Chinnabee Silent Trail and (maybe) Lunch at the Lodge - Updated

     Hope you’ll join me as I explore the wonderful Chinnabee Silent Trail located in the beautiful Talladega National Forest.  We’ll enjoy Cheaha Creek, many waterfalls and more as we cover the trails that lead through the canyon section known as Devil’s Den to Lake Chinnabee.  The trail is named for Creek Indian Chief Chinnabee, an ally of Andrew Jackson during the Creek War.  The designation of “Silent Trail” comes from the trail’s builders.  Between 1973 and 1976, Boy Scout Troop 29 from the Alabama Institute for the Deaf and Blind created the trail with the help of the USDA Forest Service.  The hike is considered by many to be one of the most enjoyable in the state.  This will be an "in and out" hike of around 7 miles total distance.  Also we may have a very minor creek to cross (last weekend it was only a few inches deep).

* If you are meeting us at the event, we'll see you at 8:30 Central time at the Cheaha State Park Headquarters.  We'll stop there for a short restroom break before we drive the final 4 1/2 miles to the trailhead.

** After the hike we may decide to stop at the Cheaha State Park Restaurant for a tasty, well-earned buffet so please plan accordingly.

From Atlanta area take Interstate 20 into Alabama; then take exit # 191. Turn South on U.S. Highway 431 for approximately four miles, then turn right on Highway 281.  You'll go south on 281 for approximately 16 miles.  (Watch for the Cheaha Resort State Park Signs).  We'll meet up at the Cheaha State Park Headquarters before we continue driving to the trailhead.  *The trailhead is located approx 4 1/2 miles south of the park headquarters.  The paved parking for the trailhead is on the left while the hiking trails is directly across the road.