Fun Ways to Get Active

Everyone wants to be bikini ready for summer, and exercise doesn't have to be boring or extremely difficult. Make this year a year to get active and #OptOutside!

Hike
From more challenging hikes to shaded strolls, Calhoun County has many places to go. Climb to the highest peak at Cheaha State Park. From shorter trails with rewarding views like Bald Rock or Pulpit Rock or longer distance trails like the Silent Trail or Pinhoti, there are options for everyone to take in the gorgeous views and sights around our State Park.
We also have great local trails at the Anniston Museums and Gardens, Mountain Longleaf Wildlife Refuge and Henry Farms in Jacksonville. If off road is not your style, we've got the fabulous Ladiga Trail, which could keep you busy all summer if you divide it into sections. We also have Lagarde Parks path, the path in Golden Springs at Norwood Hodges Community Center, the paths at Oxford Lake, and the Paths at Choccolocco Park. There are so many different trails of various distances and elevation changes, creating a path for everyone.

Paddle
From the North to the South, we have fabulous creeks offering a great spot to cool off during warm Alabama summers.
Terrapin Creek is equipped with three outfitters to provide kayaks or canoes for the whole family to spend a day on the creek. Pack a lunch and enjoy your float as you paddle along the foothills of the Appalachian.
The City of Oxford will soon have kayak and inner tube rentals available for those wishing to paddle Choccolocco Creek from Cider Ridge to the new Choccolocco Park sports complex.

Bike
For the avid cyclist or recreation cyclist, Calhoun County has trails matching every skill level. For the more advanced mountain biker, we have local trails like Henry Farm and Iron Legs and the Coldwater Mountain Bike Trails, complete with challenging climbs and thrilling downhills. Coldwater offers trails of various distances and levels, from the one mile Baby Bear to the Momma and Papa to distance routes like Bomb Dog.
For the beginner cyclist or a place to get the whole family out, try Ladiga Trail. This trail, the longest paved rail trail in the U.S., offers whatever distance you'd like to conquer. The trail also offers picnic pavilions and benches for rest stops along the way.

Golf
Our region is blessed with many great golf courses. From courses that host our area high school teams like Pine Hill, Indian Oaks, Cane Creek and Cider Ridge, to courses like the Robert Trent Jones Golf Trails' Silver Lakes, each course has its own personality. From a tricky Par 3 or a dogleg fairway, to wide open fairways and quick greens, there is something for every golfer, from the entry level golfer to the pro.