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USDA Forest Service
National Forests in Alabama
2946 Chestnut St.
Montgomery, AL 36107
Phone: 334-832-4470
FAX: 334-241-8111

Talladega Ranger District

Recreation

Below is an overview of the activities offered at Talladega National Forest. You will find additional information in the Recreation Activities section.

For detailed information on hunting in the National Forests in Alabama and Alabama’s Wildlife Management areas, please visit the Official Web site of Alabama Department of Conservation and Natural Resources.

Campgrounds

Trailers and motor homes are permitted in all developed recreation areas. Generally, most of the recreation areas in the forest will accommodate trailers up to 22 feet long. Primitive camping is allowed in the national forest unless posted otherwise.

Permits are not needed for primitive camping, except during gun deer hunting season. Campers are responsible for your fire and any wildfire that results from a spreading campfire. Remember to leave your campfire "dead out".

Lake Chinnabee Recreation Area

Not far from Cheaha State park is Lake Chinnabee Recreation Area. This 17-acre lake and small campground are tucked into a pastoral valley of peacefulness. Lake Chinnabee Recreation Area has 8 campsites and offers camping, hiking, picnicking, fishing and the Chinnabee Silent Trail connects the campground to Cheaha Wilderness.

Turnipseed Camp

Enjoy nature at its best especially during the fall when mother nature dazzles you with an array of vibrant colors. This primitive camp is located near the Cheaha Wilderness Area and offers camping and hiking. Turnipseed Camp is open year round and has sanitary facilities.

Hunter Camps

If you're a natural for the outdoors, this is the place to be. Enjoy the forest and the home of many wild game species. Hunter Camps are open year round for users.

Hiking

This 6-mile trail, in the Talladega National Forest-Talladega Division, goes by waterfalls near Lake Chinnabee Recreation Area, and near the Talladega Scenic Drive.

Lake Shore Trail

A two-mile nature trail around Lake Chinnabee in the Talladega National Forest-Talladega Division.

Cave Creek Trail

A four-mile trail in the Cheaha Wilderness Area located in the Talladega National Forest-Talladega Division.

Nubbin Creek Trail

This four-mile trail traverses the eastern slopes of Talladega Mountain in the Cheaha Wilderness Area.

Odum Trail

This trail is about 4.7 miles long in the Cheaha Wilderness and located in the Talladega National Forest-Talladega Division.

Skyway Loop Trail

This 6-mile trail provides wilderness-like solitude in the upland forests of eastern Alabama. Skyway Loop Trail is located in the Talladega National Forest - Talladega Division.

ORV / ATV Trails

Kentuck ORV Trail

This trail is designed for motorcycles, all-terrain vehicles (ATV), and mountain bikes. Kentuck ORV Trail is located in the Talladega National Forest- Talladega Division

History

On July 17, 1936, President Roosevelt, by proclamation, created the Talladega National Forest out of the Talladega and Oakmulgee Purchase Units. The Talladega National Forest, at one time, consisted of four ranger districts: Oakmulgee or the Cahaba Working Circle, Tuscaloosa or the Pondville Working Circle, Shoal Creek and Talladega. The Talladega Unit was divided into two districts October 1, 1945, with the northern district, Shoal Creek Ranger District, headquartered in Heflin. Thirty percent of the Shoal Creek/Talladega land was cut-over, cultivated and vacated farmland.

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