Talladega National Forest

Alabama's largest national forest at nearly 393,000 acres spans from the Southern Appalachian foothills to the Piedmont, encompassing Cheaha Mountain, the highest point in the state at 2,407 feet, and the surrounding Cheaha Wilderness. The Pinhoti National Recreation Trail traverses 102 miles through the forest, connecting southward through rugged ridgelines and eventually linking to the Appalachian Trail in Georgia as part of a continuous footpath to Maine. The Talladega is divided into two major districts -- the Talladega Division in the east featuring the dramatic quartzite ridges of the Appalachian foothills, and the Oakmulgee Division in the west with gentler Piedmont terrain and extensive longleaf pine restoration areas. Wildlife thrives throughout, including white-tailed deer, wild turkey, black bear in the mountainous sections, and the endangered red-cockaded woodpecker in managed longleaf pine stands. The forest's streams provide habitat for a remarkable diversity of freshwater fish and mussels, contributing to Alabama's status as one of the most biodiverse states in the nation. Recreational opportunities include hiking, horseback riding, mountain biking, OHV trails, hunting, and fishing, with the Kentuck OHV trail system drawing off-road enthusiasts from across the Southeast.