Talladega National Forest is located in the east-central region of Alabama, just southeast of Birmingham. Spanning nearly 400,000 acres, it is the largest national forest in the state, comprising three ranger districts: Talladega, Shoal Creek, and Oakmulgee. The forest is renowned for its natural beauty, featuring vast woodlands, tranquil lakes, and scenic mountains, with Cheaha State Park nestled within the Talladega Division.
If you are seeking a peaceful outdoor experience, consider experiencing Talladega National Forest RV camping. You can also rent RVs from RV Share. A popular camping ground is the Payne Lake Recreation Area, which provides a serene setting for outdoor enthusiasts. The area features 26 developed campsites along the shores of the 110-acre Payne Lake.
Where to Camp
Camping in Talladega National Forest
Talladega National Forest offers a variety of camping options for outdoor enthusiasts including two RV-friendly campgrounds. The two camping grounds in the forest include Payne Lake Recreation Area and Coleman Lake Recreation Area, which are lakeside campgrounds, offering comfortable stay amenities. Make sure to look for dumping stations nearby for waste disposal for a convenient and enjoyable stay.
Private Campgrounds Near Talladega National Forest
Check the topcampgrounds in Alabamabefore planning your trip to the forest. You can look for campgrounds in nearby locations like Lincoln and Childersberg.
Payne Lake Campground
Located near Centreville, Alabama, the heavily wooded Payne Lake Campground offers two different camping areas divided by Payne Lake. The west side of this campground near the Oakmulgee section of Talladega National Forest is much more developed than the east side. Rates start at $18 per day at this gated campground.
Water hookup: Yes
Electrical hookup: Yes
Sewer hookup: No
Wi-Fi: No
Pet-friendly: Yes
Other amenities: Two swimming beaches, picnic tables, fire rings
Coleman Lake Campground
Coleman Lake Campground is near Heflin, Alabama. The campsites located around two loops are near huge sweet gum trees overhanging them. Rates start at $16 per night at this campground that is open from mid-March to early December.
This trail near Ashland, Alabama, is best done counterclockwise, and hikers should be sure to bring lots of water along. Highlights include seeing numerous waterfalls and beautiful rock outcroppings in the Pinhoti section.
Length: 17.2 miles
Intensity: Hard
Cheaha Falls
This trail near Lineville, Alabama, leads through the Cheaha Creek to the Cheaha Falls within the boundaries of Cheaha State Park, located within the national forest.
Length: 2.1 miles
Intensity: Easy
Pinhoti Trail
This trail starts on Flagg Mountain, near Weogufka, Alabama, and runs until it joins the Benton MacKaye Trail. Parts of the 140-mile section of Pinhoti Trail running through Talladega National Forest transverse the Cheaha Wilderness, close to Cheaha State Park. It also runs through the Dugger Mountain Wilderness, some of the most rugged terrain in the state.
Length: 335 miles
Intensity: Hard
Coleman Lake Loop
This trail near Fruithurst, Alabama, wraps around Coleman Lake through managed pine and hardwood stands.
Length: 1.8 miles
Intensity: Easy
Cave Creek Trail
This trail near Lineville, Alabama, offers stunning views, especially from McDill Overlook, of the entire area while you walk along its boulder-lined path.
Length: 6.7 miles
Intensity: Moderate
Chinnabee Silent Trail
See beautiful waterfalls by hiking the Chinnabee Silent Trail near Lineville, Alabama. This trail passes near the Lake Chinnabee Recreation Area, and part of it runs near the Talladega Scenic Drive.
Length: 6 miles
Intensity: Moderate
Nubbin Creek Trail
Hike up and down the slopes of the Talladega Mountains while following this trail near Lineville, Alabama.
Length: 4 miles
Intensity: Strenuous
Things to Do
Activities in Talladega National Forest
Here are some of the top things to do in Talladega National Forest.
Talladega National Forest offers some great spots for a refreshing swim. Both Payne Lake Recreation Area and Coleman Lake Recreation Area provide swimming opportunities. Payne Lake is open year-round while the recently renovated Coleman Lake Recreation Area offers a more tranquil environment, perfect for those seeking to escape the crowds while still enjoying some modern amenities.
The Pinhoti Trail winds through the forest from Piedmont to a point south of Talladega, passing through both the Cheaha Wilderness and Dugger Mountain Wilderness Areas. Along the way, you'll find rugged forests, mountain streams, and picturesque valleys. The trail, rich in history and legend, offers stunning views from ridgetops and shaded hollows. There's even a connector trail from Cheaha State Park to Pinhoti, making it easily accessible for hikers.
If you're an angler, Talladega National Forest has plenty of lakes for fishing. Notable lakes include Coleman Lake, High Rock Lake, Morgan Lake, Sweetwater Lake, and the Lake Chinnabee Recreation Area. Lake Virginia and Little Lake Wills also offer fishing opportunities. Whether you’re fishing from the shore or a boat, these lakes provide an excellent chance to enjoy the serene natural surroundings while casting a line.
For mountain biking enthusiasts, the Sylaward Bike Trail offers a fantastic new trail located at Lake Howard in Sylacauga, Alabama. This 14-mile trail begins at the recreation site’s small pavilions and extends into the Talladega National Forest. The trail is ideal for mountain biking with easy to intermediate difficulty levels, and offers scenic views and varied terrain for cyclists to enjoy.
Identifying Flora and Fauna
The types of plants that you will see vary in each part of this national forest. The Open Pond Area is a great place to see marine plants while the Cheaha Wilderness allows you to enjoy seeing alpine meadow plants. You'll see mountain plants in the Dugger Mountain Wilderness. Some animals you could see while in the forest include foxes, turkeys, rabbits, black bears, and deer.
Fishing
Payne Lake is a great place to go fishing, especially for largemouth bass.
Geocaching
Find geocaches along State Route 25, which runs from east of Thomasville to the Georgia state line east of Centre.
Nature and Bird Watching
The Bushy Lake Recreation Area is a tremendous place to go bird-watching. You might see hawks, migrant songbirds, and woodpeckers while in the region.
Stargazing
The dark skies around these forests make it a great place to go stargazing.
How to Get There
How to get to Talladega National Forest
Address: 9901 Highway 5, Brent, AL, 35034
Fee: Per vehicle $3.0
The entry fee ranges from $3-$5 per vehicle
By Car
Talladega National Forest is easily accessible by car, with several entry points from nearby towns. The forest is located just southeast of Birmingham, Alabama, and can be reached via Interstate 20 and State Highway 21. Depending on your location, you can take either of these routes to get to one of the forest’s ranger districts or recreation areas. For visitors traveling from Birmingham, the forest is about an hour's drive, making it a convenient option for day trips or extended stays.
By Air
Birmingham-Shuttlesworth International Airport (BHM) – 1 hour away.
Montgomery Regional Airport (MGM) – Approximately 1 hour and 40 minutes away.
Atlanta Hartsfield-Jackson International Airport (ATL) – Approximately 1 hour and 10 minutes away.
Seasonal Restrictions
While Talladega National Forest is open year-round, some areas and activities may be subject to seasonal restrictions. Winter weather can affect access to certain trails and campgrounds, especially in higher elevations. Some recreation areas may close during periods of heavy snow or ice, and certain trails may be more challenging to navigate during these months. It's advisable to check the forest’s website or contact the local ranger district for up-to-date information on road conditions, closures, and available services during the off-season.
Fees in the Talladega National Forest
Visiting Talladega National Forest is generally free. However, campgrounds within the forest do charge a fee for overnight stays. The fees vary depending on the campground, with typical charges for campsites being assessed per night. While most of the trails are free to access, it’s always a good idea to check the forest’s website for any specific trail-related fees or seasonal closures that may apply to certain areas. For frequent visitors, annual passes are available, which can offer access to campgrounds and other amenities across the national forests in Alabama
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions About Talladega National Forest
Is there a fee to get into Talladega National Forest?
There is no fee to get into the Talladega National Forest as a whole, but the Payne Lake Recreation Area which includes part of the forest does have a $3 day use fee. The Kentuck ORV Trail requires a permit of $5 per operator.
Does Talladega National Forest offer free camping sites?
Yes, there are free camping sites at Talladega National Forest. Dispersed camping is allowed in various areas of the forest. There are also many developed, paid campgrounds within forest boundaries.
Is there a limit to how long you can camp in Talladega National Forest?
There is a limit of 14 days within a 30-day period for dispersed camping and in developed campsites within Talladega National Forest.
Is Talladega National Forest open all year round?
Yes, Talladega National Forest is open all year round. There are various activities visitors can enjoy in the forest all year as well.
What is the closest town to Talladega National Forest?
Talladega, Alabama is the closest town to Talladega National Forest. RV campers will find campgrounds and other amenities in town, there are restaurants and shops, and the famous Talladega Speedway is just north of town.
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