The Pinhoti Trail is a 102-mile National Recreation Trail leading through the Talladega National Forest in eastern Alabama. It runs from Piedmont, to a point south of Talladega. Side trails in the Cheaha Wilderness and Cheaha State Park are a part of the Pinhoti Trail system. They include the Nubbin Creek, Odum Scout, Cave Creek, Skyway Loop and Chinnabee Silent Trails.

The Pinhoti meanders through mountain an valleys which are rich in history and legend. It is a land where Creek and Cherokee Indians fought over the disputed boundary between their nations, and a land visited by De Soto in his exploration of the New World. The trail winds through rugged pine and hardwood forests, runs long ridgetops, and passes through shady hollows and along mountain streams.

Trailhead Locations:

US Hwy. 278: About 9 miles northeast of Piedmont on Hwy. 278.

Coleman Lake: From Heflin, take US Hwy. 78 northeast for 7.3 miles. Turn left on County Road 61 (becomes Forest Road 553) for 8.7 miles. Turn right on the first paved road and follow signs to Coleman Lake.

US 78 at Talladega Scenic Drive: From Heflin, travel west on US Hwy. 78 for 2 miles to State Hwy. 281. Turn right at the stop sign, then go left on Forest Road 500, cross railroad track and go to trailhead.

Cheaha State Park: The trailhead is located east of Cheaha State Park on State Hwy. 281.

Adams Gap: From Cheaha State Park, take State Hwy. 281 (Talladega Scenic Drive) to its terminus at Adams Gap.

Porters Gap: From Talledega, travel southeast on State Hwy. 77 for 8 miles. The trailhead is located on the left.

Directions: From Talladega, Travel 9 miles south on Hwy. #77 to reach the south trailhead.

Distance: 102 miles

Difficulty: Moderate/Strenuous

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