Cheaha Trail

[brantz469]

My mom lives in alabama and was telling me about cheaha mountain and that she wanted to go there so I looked it up and it seems like it might be a good place for us to start out on..

When I told her how long the trail was she was ready to go and basicly got me to agree to go with her there the friday after thanksgiving and hopefully make it back home by sometimes sunday but I feel like I need to do some more research on it first.

but... I cannot find any information really about the cheaha trail other than the  basic directions to it and how long it is...

Does anyone know of a good site with more info? Or is there anything I need to know before I take off over there?

Will it be ok to park my car at the trail head or should I park it in the state park?

[Cuffs]

What area are you looking at?  I dont know that there is any trail called "Cheaha Trail" specifically.

How long were you told this trail is?

[brantz469]

im looking at This

[Firedog]

That looks like the Cave Creek trail combined with the Odum trail. It is 10 miles one way.
This route was the original Odum Scout Trail back in the lat 60's & 70's. from the top of the mtn. to High Falls. At the time it was the only published trail on Cheaha. I have hiked that route 6 times over the years it is my favorite. Just a little history.

[Magic City Matt]

That is a great hike. I love cave creek trail. The wet weather streams have been pretty regular this year as well so water is a little more available. The views are great and you can always cut over on to the the Pinhoti for a little side trip to McDill point. It is pretty roacky along that portion of the Pinhoti though so be prepared for it.

M

[brantz469]

thanks guys. I will let yall know how it goes

[Mountain Dog]

B...469, I suggest you stop at the Cheaha Store and get map number 7.  As you might see from Firedog's map. you'll have several intersections and you need to know which way to go.   Maybe this will help.
From the parking lot on hwy 281, take Cave creek south until it hits Nubbin.  Take Nubin to Odum and Odum to High Falls TH.  Here is the problem.  When you hit Nubbin you'll have two choices, going to Nubbin TH or continuing on to Odum.  There are signs.  Just think it through and you'll be OK.  Nubbin ends at Odum, between the High Falls TH and the Pinhoti.  You'll want to go left on the Odum.

If you are headed north, take the Odum to Nubbin, turn right, go to Cave Creek and stay on CC till you reach the parking lot.  There is a relly good place to camp with water on Nubbin between Odum and Cave Creek.  There is one more reliable place with water a few miles further south.  Otherwise you'll depend on seasonal water which should be plentiful this time of year.  If you want to take only one car, take Cave Creek to Nubbin, Nubbin to Odum and take a right on Odum.  by taking a right, you'll follow Odum to its end where it intersects with the Pinhoti (water and camping is at the intersection), and then take the Pinhoti south back to the parking lot.  The distance will be about the same.  Your first route will have you experience High Falls, a really great place to visit.  The second route will allow you to visit McDill's point and that view is well worth the trip.

[brantz469]

where is the store located?

[WolfVanZandt]

It's the first building on your left as you turn into the main park area on top of the mountain.

[Mountain Dog]

FYI, the top of Cheaha has a camp store, camp grounds, a large lodge (motel), cabins, and a restaurant with a million dolar view.  If you live far away and want to get close the night before you start hiking then try the lodge and restaurant. 

[ednotmilkman]

 My old Pinhoti section map is #4 of Cheaha area, but then you may be talking about some other map series so might want to check and look before buying

[Mountain Dog]

GOOD CATCH.  I was thinking about it being "Section 7", as numbered by the FS.  Sorry.

[ednotmilkman]

one other trail is the Lake Trail that goes steeply uphill from Cheaha Lake to the upper campground loop.  It passes by the rock outcrop where people do rapelling.  I did it once back in 1978 with Auburn ROTC.  It's less than a 3 hour walk if I remember correctly.

[brantz469]

yea my mom called and the guy told her they have some short in park trails and I think we will probably end up doing one of those...

[WolfVanZandt]

"Steeply up hill" he calls it. I call it my cardiac test.

The first time I did the Lake trail after my catheterization, I had to stop every 50 feet or so to get my breath. The last time, I only had to stop once. I still felt like it was my last hike.

[Firedog]

Here's you one to try. Cave Creek Trail out. Cut over to The Pinhoti back to McDill Point then back to Cheaha Trail head parking lot. About 7.5 miles

[weathermansam]

In park trails?  Sounds like the Bald Rock trail/boardwalk and the trail to pulpit rock.  Both easy trails.  There's also the rock garden trail.  Make sure you check out the cool stone observation tower and the waymark as well.  This area was the first outing I had with the future wife once we met up again [long story short I moved out of state for a few years, and then came back].  

Here's some photos from that trip.  Interesting bit of foreshadowing, someone left a ring box at the Bald Rock marker.  I personally think the view's better from pulpit rock, though.  

My personal favorite spot is the "Pearly Gates" overlook on the Pinhoti Trail, though.  

[brantz469]

ok so I been back for a while I have just been busy with school. We ended up doing the Chinobee Silent Trail. Had alot of fun hopefully we can go back and do some of the other trails around there some other time. Ill post pics when I get home