Where to go on Father and Daughter Trip

[AlabamaDan]

My daughter said for her birthday she wants me to take her camping.  Just the two of us and she wants to go somewhere alone where it can just be us and we can see that stars and such.  She said she'd like to backpack in.  She's 11 and I'm 39.  I've never been to Cheaha or Sipsey, but that's sorta what I was thinking.  Someplace within an hour or so driving of Birmingham.  Any recommendations on where to go would be appreciated.

[Joshua Szulecki]

Gonna have trouble seeing stars in Sipsey except at the day-use area parking lot, due to all the foliage. Cheaha has some much better sky views.

What types of stuff does she like? Plants? Animals? Rocks? History?

[dogwood]

The Chinnabee Silent Trail and Skyway Loop Trail(both at Cheaha) are both pretty good trips for starters

[AlabamaDan]

What types of stuff does she like? Plants? Animals? Rocks? History?

Honestly, she likes almost anything I do if I seem enthusiastic about it.  Right now she likes outdoor skills....flint and steel firemaking....po cketknifes..whit tling....lashing to make camp crafts....camp cooking...anythi ng.  I think she mentioned stargazing because a couple months ago when we we camping I pointed out all the constellations to her and told the mythology stories that went with them.

The Chinnabee Silent Trail and Skyway Loop Trail(both at Cheaha) are both pretty good trips for starters

Thanks.  I'm gonna start seaching, but where can I find a trail map.

[Joshua Szulecki]

Jay has a free trail map up at: http://jahudson.wiki.hoov...2.al.us/Cheaha+Trail+Maps

Also see: http://www.pinhotitrailalliance.org/trailmaps.html

Allegedly some people have gotten line maps from the local NFS office that include the trails and known water sources. I have not seen one, so I cannot confirm their existence or accuracy, but they sounded pretty useful.

Beware an old, maybe 1980's vintage, NFS property map for sale some places. It is not all that useful except that it shows property boundaries.

If you go to Talladega National Forest/Cheaha SP, here are the waterfalls that occur in the area: http://waterfallchasing.b...falls-report-part-ii.html

[AlabamaDan]

I'm liking the sound of this Chinnabee Silent Trail.

With a small falls and swimming holes at both ends, this is the perfect hike for a hot summer day. The Chinnabee Silent Trail was carved from the Talladega National Forest between 1973 and 1976 by members of Boy Scout Troop 39 based at The Alabama Institute for the Deaf and Blind in Talladega. An impressive undertaking, the 6-mile path begins at Lake Chinnabee and ends atop Talladega Mountain. The portion of trail profiled on this hike follows Cheaha Creek’s cool waters from Lake Chinnabee Recreation Area to Cheaha Falls. Cheaha Creek originates just south of Cheaha Lake and is fed by various small streams that drain Cheaha and Talladega Mountains. The creek was dammed in the 1930s, creating 17-acre Lake Chinnabee. The lake and the first half-mile of the trail are popular with area folks who like to cool off in the creek, canoe the lake, or fish from the banks. Beyond the first half-mile, though, traffic drops considerably, until you reach another popular swimming hole, Cheaha Falls.

Fishing holes, swimming, waterfalls, views....Sounds perfect!  But, I seem to be finding conflicting information about how far it is.  It appears to be a up and back trip, as opposed to a loop - which is fine.

[dogwood]

The Silent trail is a great hike!  There's also a shelter a few hundred yards above the first waterfall that offers a terrific view.  I took my two daughters and son with me backpacking - Sipsey last year, Pinhoti this year.  Even though they are all in their 20's, we had a great time.  Nothing like the outdoors for family bonding...

[AlabamaDan]

First, let me say thanks.  This online community is great and has always been helpful to me...a semi lurker. 

Now, for others to review and comment on... I found a book Hiking Alabama.  It reads"...the most enjoyable way to hike the trail is to start from the trailhead 3 miles south of the Cheaha State Park office, on AL 281, then travel north the th Lake Chinnabee Recreation Area.  The trip is less difficult in this direction, and it's 2 miles shorter (7.4 miles total vs 12 miles.)  The real plus, however is the scenery that unfolds at every turn.

Miles and Directions
-------------------------
0.00 Start from the east end of the parking area on AL 281 South.  Cross the highway to the north.  A sign indicating a hiking trail will be across the highway where the trail enters the woods.  The trail is marked with blue blazes.

0.1  At the bottom of the ravine, the trail comes to the a small creek.  The path looks as though it continues straight, but it doesn't.  Turn to the lleft here and cross the creek to the northeast.  The trail now starts going up the other side of the ravine.

0.5  Cross a dirt road

1.0  Come to a fork and go right. - Cheaha falls is close.

1.2  Reach Cheaha Falls Shelter

2.5  Area cut in 1998 to prevent pine beetle spreading.

3.0  Popular area for camping.  Entering Devil's Den Canyon.

3.2  Top of climb, 75 foot elevated wooden ridge clings to side of cliff.

3.4 Come to sign that reads 'Chinnabeen Silent Trail'.  Continue straight.

3.5  Stone marker for Boy Scouts.  Continue Straight

3.7  Come to Lake Chinnabee Rec Area.

Turn around and go back......7.4 miles total."

Now I have some more questions.
Does that sound right to those of you who are familiar with the area?  I mean that was written years ago.

Is it hard to find the trailhead on AL 281 South?

Is the trail still marked with Blue Blazes?

My wife will ask, is that wooden bridge dangerous?

At 3 miles they say it's a good place to camp...but being a NF it's open to camping anywhere right? 

I'm wondering about that dirt road you cross at 1 mile.  Is that a NF road?  Could I drive there and pick up the trail?  I'm a little concerned about my daughter making a 7 mile hike as her first.  (I worry about it too as I'm a little out of shape.    )  I mean we could do 3 miles the first day, but then we'd want to go on and see the lake.  If we hiked the 3 miles in on Sat morning, that would have us 5 miles Sunday.  Or maybe we do 3 miles, pitch camp, another mile to the lake and play, a mile back to camp for the night, then three miles out Sun morning.  That might work.  Hmmm....

[Joshua Szulecki]

Does that sound right to those of you who are familiar with the area?  I mean that was written years ago.

Is it hard to find the trailhead on AL 281 South?

Is the trail still marked with Blue Blazes?

My wife will ask, is that wooden bridge dangerous?

At 3 miles they say it's a good place to camp...but being a NF it's open to camping anywhere right?  

I'm wondering about that dirt road you cross at 1 mile.  Is that a NF road?  Could I drive there and pick up the trail?  I'm a little concerned about my daughter making a 7 mile hike as her first.  (I worry about it too as I'm a little out of shape.   )  I mean we could do 3 miles the first day, but then we'd want to go on and see the lake.  If we hiked the 3 miles in on Sat morning, that would have us 5 miles Sunday.  Or maybe we do 3 miles, pitch camp, another mile to the lake and play, a mile back to camp for the night, then three miles out Sun morning.  That might work.  Hmmm....

The trailhead is easy enough to find. There was a sign there the last time I was in the area, about two years ago.

I think you misinterpreted the distance. It should be 3.7 miles from trailhead to lake rec area, and 7.4 round trip. So you could camp at the lake and then return to the car in the morning.

I don't know about camping at that particular site. Camping is restricted in popular areas, where it might cause damage to cultural or historical features, where logging is occurring, and sometimes for other reasons. I cannot recall what the camping rules are in that area. Note that a "popular" camping area might be busy on weekends in that area.

The wooden bridge is used every weekend by hundreds, if not thousands, of visitors. It is not in perfect shape, but I was never seriously concerned when using them.

Some folks are a lot more knowledgeable about this area than I am, so hopefully they will chime in.

You might also consider checking out Cane Creek Preserve in Tuscumbia. It is farther than you were planning on driving (more like 2.5 hours), but it should be less crowded, and the owners are nice and friendly, providing water and restrooms in the canyon. No campfires. Free. I personally consider it a great family-friendly place. People are less willing to misbehave on private property. Some more information at: http://schuffertstudios.c...isc/CaneCreekPreserve.pdf
And: http://phillipoliver.blog...reek-canyon-preserve.html And also: http://www.timesdaily.com...OALS/70828014/-1/SHOALS20

[dogwood]

Just as Josh said, the directions sound good, and you shouldn't have any problems finding the trailhead.  The country store at the top of the mountain also offers maps for sale, as well as most camping/hiking stores in Alabama.  The section map that contains the Chinnabee Silent Trail is "Section 4."  There are a few good spots to camp before you reach the lake(near where the Skyway Loop Trail and Chinnabee meet), so i would opt to camp there, rather than the lake - unless you're doing this during the week.  The Lakeside campsites(fee sites, but fairly nice) fill up on the weekend.  The good part about doing an "in-and-out" hike, rather than a loop, is that you can go as far as you'd like.  You can always head back the way you came if your daughter(or you!) gets tired.

[PastorLarryT]

Dan,

You shouldn't have any worries about finding the trailhead or following the trail.  All are well marked.  I hiked with a group here in Nov. and then went by the trailhead again in Feb. (we were hiking Rock Garden Trail at Cheaha).  The info from Hike Alabama is fine for Chinnabee.  The distance is 7.4 miles round trip (as described in the narrative) from the parking lot.

A couple of items for your info:

o This trail gets a lot of traffic on the weekends.  May be difficult to find a suitable camping spot.
o Views are fantastic.
o My favorite spots are near Cheaha Falls (there are some nice camping spots here) and around Devil's Den, though the lake area itself is quite nice.
o Didn't see any problem with the wooden bridge.
o Bring your camera!
o Enjoy this special bonding time with your Daughter - the time is precious

[AlabamaDan]

1st let me thank everyone for their advice and support.  Getting real pumped up and expanding the trip a little.  I think we'll go up Friday night and camp at Turnipseed.  Then Sat morning we'll be ready to hit the trail.  It will be just about dark when we arrive Friday night, that's why I was thinking Turnipseed as it would be easy to find in the dark and pitch a tent.  Then Sat we can start the backpacking. 

Turnipseed Campground is well marked from 281 right?

The Chinnabee ST trail head is just near Turnipseed anyway isn't it?

Thanks.

By the way, if anyone needs maps or stuff after this, I should be able to hook you up.

[Rob]

Chinabee Silent Trail should prove to be an excellent choice for you and your daughter. I visit it at least twice a year. There are several suitable "campsites" along the way, most of which are at the lower levels of the trail and quite convenient to reliable water sources. It is a relatively easy hike. The guide book is accurate, and yes the bridge is very safe, well built and has suitable hand rails.

Enjoy this remarkable time with your daughter that she has chosen to spend with you, be safe and have a memorable time! Happy Trails!!!

[dogwood]

Turnipseed is a "fee" area, but has some pretty nice sites and a pit toilet.  You can park at the Chinnabee Silent Trailhead for free, hike Northeast up the trail to the creek(approx 1/4 mi), and there are plenty of good spots to camp there for free.  A buddy and i hiked the Chinnabee Silent this past weekend.  Creeks were running fine, but not too high, and the weather was nice.  We stayed at the shelter(approx 1 mile of easy hiking from the parking lot) and were treated to a good view.

[AlabamaDan]

Chinabee Silent Trail should prove to be an excellent choice for you and your daughter. I visit it at least twice a year. There are several suitable "campsites" along the way, most of which are at the lower levels of the trail and quite convenient to reliable water sources. It is a relatively easy hike. The guide book is accurate, and yes the bridge is very safe, well built and has suitable hand rails.

Enjoy this remarkable time with your daughter that she has chosen to spend with you, be safe and have a memorable time! Happy Trails!!!

When you say sites near the lower levels of the trail, do you mean near lake side?  That's where I was hoping to stay the 2nd night.  Oh and believe me that I realize the treasure this time together is.

Turnipseed is a "fee" area, but has some pretty nice sites and a pit toilet.  You can park at the Chinnabee Silent Trailhead for free, hike Northeast up the trail to the creek(approx 1/4 mi), and there are plenty of good spots to camp there for free.  A buddy and i hiked the Chinnabee Silent this past weekend.  Creeks were running fine, but not too high, and the weather was nice.  We stayed at the shelter(approx 1 mile of easy hiking from the parking lot) and were treated to a good view.

Thanks for the report on the water, when I said Friday, I didn't mean this Friday but "a" Friday in June.  I hope the water is still running then.  I my reasoning for Turnipseed is due to getting there late, might even be after dark and I didn't want to hike a unfamiliar trail at night looking for a place to pitch.  1/4 mile in from 281 isn't bad though.  No chance of loosing the trail at night is there?

[dogwood]

The trail is marked well, in most areas, and pretty well used, so it's fairly easy to see at night.  Since it is an "in-and-out" hike, be on the lookout for good camping spots as you're heading for the lake.  There are some great spots beside the creek as you get nearer to the lake, but those get taken pretty easily, and they are right beside the trail.  There are a few areas along the trail that are secluded but still have nice scenery.  Hope you guys have a great time!  Make sure that she has a great time and she'll probably want to go again...

[Rob]

The campsites I as referring to are along the trail as described by Dogwood, the lower levels being the area at the beginning of the trail near Cheaha falls (approx. 1 mile in from the 281 parking) and after descending from the Cheaha falls shelter approx. 2.5 - 3 miles into the hike entering the Devils den area along the creek. There is a "developed" campsite area ( No facilities just pit toilets, fire ring and I think picknic table) that requires a fee at Lake Chinabee rec area (3.7 miles in and the turn around point for the hike back) that is a very short walk to the lake.

The road at the .5 mile mark on the trail is a FS road and is actually the same road (very wide dirt/gravel road) you will see when you cross the road at the 281 parking area to access the beginning of the trail. You can drive down it to access the trail ( not sure of any regulations about parking along this road). I believe there is a very small sign that marks the trail crossing on the left side of the road. In my opinion you are not missing any spectacular sites if you choose to skip the first mile of the trail in this direction. It is mostly a very flat path through a fairly wide open lightly forested area and the "creek" that it describers is usually a trickle of water.      I'm not sure but this road may actually cut through to Turnipseed...... ...

Hope this Info is helpful..... Happy Trails.

[AlabamaDan]

Thanks.

[wirerat123]

Chinnabee Silent Trail is likely one of the best short trails in the state.  See my profile picture, it was taken on the Chinnabee.