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Trips & Routes

This Scenic Drive Runs Straight Through Alabama’s Largest Forest, And It’s A Breathtaking Journey

Talladega Scenic Drive in Alabama offers a nearly 30-mile journey through the Talladega National Forest, featuring waterfalls and spectacular views from Cheaha Mountain.

Updated Aug 25, 2023

Written by 

Jennifer Young

Alabama is such a beautiful place to call home, and one of the best ways to experience its natural scenic beauty up close is to take a scenic drive. There are several scenic drives you can take in Alabama, but only one of them truly stands out. This drive is known as the Talladega Scenic Drive, and you can learn all about it here - don't miss out on an absolutely bonkers scenic drive up the legendary Cheaha Mountain.

Alabama's Talladega Scenic Drive is nearly 30 miles long. It begins at State Route 281 near the small town of Heflin and eventually ends at Adams Gap.

A winding road stretches through a forested landscape, with hills in the distance under a clear blue sky.
flickr/J. Stephen Conn

It's one of the state's most scenic drives that people enjoy taking all year long, especially during the fall season.

Aerial view of a winding road through a forest with autumn foliage and a single vehicle on the path.
flickr/Wayout Media

The Talladega Scenic Drive will take you through the Talladega National Forest. Covering 392,567 acres, this is Alabama's largest forest.

Sign for Loblolly Pine Progeny Test in Talladega National Forest, surrounded by tall pine trees and greenery.
google/Christian Linwood

There are several natural features along the way that are also worth discovering, including waterfalls. Pictured is Devil's Den Falls, which is tucked away in the Talladega National Forest and is one of Alabama's most popular swimming holes.

A serene waterfall cascades over rocks into a clear pool, surrounded by autumn foliage and rugged terrain.
Google/Brandon Thomas

This scenic drive will also take you to Cheaha State Park in Delta. Established in 1933, Cheaha State Park is Alabama's oldest continuously operated state park, and it's certainly worth a visit no matter the time of year.

Stone building with a tower, surrounded by trees, featuring a sign for a museum and steps leading to the entrance.
flickr/Jimmy Emerson, DVM

Cheaha State Park is situated atop of Mount Cheaha (also known as Cheaha Mountain), which happens to be Alabama's highest point. While on this mountain, you'll be able to...

Sign about Alabama's highest point, Mount Cheaha, featuring scenic mountains and a quote by John Muir.
google/Fanny Kuhn

...see for many miles and enjoy the most spectacular views!

A panoramic view of lush green mountains under a partly cloudy sky, showcasing rolling hills and distant peaks.
flickr/Brian Collins

For more information about the Talladega National Forest, you can view the Forest Service U.S. Department of Agriculture website.

Have you ever taken a drive through the Talladega National Forest? Have you driven up Cheaha Mountain? If so, please feel free to share your experience with us in the comments! Also, let us know about your favorite scenic drives in Alabama. If you're looking for more information about visiting Mount Cheaha, we've come up with nine reasons why visiting this mountain in Alabama is an absolute must.

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