• Choose a category
• All
• Classic-Fiction

By Root 538 0

that’s perfect for larger groups. Rounding the loop past another improved campground is the trailhead for Pulpit Rock Trail. This quarter-mile, 15-minute trail leads to the best view in the park at Pulpit Rock. It’s also one of only two spots in the park where rock climbing and rappelling are permitted, though you must bring your own infrastructure to do so. Next door is the best place to sleep along the entire Byway, Cheaha State Park Cabins. These semiprivate bluffside cabins are perfect for a romantic getaway, complete with fireplaces, slate floors, full kitchen, outdoor fire pits and the real coup: two wooden lounge chairs on the edge of the bluff that look out onto more or less the same view as Pulpit Rock. Divine.

Back at the country store, hop back on Hwy 281 to finish out the Byway by heading north toward Heflin. There are scenic lookouts along the way, an occasional joyriding motorcycle and not much else. The road dead-ends at the Shoal Creek Ranger District, where you can pick up national forest and state park information if you happen to be starting your trip here. Of course, that would be quite odd considering you have followed our trip thus far, so continue onto Hwy 78 (eastbound) to Heflin, where you’ll find Pop’s Charburgers, a roadside sugar shack. Skip anything savory here; instead, reward yourself with one of Northern Alabama’s sweetest treats – a butterscotch milkshake. The friendly lady that runs the place might just say it: “Y’all come back now, ya hear?”

Kevin Raub

* * *

“The best trail is to Pulpit Rock. It’s the prettiest view in the whole state of Alabama. It overlooks the Talladega National Forest and the valley at the foot of the mountain. It’s beautiful.”

Brian Casey, Delta

* * *

* * *

TRIP INFORMATION

GETTING THERE

From Birmingham, take I-20 (eastbound) to Hwy 77 (southbound). At Talladega, take Hwy 77 east to Ashland. Turn left at the sign for Chandler Springs on Talladega County Rd 209 and go 3.5 miles to Clay County Rd 12. Turn left. Take another left on Blue Ridge Rd and yet another on Adams Gap Rd. It dead-ends at Hwy 281, the southern start of the Talladega Scenic Byway.

DO

Cheaha Country Store

Stock up on basic supplies, park and trail maps, as well as register to camp within Cheaha State Park. 256-488-5111; 19644 Hwy 281, Delta; 8am-5pm

Cheaha Lake

This 6-acre recreational lake offers swimming, fishing, paddleboats, a small beach and several campsites. Fishing license required. 256-488-5111; www.alapark.com; 19644 Hwy 281, Delta; admission $1; 8am-sundown;

Cheaha State Park

Nestled in the Talladega mountain range, this trail-heavy park is home to Alabama’s highest point. 256-488-5111; www.alapark.com; 19644 Hwy 281, Delta; admission $1; 8am-9pm;

Shoal Creek Ranger District

Offers maps and info at the northern end of the National Scenic Byway. 256-463-2272; www.outdooralabama.com; 45 Hwy 281, Heflin; 7:30am-4pm

EAT & DRINK

Cheaha State Park Restaurant

Won’t jar your taste buds, but it’s the only choice in the park. 256-488-5115; 2141 Bunker Loop, Delta; mains $4.50-23; 7:30-10:30am, 11:30am-3pm & 4:30-8pm Sun-Thu, 7:30am-9pm Fri & Sat;

Fincher’s

The owner says it all: “We’re just a small kountry place with good food.” Order catfish. 256-362-2174; 521 East St, Talladega; mains $4-10; 10am-9pm Mon-Thu, to 10pm Fri & Sat, 11am-9pm Sun;

Pop’s Charburgers

A greasy burger joint (skip the food) that’s famous for its butterscotch milkshakes. 256-463-5520; 1921 Almon St, Heflin; mains $3-7; 10am-9pm Mon-Thu, to 10pm Fri & Sat, 11am-8pm Sun;

SLEEP

Bald Rock Lodge

A 12-bedroom lodge. You have to rent the whole thing, but stuff enough people in and it makes sense. 256-488-5111; 19644 Hwy 281, Delta; lodge $2000;

Cheaha Lake Improved Camping

Thirty sites with bathrooms and electricity, and good ridge-top view in fall/winter. Register at country store. 256-488-5111; 19644 Hwy 281, Delta; campsites $17.60;

Cheaha State Park Cabins

Semiprivate bluffside cabins with fireplaces, slate floors, full kitchens