Sunday, November 14, 2021
Talladega Scenic Drive, Cheaha State Park,
Smith Mountain Fire Tower
After two nights in Centre, it was time to move on. Our first stop today was Moorman Lookout at Fort McClellan, one of the highest points in Alabama. The view was nice, but the wind was fierce!
Moorman Lookout at Fort McClellan
Road to Moorman Lookout
The Talladega Scenic Drive (State Route 281 between Cleburne and Heflin) runs for a stunning 26 miles along a ridge of the southern Appalachian Mountains. They say to allow an hour for the drive, but why the rush? With abundant stops, we did it in about two and a half hours.
First stop on the Talladega Scenic Drive
Another scenic overlook
Cheaha Scenic Lookout
Midway through the scenic drive, we entered Cheaha State Park, the oldest state park in Alabama and home to the highest point in the state, Mt. Cheaha, at 2,407 feet. At the peak we ascended Bunker Tower, but the views were better a short distance away at Bald Rock and also from behind Vista Cliffside Restaurant.
Bunker Tower on Mt. Cheaha, 2,407 feet
Boardwalk to Bald Rock
View from Bald Rock
Cheaha State Park
Jana outside Vista Cliffside Restaurant
Shortly after completing the Talladega Scenic Drive, we stopped again to hike the High Falls Trail. The trail was just over half a mile long, but rugged, passing through a rocky creek bed and up multiple steep staircases to a series of three small but beautiful waterfalls.
Last stop on the Talladega Scenic Drive
High Falls Trail, Lineville, Alabama
Small, pretty waterfall
Very steep staircase
Leaving the High Falls area, we suddenly realized it was a long way yet to our final scenic stop of the day, and we were running out of time! Picking up the pace, I raced down the road for the next hour-plus, reaching the trailhead for the Smith Mountain Fire Tower at 4:17 - just enough time to make the third of a mile hike and climb to the top of the tower before a very early 4:43 p.m. sunset.
Smith Mountain Fire Tower
It was rather dark on the hike back to the truck from the fire tower but well worth the trouble. I've climbed scores of fire towers over the years and have never seen a better sight. The vast views of the wooded hills and sprawling Lake Martin were simply stunning.
From the fire tower
Lake Martin
Tom enjoys the sunset
Lodging: Sleep Inn, 3663 Victory Drive, Columbus, Georgia. This is a nice hotel, with exceptionally comfortable bedding, but for some reason they're stingy with the towels, forcing us to ration. We'll be staying in Columbus five nights, three of them here.
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