The best walks and hikes in Calhoun County

Embark on an easy hike through Choccolocco Park, a serene and picturesque route that winds around a 33-acre lake and a peaceful creek. This trail offers a gentle outdoor experience, covering 1.9 miles (3.1 km) with a minimal elevation gain of just 15 feet (5 metres). You can expect to complete this pleasant journey in about 46 minutes, making it ideal for a quick escape into nature. As you walk, you'll pass through diverse natural habitats, including woods, grasslands, and open fields. Keep an eye out for various bird species, as the park is a notable spot for birding and wildlife observation.

The trails at Choccolocco Park are well-maintained, offering a mix of primarily paved surfaces and some gravel walking paths. You'll find benches strategically placed around the lake, perfect for a short rest or to simply enjoy the views. Covered docks and gazebos also provide shaded spots to relax. The park is designed with accessibility in mind, featuring several trails that are wheelchair friendly, ensuring a welcoming experience for a wide range of visitors. Parking is readily available, making it easy to start your hike.

Beyond the natural beauty, Choccolocco Park offers a unique historical dimension. You can explore an interpretive trail that highlights the rich history of the Muscogee (Creek) Nation. This trail also features a historic Native American mound, providing a glimpse into the region's past. The combination of easy hiking, wildlife viewing, and cultural insights makes this park a distinctive destination for a leisurely outdoor activity.

Embark on an easy 2.2-mile (3.6 km) hike along the Pinhoti Trail, gaining 264 feet (81 metres) in about 59 minutes. This route takes you through rolling hillsides and dense forests, offering a genuine Southern Appalachian wilderness experience. You will pass the tranquil Morgan Lake, a 14-acre lake nestled in a narrow valley. Further along, you can enjoy the charming Little Hillabee Waterfall, which is particularly impressive after a good rain. The trail meanders through native ecosystems, providing a scenic journey.

Accessing this section of the Pinhoti Trail is straightforward, with general parking available right at the Morgan Lake trailhead. As you plan your hike, be aware that the route includes a required crossing of Hillabee Creek. For this reason, it is advisable to bring water shoes, as your feet will likely get wet. This ensures you can comfortably navigate the creek and continue your journey.

This segment of the Pinhoti Trail is nestled within the expansive Talladega National Forest, offering a true taste of the Southern Appalachian wilderness. The trail provides an opportunity to immerse yourself in a natural environment rich with diverse flora and fauna. It is a popular choice for those seeking a quick, accessible outdoor adventure within this significant regional forest.

Embark on the Bomb Dog Loop, a moderate hike stretching 10.6 miles (17.1 km) through an Alabama hardwood forest. You will encounter a mix of rolling terrain and steady climbs, gaining 1233 feet (376 metres) in elevation. The route offers beautiful rock outcroppings as you ascend, providing scenic views. Plan for a rewarding journey that typically takes around 4 hours and 50 minutes to complete at a steady pace, offering a good challenge for a day out.

To begin your adventure, head to the Cold Springs Trailhead, which provides convenient access to the Bomb Dog Loop. Parking information is usually available directly at the trailhead. Keep in mind that this is a multi-use trail, so you will be sharing the path with mountain bikers; stay aware of your surroundings. There are no specific permits or fees required to enjoy this trail, making it an accessible option for your next outing.

What makes this route particularly unique is its dual nature, being primarily designed for mountain biking yet offering a fantastic hiking experience. As you reach the higher sections, you will discover a poignant memorial for Floyd, a beloved local bomb dog, marked by a headstone near the summit. This special landmark adds a touch of local history and character to your hike, distinguishing it from other trails in the region.

Embark on a moderate hiking adventure along the Pinhoti Trail: Pine Glen to FR 523, a 5.0-mile (8.0 km) route that takes you through the diverse landscapes of Talladega National Forest. You will experience dense pine and hardwood forests, traverse ridgelines, and discover shallow hollows and mountain streams. With an elevation gain of 290 feet (88 metres), this hike is estimated to take about 2 hours and 7 minutes, offering a rewarding experience without being overly strenuous. Keep an eye out for the peaceful setting around Shoal Creek, a notable feature along the way. This segment of the Pinhoti Trail provides a true taste of the region's natural beauty. You will find yourself immersed in the quiet atmosphere of the forest. The trail offers a pleasant mix of terrain, making it an engaging journey for hikers.

Planning your visit to the Pinhoti Trail is straightforward, with parking conveniently available at both the Pine Glen and FR 523 trailheads. If you are considering an overnight stay, the Pine Glen Recreation Area offers amenities such as campsites and sanitary facilities. Generally, you can camp on Forest Service lands unless specific restrictions are posted. Always check local regulations before you go to ensure a smooth trip. This makes the trail accessible for both day trips and longer excursions. Starting early in the morning can help you avoid crowds and enjoy the cooler temperatures.

This particular segment of the Pinhoti Trail highlights the rich natural environment of the Talladega National Forest, known for its extensive woodlands and varied topography. The trail itself is part of a much larger, iconic long-distance hiking route, making this a great opportunity to experience a piece of it. As you hike, you might spot local wildlife drawn to the diverse habitats and water sources like Shoal Creek. The blend of pine and hardwood forests creates a dynamic ecosystem that changes with the seasons. This trail offers a chance to connect with nature and appreciate the ecological diversity of the area.

Embark on an easy hike along the Pinhoti Trail to Lower Shoal Shelter, a peaceful journey through pine and hardwood forests. This route covers 2.2 miles (3.5 km) with a gentle elevation gain of 129 feet (39 metres), taking about 57 minutes to complete. You will wind through shadowy vales and hollows, where vibrant greens often emerge on sunny days. The trail's highlight is the Lower Shoal Shelter, beautifully situated by a small rolling stream with a nearby waterfall, offering a serene spot to pause.

This trail is generally accessible and well-marked, making it a suitable option for beginners or families looking for a quick outdoor escape. Parking is typically available at the trailhead, which you will often find located at a ridge summit. Keep in mind that while the initial path to the shelter is a descent, your return trip will involve an uphill climb.

The Pinhoti Trail to Lower Shoal Shelter is nestled within the Talladega National Forest, providing a tranquil escape into nature. This section of the Pinhoti Trail is known for its idyllic setting, especially around the shelter where the stream and waterfall create a picturesque scene. It offers a wonderful opportunity to experience the quiet beauty of the forest.

Embark on an easy hike along a segment of the Pinhoti Trail, stretching 2.5 miles (4.0 km) from Highrock Lake to Pine Glen Campground. You'll experience a peaceful journey through dense pine and hardwood forests, gaining 233 feet (71 metres) in elevation over approximately 1 hour and 6 minutes. The path often follows Shoal Creek, starting gently before you encounter some rolling hills. Keep an eye out for the distinctive native longleaf pine forests and the diverse wildlife that thrives in this Southern Appalachian wilderness.

Accessing this trail is straightforward, with Pine Glen Campground providing direct entry points. This primitive camping area offers basic amenities like pit toilets and picnic tables, making it a convenient starting or ending point. You can also find Highrock Lake nearby, a small 19-acre lake that presents opportunities for fishing before or after your hike. Consider starting early to enjoy the tranquility of the forest.

This route offers a glimpse into the Talladega National Forest, a significant Southern Appalachian wilderness. The presence of native longleaf pine forests highlights the region's unique ecosystem and conservation efforts. It's a great way to connect with nature and explore a part of the longer Pinhoti Trail, known for its scenic beauty and diverse habitats.

Embark on the Dugger Mountain via Pinhoti Trail, a moderate hike that covers 2.5 miles (4.0 km) with a significant elevation gain of 1121 feet (342 metres). You can expect to complete this journey in about 1 hour and 21 minutes. The route offers a true backcountry feel as you follow singletrack paths along a wilderness ridgeline. You will pass through diverse habitats, from dry open slopes to areas with gleaming white boulderfields, enjoying scenic views of surrounding valleys and distant peaks.

When planning your visit, be prepared for rugged climbs and potentially steep, rocky slopes, as the trail is considered challenging. You might encounter fallen trees, known as blowdowns, and patches of poison ivy, especially during late spring. While water sources are usually available along the way, they can dry up during arid periods, so it is wise to carry enough water with you. Always check conditions before you head out.

This trail leads you through the heart of the Dugger Mountain Wilderness, culminating at the summit of Dugger Mountain, which stands as Alabama's second-highest peak. The journey through oak, hickory, and pine forests provides a genuine wilderness experience, making it a notable destination for hikers seeking a rewarding ascent in the region. It's a great way to immerse yourself in the natural environment.

Embark on a moderate hike along the Pinhoti Trail from Coleman Lake to Sweetwater Lake, covering 4.9 miles (7.8 km) with an elevation gain of 259 feet (79 metres). This route typically takes around 2 hours and 6 minutes to complete. As you walk, you will experience a pleasant journey through mixed forests of hardwoods and pines, often following ridge tops and descending into hollows. You will also pass by the picturesque Sweetwater Lake, offering a perfect spot for a break.

For your visit, you will find general parking available at trailheads along this route. The Coleman Lake Recreation Area, located near the start of the trail, provides amenities such as campsites, bathhouses, and picnic areas. The trail is well-maintained, thanks to dedicated volunteers, ensuring a good hiking experience for everyone.

This section of the Pinhoti Trail winds through the Choccolocco Wildlife Management Area, where you might spot white-tailed deer, squirrels, and various bird species. The trail's path often meanders alongside mountain streams, adding to the natural beauty of the Talladega National Forest. It offers a great way to explore the diverse ecosystems of this region.

Explore Sweet Birch Canyon via Pinhoti Trail for an easy hike that takes you through a scenic canyon area. This gentle route covers 2.3 miles (3.7 km) with a minimal elevation gain of just 4 feet (1 metres), making it a perfect choice for a quick outdoor escape. You can expect to spend about 1 hour immersing yourself in the diverse ecosystems of the Southern Appalachian Mountains. As you hike, the path winds through dense pine and hardwood forests, offering glimpses of remnant mountain longleaf and American chestnut trees. Keep an eye out for a cascading creek that might run alongside the trail, adding to the peaceful atmosphere.

Planning your visit to the Sweet Birch Canyon via Pinhoti Trail is straightforward. The Pinhoti Trail is known for being well-marked and maintained, often by dedicated volunteers, which helps ensure a clear path. Parking at the trailhead should be easy to find, as many sections of the Pinhoti Trail are designed with forest road access in mind. You won't need to worry about specific permits or fees for this segment, making it an accessible option for a spontaneous outing.

This particular segment of the Pinhoti Trail offers a unique opportunity to experience the natural beauty of the Southern Appalachian Mountains. While hiking, you might spot local wildlife such as deer and various bird species, adding to the sense of solitude in the wilderness. The trail's gentle nature through the canyon provides a distinct experience within the broader Pinhoti system, highlighting the varied terrain of the Talladega National Forest.