- Region
- AL, USA
- Country
- United States
- Best for
- hiking
- Best season
- Spring, Summer
- Permits
- Confirm wilderness permit requirements and…
- Managed by
- U.S. Forest Service, Talladega National Forest; Talladega Ranger District: 256-362-2909.
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Photos of Cheaha Wilderness
How to get there
Alabama Highway 281, the Talladega Scenic Drive, provides access to the Cheaha Mountain area. An asphalt road off the highway reaches the summit. Wilderness approaches include Cheaha Trailhead at Cheaha State Park, Lake Chinnabee Recreation Area, and the Nubbin Creek Trail entrance off County Road 61 in Clay County. Lake Chinnabee Recreation Area is at latitude 33.46202985, longitude -85.87421716.
- Lake Chinnabee Recreation Area
Access the Chinnabee Silent Trail from this developed recreation area near Cheaha State Park. Vault toilets are available, but potable water is not. Day-use hours and the recreation area's operating season should be considered when planning access.
- Cheaha Trailhead
Located at Cheaha State Park, this is the starting point for Cave Creek Trail, which heads south into the wilderness toward Nubbin Creek Trail.
- Nubbin Creek Trail entrance
The trail begins off County Road 61 in Clay County, heads northwest into the wilderness, then turns southwest toward Odum Scout Trail.
- Turnipseed Campground
Located near the wilderness edge where the Chinnabee Silent Trail intersects Alabama Highway 281. The campground provides nearby camping and picnicking and a point of contact with the trail.
Sources: fs.usda.gov · University of Montana / federal agency partners · Wilderness Connect / federal wilderness boundary inventory · Wikipedia. Confirm road and trailhead conditions with the managing agency before you leave.
AL, USA · United States
- Hunting
- Mountaineering
- Hiking
- Wildlife Viewing
- Backpacking
- Canoeing
- Fishing
- Caving
Ridge country beside Cheaha State Park
Cheaha Wilderness occupies wooded, elevated terrain in Alabama’s Talladega National Forest, beside Cheaha State Park. Dense second-growth forest stretches south from the park into the wilderness, with overlooks opening onto east-central Alabama. Nearby Cheaha Mountain, Alabama’s highest point at 2,407 feet, provides a useful introduction to the landscape: an asphalt road off Alabama Highway 281, the Talladega Scenic Drive, reaches the summit and its stone tower. Keep that developed summit visit distinct from a wilderness hike. Inside the wilderness, the main draw is a network of walking trails through forest and along ridges, rather than roadside facilities. Wild turkeys and white-tailed deer inhabit these woods. Give wildlife space, and plan a route around the trail connections rather than treating the mountain summit as the destination for every outing.
Choosing a trail through the wilderness
The Pinhoti National Recreation Trail forms the main northeast-to-southwest passage across Cheaha Wilderness. Several connecting trails offer different approaches, so the starting point matters as much as the trail name. From Lake Chinnabee Recreation Area, the Chinnabee Silent Trail heads toward the wilderness and meets the Pinhoti and Odum Scout Trails at about 5.3 miles. The Odum Scout Trail then runs almost due south. From Cheaha Trailhead at Cheaha State Park, Cave Creek Trail heads south into the wilderness and ends at Nubbin Creek Trail. Nubbin Creek provides another approach from County Road 61 in Clay County and connects with Odum Scout. Carry a map that shows these junctions, and distinguish individual trail lengths from the total distance of a linked outing. Do not assume a named trail returns to its starting point.
Water, facilities, and practical planning
Lake Chinnabee Recreation Area is a developed starting point with a 17-acre lake, picnic opportunities, fishing, and vault toilets, but no potable water. Bring drinking water rather than expecting to refill from a tap. The recreation area is day use only, with a listed season of March 1 through December 1 and a day-use fee of $3 per vehicle per day. Those details apply to the recreation area, not to every wilderness access point. A shelter stands along the Chinnabee Silent Trail outside the wilderness, approximately midway to its junction with Pinhoti and Odum Scout. Nearby overnight facilities include Turnipseed Campground and lodging in Cheaha State Park. Confirm wilderness camping requirements and current fire guidance with the Forest Service before departure. During hunting season, wear bright orange outer clothing.
Where on earth
Satellite imagery flying in from a world view to Cheaha Wilderness, United States. Use the + / − buttons, or click the map to zoom with your scroll wheel; drag to pan and pinch to zoom on touch.
Coordinates
- Decimal degrees
- 33.4119, -85.8428
- Latitude (DMS)
- 33° 24′ 42.9″ N
- Longitude (DMS)
- 85° 50′ 34.0″ W
Coordinates are an access-point reference for Cheaha Wilderness, not a route. Carry a paper map and confirm trailhead or put-in access with the managing agency before you go.
Topic summary
From the stone tower on the summit of Cheaha Mountain, Alabama's highest point at 2,407 feet, a dense second-growth woodland stretches south across Cheaha State Park and into Cheaha Wilderness, Talladega...
Key takeaways
- Region: AL, USA
- Country: United States
- Good for: hiking
- Coordinates: 33.412, -85.843
Intended uses
hiking
Keep planning
Popular pursuits at Cheaha Wilderness
- Hunting
Seasons, tags, and the units that hold animals.
- Mountaineering
Glacier and high-route objectives with real consequence.
- Hiking
Day miles on marked trail, with route notes and trail links below.
- Wildlife Viewing
Best light, best season, and where animals move.
- Backpacking
Multi-day travel with everything on your back — see the packing blocks below.
- Canoeing
Paddle routes, portages, and put-ins.
Animals around Cheaha Wilderness
Wildlife guideBlack bearUrsus americanus
Big gameWhitetail DeerOdocoileus virginianus
GamefishLargemouth BassMicropterus nigricans
Wildlife guideNorth American beaverCastor canadensis
Big gameWild HogSus scrofa
GamefishRed DrumSciaenops ocellatus
Wildlife guideSnowshoe hareLepus americanus
Big gameBlack BearUrsus americanus
Ridge country beside Cheaha State Park
Cheaha Wilderness occupies wooded, elevated terrain in Alabama’s Talladega National Forest, beside Cheaha State Park. Dense second-growth forest stretches south from the park into the wilderness, with overlooks opening onto east-central Alabama. Nearby Cheaha Mountain, Alabama’s highest point at 2,407 feet, provides a useful introduction to the landscape: an asphalt road off Alabama Highway 281, the Talladega Scenic Drive, reaches the summit and its stone tower. Keep that developed summit visit distinct from a wilderness hike. Inside the wilderness, the main draw is a network of walking trails through forest and along ridges, rather than roadside facilities. Wild turkeys and white-tailed deer inhabit these woods. Give wildlife space, and plan a route around the trail connections rather than treating the mountain summit as the destination for every outing.
Choosing a trail through the wilderness
The Pinhoti National Recreation Trail forms the main northeast-to-southwest passage across Cheaha Wilderness. Several connecting trails offer different approaches, so the starting point matters as much as the trail name. From Lake Chinnabee Recreation Area, the Chinnabee Silent Trail heads toward the wilderness and meets the Pinhoti and Odum Scout Trails at about 5.3 miles. The Odum Scout Trail then runs almost due south. From Cheaha Trailhead at Cheaha State Park, Cave Creek Trail heads south into the wilderness and ends at Nubbin Creek Trail. Nubbin Creek provides another approach from County Road 61 in Clay County and connects with Odum Scout. Carry a map that shows these junctions, and distinguish individual trail lengths from the total distance of a linked outing. Do not assume a named trail returns to its starting point.
Water, facilities, and practical planning
Lake Chinnabee Recreation Area is a developed starting point with a 17-acre lake, picnic opportunities, fishing, and vault toilets, but no potable water. Bring drinking water rather than expecting to refill from a tap. The recreation area is day use only, with a listed season of March 1 through December 1 and a day-use fee of $3 per vehicle per day. Those details apply to the recreation area, not to every wilderness access point. A shelter stands along the Chinnabee Silent Trail outside the wilderness, approximately midway to its junction with Pinhoti and Odum Scout. Nearby overnight facilities include Turnipseed Campground and lodging in Cheaha State Park. Confirm wilderness camping requirements and current fire guidance with the Forest Service before departure. During hunting season, wear bright orange outer clothing.
Route options
- Pinhoti National Recreation Trail
Follow the ridge-oriented trail northeast to southwest across Cheaha Wilderness. Use its connections with Chinnabee Silent and Odum Scout Trails to plan a longer linked route, with the endpoint and return arrangements settled before setting out.
- Chinnabee Silent Trail approachApproximately 5.3 miles to the Pinhoti–Odum Scout junction
Start at Lake Chinnabee Recreation Area and head toward the wilderness, reaching the junction with Pinhoti and Odum Scout Trails. A shelter lies outside the wilderness approximately midway to that junction. The stated distance is to the junction, not a round trip.
- Cave Creek TrailApproximately 3.3 miles
Begin at Cheaha Trailhead in Cheaha State Park and walk south into the wilderness. The trail ends at Nubbin Creek Trail, making it an approach for a linked hike or an out-and-back with a separately calculated return distance.
- Nubbin Creek Trail4 miles
Enter from County Road 61 in Clay County, heading northwest before turning southwest. The trail intersects Odum Scout Trail approximately one mile from the Chinnabee Silent–Pinhoti–Odum Scout junction.
- Odum Scout TrailApproximately 4 miles
Travel almost due south from the junction with Chinnabee Silent and Pinhoti Trails. Its connection with Nubbin Creek Trail offers another way to link the wilderness trail network.
Sample itineraries
- Lake Chinnabee and the Chinnabee Silent Trail · 1 day
Start at Lake Chinnabee Recreation Area and follow the Chinnabee Silent Trail toward Cheaha Wilderness. Choose a turnaround suited to the group; the Pinhoti and Odum Scout junction is about 5.3 miles along the trail. Finish with a lakeside picnic. The recreation area is day use only.
- Cave Creek Wilderness Day Hike · 1 day
Begin at Cheaha Trailhead in Cheaha State Park. Follow Cave Creek Trail south into the woodland toward Nubbin Creek Trail. Cave Creek is approximately 3.3 miles long; returning the same way adds the return leg. Carry water and navigation tools.
- Pinhoti Ridge Backpack · 2 days
Plan an overnight hike along the Pinhoti's northeast-to-southwest passage through Cheaha Wilderness, focusing on ridge terrain and overlooks. Confirm access, water availability, camping requirements and any fire restrictions with the Talladega Ranger District before choosing overnight stops. Arrange return transportation if hiking point to point.
Seasonal conditions
Spring
Spring; Lake Chinnabee season begins March 1
Lake Chinnabee provides a seasonal starting point for the Chinnabee Silent Trail. Bring drinking water: potable water is unavailable at the recreation area. Check the forecast before committing to ridge terrain.
Summer
Summer
Woodland hiking and elevated overlooks are the main settings. Match water supplies and hiking effort to the forecast; Lake Chinnabee has no potable water. Check current fire information before an overnight trip.
Fall
Fall
Check hunting-season information and wear bright orange when hunting is underway. Lake Chinnabee's listed season extends to December 1. Confirm current access before relying on it as a starting point.
Winter
Winter; Lake Chinnabee season ends December 1
Do not assume Lake Chinnabee facilities are available beyond their listed season. Confirm access with the ranger district and carry layers suited to the forecast for elevated terrain.
| Season | Window | Conditions |
|---|---|---|
| Spring | Spring; Lake Chinnabee season begins March 1 | Lake Chinnabee provides a seasonal starting point for the Chinnabee Silent Trail. Bring drinking water: potable water is unavailable at the recreation area. Check the forecast before committing to ridge terrain. |
| Summer | Summer | Woodland hiking and elevated overlooks are the main settings. Match water supplies and hiking effort to the forecast; Lake Chinnabee has no potable water. Check current fire information before an overnight trip. |
| Fall | Fall | Check hunting-season information and wear bright orange when hunting is underway. Lake Chinnabee's listed season extends to December 1. Confirm current access before relying on it as a starting point. |
| Winter | Winter; Lake Chinnabee season ends December 1 | Do not assume Lake Chinnabee facilities are available beyond their listed season. Confirm access with the ranger district and carry layers suited to the forecast for elevated terrain. |
Permits, fees & closures
Confirm wilderness permit requirements and current camping and fire rules with the Talladega Ranger District at 256-362-2909.
Fees: Lake Chinnabee Recreation Area: day use is $3 per vehicle per day; the group site is $30 per day for 1–40 people. These are recreation-area fees, not stated wilderness-entry fees.
Official source: National Forests in Alabama | Lake Chinnabee Recreation Area · Verified October 19, 2026
Hazards & regulations
- Elevated terrain and overlooks require careful footing and conservative decisions near edges.
- Potable water is unavailable at Lake Chinnabee Recreation Area. Carry adequate drinking water and do not assume backcountry sources will be available.
- Hunting occurs during hunting season. Check current season information and wear bright orange outer garments.
- High fire periods can affect campfire plans. Check current agency notices and trailhead postings before using fire.
- Several trails intersect within the wilderness. Carry a map and confirm junctions rather than relying on trail names alone.
What to pack for Cheaha Wilderness
- Trail map showing Pinhoti, Chinnabee Silent, Cave Creek, Nubbin Creek and Odum Scout trails
- Compass or offline navigation
- Written route and return-transportation plan
- Drinking water carried from a reliable supply
- Water treatment for any backcountry water collected
- Food
- First-aid kit
- Headlamp
- Footwear suited to ridge hiking
- Forecast-appropriate layers and rain protection
- Bright orange outer garment during hunting season
- Shelter and sleeping system for overnight trips
Cheaha Wilderness FAQ
- Where is Cheaha Wilderness?
- It lies in Alabama's Talladega National Forest beside Cheaha State Park and is managed by the US Forest Service. Dense second-growth woodland, elevated terrain and overlooks characterize the area.
- Where can hikers enter the wilderness?
- Chinnabee Silent Trail leads from Lake Chinnabee Recreation Area. Cave Creek Trail begins at Cheaha Trailhead in Cheaha State Park. Nubbin Creek Trail starts off County Road 61 in Clay County. Confirm access conditions before departure.
- What facilities are available at Lake Chinnabee?
- The 17-acre lake has hiking, picnicking, fishing and vault toilets, but no potable water. The recreation area is day use only, with a listed season of March 1–December 1.
- Where are nearby camping or lodging options?
- Turnipseed Campground sits near the wilderness edge where Chinnabee Silent Trail meets Talladega Scenic Drive, Highway 281. Adjacent Cheaha State Park has hookup campsites, a motel and rental cabins. Confirm current availability and requirements with the respective managers.
- Is there a shelter on Chinnabee Silent Trail?
- A shelter lies approximately midway between Lake Chinnabee and the Pinhoti–Odum Scout trail junction. It is outside Cheaha Wilderness. Carry independent shelter rather than depending on space being available.
- Can the mapped wilderness point be used for navigation to a trailhead?
- No. The inventory point at 33.411923, -85.842776 lies inside the wilderness and is not a trailhead, campsite or access point. Navigate to a named access point instead.