CCC Trail

Although not an official trail, this old roadbed turned trail is one of the greatest remnants of the work that the Civilian Conservation Corps left behind back in the wake of the Great Depression.  In an effort to provide a service to their country while sending work back home to their families, workers (who also happened to be great craftsmen) built this road and the wonderful retaining walls -- and the most fabulous bridge you'll see anywhere!!

The most spectacular time to see this area is in the Fall and Winter when the leaves are off the trees, for it is only then that you can appreciate the rock work that exists here.  These were serious rock masons!  They were the same ones who built the rock observation tower at Cheaha along with most of the rock cabins, several of the chalets, the restroom buildings at Cheaha Lake, along with several other outbuildings at the state park.  Additionally, this same group built another rock observation tower further south in Coosa County for what was going to be another State Park -- only it didn't come to be.  That spot is hoped to be the southern terminus of the Pinhoti Trail where the rock observation tower has been restored and still waits -- Flagg Mountain.  Forest Service Historian Robert Pasquill has written an entire summary of the CCC in Alabama and will soon release a book.

The trail leaves the parking area on the scenic drive and begins dropping.  Make sure to notice the rock retaining walls in each and every turn holding the old road bed in place.  After about 2 miles the road rounds a bend and the bridge comes into view.  Plan to spend a lot of time exploring here!  There a great campsites here and the water is clean and always flowing.  The bridge archictecture is classic CCC, with the memorable arch.  From the bridge, the trail begins the climb towards Blue Mountain.  Although gradual, the climb is still steep.  Soon, the retaining walls come into view again.  Towards the top, old growth forest comes into view.  At the top, there are few views due to the trees as the trail descends down to an intersection with the Pinhoti Trail.  A left here would take the hiker to Bald Rock and Cheaha State Park in about 3 miles.  A right would take the hiker to Hwy. 24 (Abel Road) in about 7 miles. In another half mile or so, the hiker comes to the end of the CCC trail by coming to the noticeable dirt piles meant to keep out ORV's.  At this point, you can pick up your shuttle, or turn around and head back.

The trail profile shot in the 2nd file attachment is in reverse, with the track starting at the north trailhead and proceeding to the south.