hiking route, covering 12 miles of ridgeline and mountain terrain in Talladega National Forest. The trail traverses the Cheaha Mountain area at elevations between 1,400 and 2,400 feet, with exposed quartzite outcrops providing long views in multiple directions and old-growth quality hardwood forest on the sheltered slopes below the ridgelines.

A vehicle shuttle between the Adams Gap and Cheaha State Park trailheads is required for the one-way format. Day hikers can explore from either end and return as an out-and-back.

No permit required.

The Route

Miles 0 to 4: Adams Gap to first ridge. The trail begins at Adams Gap on AL-281 and climbs immediately through the lower hardwood forest. The first 4 miles gain the primary ridge and provide the first exposed section with long views east toward Georgia.

Miles 4 to 8: Ridge traverse. The trail stays near or on the main ridge for the middle section, with multiple rocky outcrops where the quartzite breaks the surface. Views from these outcrops extend across Alabama's ridge-and-valley terrain to the west and south.

Miles 8 to 12: Cheaha summit approach. The trail climbs toward the Cheaha summit area. The final 2 miles include the steepest terrain on this section, with quartzite ledges requiring careful footing. The trail ends at Cheaha State Park.

When to Hike

October: Peak fall color and typically clear air. The best ridge views of the year.

March through May: Spring wildflowers on the slopes and fresh visibility before the summer haze builds.

Summer: Possible but hot. The ridge provides some wind relief and the higher elevation is cooler than the surrounding valley.

What to Bring

Many hikers carry 2 to 3 liters of water for this route. Natural water sources exist but vary by season. Trekking poles helpful on the rocky ridge sections. Tread carefully on wet quartzite.

Trailhead Access

Adams Gap on AL-281 about 15 miles south of Anniston is the southern trailhead. Cheaha State Park at the summit is the northern terminus. Shuttle between trailheads takes about 25 minutes.

Nearby

The Cheaha Trail is the primary access route to the summit from the lower Lake Chinnabee area. The Cave Creek Trail provides a creek-based alternative. See the full Talladega National Forest guide. Follow Leave No Trace principles on the summit and ridgeline.

Trailhead Parking

Adams Gap Trailhead on AL-281 as southern terminus, or Cheaha State Park as northern terminus. Vehicle shuttle required. Both trailheads have gravel pullouts. No fee.

← Back to Talladega National Forest

More Trails in Talladega National Forest

moderateout-and-back

Cave Creek Trail

4.5 mi500 ft gain
March through November

A 4.5-mile out-and-back along Cave Creek through a narrow mountain gorge in Talladega National Forest's Shoal Creek District, with waterfalls, hemlock, and good creek fishing.

3 min read

strenuousout-and-back

Cheaha Trail

7.5 mi1,600 ft gain
March through November

A 7.5-mile out-and-back to Cheaha Mountain, the highest point in Alabama at 2,407 feet, through the Cheaha Wilderness in Talladega National Forest with rocky summit views across Alabama's ridge-and-valley country.

3 min read

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Coleman Lake Loop

3.5 mi150 ft gain
March through November

An easy 3.5-mile loop around Coleman Lake in Talladega National Forest's Shoal Creek District, with forested lake scenery, swimming access, and a relaxed base camp feel.

4 min read

easy-moderateloop

Lake Chinnabee Loop

4 mi200 ft gain
March through November

An easy 4-mile loop around Lake Chinnabee in Talladega National Forest, a mountain lake adjacent to the Cheaha Wilderness with pleasant forest scenery and fishing access.

3 min read

easy-moderateloop

McDill Point Loop

3 mi350 ft gain
March through November

An easy 3-mile loop near the Cheaha Wilderness in Talladega National Forest, with rocky ridge viewpoints and an accessible introduction to the Cheaha Mountain highlands.

3 min read

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Shoal Creek Trail

6 mi600 ft gain
March through November

A 6-mile out-and-back along Shoal Creek in Talladega National Forest's Shoal Creek District, through mountain hardwood forest with good creek fishing and seasonal wildflowers.

3 min read

moderateout-and-back

Talladega Scenic Byway Walk

5 mi700 ft gain
March through November

A 5-mile moderate out-and-back along a ridge section of the Pinhoti Trail adjacent to the Talladega Scenic Byway in Talladega National Forest, with long views across Alabama's ridge-and-valley country.

3 min read

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the full Pinhoti Trail and where does it go?
The Pinhoti National Recreation Trail runs 172 miles through Alabama before continuing into Georgia as the Georgia Pinhoti Trail (100+ miles). In Alabama, it traverses the Talladega Mountains from the Weogufka State Forest in the south to the Alabama-Georgia border. The trail eventually connects to the Benton MacKaye Trail and, through that, to the Appalachian Trail. It serves as the southernmost long-distance trail in the Appalachian chain.
Is the Cheaha section of the Pinhoti Trail a multi-day backpack?
The 12-mile section is a challenging day hike or a comfortable 2-day backpack. Most through-hikers complete this section in a day (or split it over 2 days if doing the full Alabama traverse). Day hikers can cover shorter out-and-backs from either end.
Are there water sources on this section of the Pinhoti?
Yes, several seasonal creek crossings and springs occur along this section. Water sources are more reliable in spring and after rain; in late summer, some smaller sources may be dry. Carry at least 2 liters of capacity and treat all natural water sources.