Natural Attractions

 "Climb the mountains and get their good tidings. Nature's peace will flow into you as sunshine flows into trees. The winds will blow their own freshness into you, and the storms their energy, while cares will drop off like autumn leaves."-- Our National Parks- by John Muir

Calhoun County is a haven for outdoor enthusiasts. Visitors can hike the path of the Pinhoti and local mountain trails.  Cyclists can take to our mountains for miles of adrenaline rush. New adventures are waiting to be explored every day.

Each fall, the warm sun is accompanied by a cool breeze through the trees. As it chills the road cyclist, the mountain biker it pleased with the breeze's refreshment. The sun almost shimmers through the falling leaves of each tree, with hues of oranges, reds, yellows and evergreen. 

The cold fronts and warm fronts of fall battle back and forth, bringing storms to pack down the fresh dirt and warn paths under the fallen leaves and pine straw, strewn along the way on each rainy day.   

Cheaha, the Pinhoti, Bain's and Coldwater too reward each adventurer with their breathtaking views. The rolling hills and mountainsides, even pictures don't do do it justice. Come see for yourself! www.VisitCalhounCounty.com. 

5 Things to Do For the Autumn Season

By: Deanna Jones, JSU Student (2011-2015)

There’s a crisp feel of autumn in the air…ARE. YOU. READY? If not, we’re here to save the day. Here’s a list of 5 wondrous things to do in the fall. Who says fun stops when summer ends?

1)      Go Outside! 

      One thing there is to know about being outside in the fall is there’s fewer mosquitoes, fewer snakes, and a lesser chance of getting sun burned. In the fall it is less humid, and the air feels thinner, cooler, and refreshing. It sounds like a recipe for going outside. Luckily, Calhoun County has lots of beautiful places to do just that. There’s plenty of opportunities for outdoor recreation, like: biking, hiking, fishing, or just taking a nice stroll on a vibrant autumn day. The leaves start to change colors around October. Keep an eye out for the beautiful autumn foliage. Hint, Hint… it might come earlier this year because fall is quickly approaching.

Click here for more information on what outdoor opportunities Calhoun County has to offer.

2)      Explore Indoors

If it’s too cool for you or there happens to be a chance of rain in the forecast, we offer plenty of indoor activities for you and your family, like having a nice night out while still being in the warmth of a museum.  With the kids going back to school, why not make education fun and intriguing? Calhoun County offers plenty of educating and entertaining activities for whatever is in your children’s text books.  If they’re learning about the ancient mummies of Egypt, there’s the Anniston Museum of Natural History. It has a full display all about the mummies of ancient Egypt….with REAL MUMMIES! While there, they can explore outer space, what beautiful rocks and gems are beneath our feet, what creatures are living in the Calhoun County region, and even dinosaurs! If they are learning about World History, the Berman Museum is the perfect place to go. They are located right beside one another, so make a whole day out of it! 

3)      Tailgate

I need not state much on the fact that football, down here like in many other Southern American towns, is a way of life. Gather a group of friends and family and bundle up under a tent with your favorite sports teams. Don’t forget your favorite hot chocolate or apple cider to warm things up a bit. Not only is there a chance to cheer on your favorite football team, but Jacksonville State University offers Soccer, Tennis, FOOTBALL, and Volleyball.

   

4)     Cook?

If you’re like me you get excited over good ol’ seasonal southern food. With the weather starting to cool off a bit, why not stay indoors, save some money, and support your local farmers? The farmers market is a great way to get a feel and a taste of what is grown locally. What says fall more than chili? September 27^th kicks off the annual Cheaha Chili cook-off. Stop by and get a taste of the delicious bowls of chili to start off the chilly autumn evenings. Need pumpkins to decorate?  Bennett Farms has a wide selection of pumpkins to choose from, along with hayrides to take to you for a ride through fields of hand sowed pumpkins.

5)      Fall Festivals

Okay, so we know that fall is here. That means it’s time for fall festivals! There’s plenty…and I mean plenty to choose from. Jacksonville kicks off the first ever Create Fest on September 19th. The Create Festival highlights local artist and is hosted by businesses located on The Square. Weaver is hosting an annual Weaver Heritage festival on September 26^th. There will be hand-made arts and crafts, music, and activities for the children. Saturday, October 3^rd is the 25^th Annual OxfordFest.  Located down Main Street of Oxford, it features music, food, arts, crafts and fun for all ages. 

Getting into the Halloween spirit? Want to show off your adorable pet?  Neewollah on Noble Fall Festival is on October 25^th. There’s carnival games and even a pet costume contest. Come on down and enjoy the evening with your whole family, pets included! Don’t forget about the treat walk. Your pet will thank you for it.

Here’s a link for any other upcoming events in Calhoun County. Enjoy the season!

Freshman 101

They're back! Move in day was Saturday, and we love our college students! Here are some tips we wish we'd been told before freshmen year.
1. Venture off campus for food. 
Calhoun County has tons of great restaurants that are affordable for the college budget. Break away from the typical chain restaurants we all know, and eat like a local. Then, you can impress your parents when they come visit!
2. Be a part of something. 
Get involved with campus and community organizations because you never know the doors of opportunity that will be opened. Go out and make new friends!
3. Go to class
We know it sounds like your parents talking, but creating good relationships with your professors can actually come in handy one day. They have students in high places, and they can be great references.
4. Explore
Get outside! Fresh is great for you, and there is so much to do within an hour's time that is budget friendly. So, grab your roommate and check out area sites.
5. Check out other majors. 

Take a variety of classes, and don't be afraid to change your mind more than one time. Find a career that you love, so you never really have to work a day in your life.
6. Show Team Spirit 
Get involved in game days. Take advantage of the excitement and tailgates at football games and sporting events. It only adds to your experiences.
7. Try an internship
Want to add to your resume and make great contacts while you're still in school? Apply for student worker positions and search for community internships. It's a great way to try careers before graduation.
For more information, check out www.VisitCalhounCounty.com.

Great Trips off the Ladiga Trail

The Chief Ladiga Trail currently runs 32.5 miles from the Alabama/Georgia line into the City of Anniston. The City of Anniston recently acquired more land for the trails extension into downtown Anniston. As Alabama’s first Rails to Trails project, this paved recreational trail follows the former Seaboard/CSX Railroad and connects to Georgia’s 63 mile Silver Comet Trail, making Ladiga part of the longest paved rail trail in the U.S. This recreational opportunity can be enjoyed by walkers, cyclists, skaters, strollers and more. Beautiful sights like area forests, farmlands, streams, and mountains provide picturesque scenery for each and every visit. 

Here's some sites to take in as you travel along the trail:

Piedmont

As you enter Piedmont, turn north onto Center Avenue to enjoy downtown Piedmont at its best. Indulge in the ice cream, coffee or smoothies of the Solid Rock Cafe and explore downtown shops. If you stop by Solid Rock, you must try their chicken salad sandwich or Sunday Buffet. 

Also, just outside Piedmont, you can stay at the Chief Ladiga Trail Campground and float Terrapin Creek to cool off during the hot Alabama summers. 

Jacksonville 

Near the trails Mile 24, you enter the City of Jacksonville. If you pack a lunch, stop in Germania Springs Park to cool off and rest, or continue to Hwy 21 and head west on 204 about a mile to Cooter Brown's Rib Shack, the best ribs around. 

One can also head to Mountain Street toward Highway 21, and try local eats like Cecil's, Roma's, Java Jolt and more shops or stops around Jacksonville's Square. 

Weaver

In Weaver, take a break at Elwell Park, or continue through to Anniston's Mike Tucker Park. 

Anniston

When you reach the Anniston Trailhead, your adventure doesn't have to end. If you are on your road bike, there are several great area climbs and routes. Many cyclists have taken their trek to Anniston's Weaver Road to Highway 21. 

Known as one of the toughest climbs in Calhoun County, if you turn left off Weaver Road and take Hwy 21 north, the turn right onto Baltzell Gate Road, you can cycle through Anniston's former Fort McClellan via Berman Road and right onto Bain's Gap Road. Once you reach the Bain's Gap zenith, you can turn around and return to Anniston or continue. Take a left onto Choccolocco, right onto Hwy 9, left onto Hwy 78, left onto Skyway Drive, the foot of Alabama's Highest peak, and climb to Cheaha State Park. 

Each spring, cyclists come from all over peddle in for the Cheaha Challenge and Iron Mountain Challenge. 

Cyclists have also continued south on Hwy 21 into downtown Anniston, stopped by Wig's Wheels on Noble Street, rented a mountain bike, and explored area mountain bike trails like Coldwater, Iron Legs, and more. There are also plenty of delectable restaurants downtown to fuel up for the next trek. 

For more information, visit www.chiefladigatrail.com. 

For maps, hotel accommodations, and lists of restaurants, check out www.VisitCalhounCounty.com. 

Top Sunset Spots in Calhoun County

Alabama's known for its skies being "so blue," but in the evening, the skies transform to vibrant hues of purple, orange, pink, and more. Some days, you have to pinch yourself and ask, "Is this real or a painting?"
After each day's 9 to 5, the sun starts to set and evolve on the trek home, but there are spots where that setting takes your breath away.

Chimney Peak, Jacksonville
In Jacksonville, as you head north on 21 but before reaching the college, between Effina's and the Post Office, turn onto Mountain Street. It is a Mountain Street indeed, climbing to the top with its tower overlooking campus and a view than spans north, south, east and west for miles. The best sunsets often come with some clouds, sometimes even just after a storm.

Ladiga Trail, Piedmont
There are several spots along the trail, with its picturesque fields, streams, lakes and creeks that offer the perfect setting for a sunset, but a favorite spot is just outside Piedmont, heading south on the trail. Where Highway 21 crosses over the trail, the substructure beams and surrounding vast farmed fields, create a picture worthy canvas backdrop for anyone visiting the trails.

Neely Henry Lake, Ohatchee
This 11,00 acre lake is not only perfect for skiing and fishing, but its location along Highway 77 is the perfect setting for a sunset picnic. Alabama Power's Ten Island Park is open from 5 a.m. to 9 p.m. everyday. I think you'll agree the image looks like something you would imagine as a setting for "The Notebook."

Buckhorn, Weaver
At Zoe's on the Lake, you can grab a bite to eat, and sit back and enjoy the view of the sun setting over the lake. Located off the Alexandria/Jacksonville Highway in Weaver, this area's surroundings almost seem idyllic, especially when the sun starts to set. You can opt for indoor dining in the air-conditioning or outdoor seating on their Angel Lake pavilion.

Oxford Lake, Oxford Civic Center
A walking track that almost encompasses a mile around the lake, offers a playground for the kids and great pavilions and settings for picnicking before sunset. Its also a great background for one of Alabama's oldest covered bridges, the Coldwater Covered Bridge.

Anniston By-Pass/Bain's Gap, Fort McClellan 
With encircling views of Cheaha, Anniston and Calhoun County, as you climb the mountain sides, the views get better and better. For many, it's the road home, and its surrounded by beautiful landscapes. The Mountain Longleaf Wildlife Refuge and Talladega National Forest paint hillsides of vibrant greens and glowing trees each fall.

Other Sites Nearby:
Cheaha State Park, Delta, Alabama
The highest point in Alabama never disappoints, not even on a cloudy day.
With majestic views of surrounding counties, including Calhoun, Cheaha State Park has great sites for camping, picnicking, and hiking. The Bald Rock overlook is also handicap accessible for a beautiful breath-taking sight. The best view comes each fall to the lodge. Wait just around the pool for a one-of-a-kind scene, encompassed by the Talladega National Forest.

Pinhoti Trail, Piedmont, Alabama 
This southern Appalachian Trail connector has a total of 339 miles,
171.2 of which are in Alabama. This trail offers expansive views of the foothills of the Appalachian Mountain range and striking sunsets. There is a trailhead along Hwy 278 north of Piedmont, almost to the Georgia line, and the Davis Mountain Shelter is a two mile hike from the north trail head with a great view.

Things to do before the summer's gone!

August is Family Fun Month, so here's a list to check before summer's gone! 

Cheaha Lake
Soak up the rays at the beach at Cheaha Lake, a 6 acre man made lake, complete with playground, diving platform and paddle boats.

Desoto Caverns Family Fun Park
Retrace Hernando DeSoto’s expedition through the south over 450 years ago. Explore DeSoto Caverns, the Lost Maze and pan for the real gemstones DeSoto never found. The park also features over 25 wacky attractions, picnic area, camping, hiking and playground facilities.

Floating Fun

Alabama’s ‘Premier Tube Trip’ with many tubes in stock, offers a floating fun trip down Choccolocco Creek, with a variety of rapids and a steady current to enjoy.

Owens Canoe Trail

This trail meanders along the Tallapoosa River from the Georgia line to Highway 431.

Noccalula Falls

Gaze upon this beautiful waterfall that plunges 90 feet into a rock gorge. This landmark is named after Noccalula, the legendary Indian Princess, who leaped to her death into the waters below. Other features include the Pioneer Village, a train ride, campgrounds, and picnic areas.

Oxford Lake 

Stretch your legs on this paved and gravel track around the lake or spread out a picnic for the whole family, while the kids play on the adventure park playground. This area also houses tennis courts, a swimming pool, baseball complex, indoor basketball courts, a newly renovated and expanded civic center space and more. It is also home to one of Alabama’s oldest remaining covered bridges, moved from Coldwater Creek to Oxford Lake and listed on the National Register of Historic Places.

Ten Island Park at Neely Henry Lake
This beach provides a place to relax, launch boats, picnic and enjoy the lake. They're open from 5 a.m. until 9 p.m. daily.

Terrapin Creek 

Canoe down the beautiful Terrapin Creek, located in Piedmont, Alabama, and take in the scenery of Alabama like you’ve never seen it!

Weiss Lake 

This 30,200 acre impoundment of the Coosa, Chattoga and Little Rivers offers 447 miles of shoreline. The popularity of this location is reflected in the fact that more out-of-state fishing licenses are issued here than any other location in Alabama.

Zinn Park

Once the front lawn of the Anniston Inn and named for early business leader William H. Zinn, it is the location of a great playground, including a splash pad. 

Family Friendly Summer Getaway in Calhoun County

The countdown is on, and school is about to start back. There's still a little time for one last getaway before school starts back and not far from home! We're a day trip from Atlanta, Birmingham and Chattanooga!
Here's some places that are budget friendly and fun for the whole family.

The Anniston Museum of Natural History 
Explore the wilds of Africa, the wonders of the North American wilderness and the mysteries of 2,300 year-old Egyptian Mummies in the Anniston Museum of Natural History. More than 2,000 natural history items are on permanent display, and children can get “hands-on” with nature in the discovery room.
800 Museum Drive
Anniston, AL 36202
Phone: 256-237-6766

www.annistonmuseum.org

The Berman Museum of World History 

See Colonel Berman’s incredible and fascinating collection including weapons of espionage like a flute that shoots! Thousands of objects on exhibit: bronzes by Remington and Russell; rare and ornate weapons; Asian art; Colt Peacemakers and Winchesters; Civil War artifacts and a Greek helmet over 2,000 years old. Make your way through a WWI Bunker! Adjacent to the Anniston Museum of Natural History.

840 Museum Drive
Anniston
Phone: 256-237-6261

www.bermanmuseum.org

Cheaha State Park

Cheaha State Park sits on top of the highest point in Alabama. Standing 2,407 feet above sea level, it is no wonder why the local Creek Indians named this place "Chaha," meaning high place. The park hosts hiking trails, mountain bike trails, a lake for swimming and fishing, an observation tower at the highest point, campgrounds, cabins, chalets, motel rooms, a restaurant, an Indian artifact museum, and much more. 

2141 Bunker Loop, Delta, Alabama 36258
(256) 488-5115
www.alapark.com

Cherokee Rock Village 

Cherokee Rock Village sits a top Lookout Mountain inside Cherokee County, Alabama. The site offers Rock Climbing, Hiking and Primitive Camping.
County Road 70
Leesburg, AL 35983
Phone: (256) 927-2757
www.facebook.com/cherokeerockvillage

Chief Ladiga Trail

The Chief Ladiga Trail is Alabama’s first extended rails-to-trails project. It wanders through the countryside of Calhoun and Cleburne counties and connects the municipalities of Piedmont, Jacksonville, Weaver and Anniston. See beautiful wetlands, streams, forests, farmland and a mountain-filled horizon. The trail is family-oriented and provides a safe, non-motorized way to travel, exercise and/or relax.

www.chiefladigatrail.com

Choccolocco Mountain Off-Road Vehicle Park
Located just one mile from Jacksonville, Al. town square, the Choccoloco Mountain Off-Road Vehicle Park welcomes every type of off-road vehicle including: ATV’s, side-by-sides, dirt bikes, four wheel drives, rail buggies and rock crawlers. 450 acres of forest covered mountains with a vast trail system with moderate to extreme trails for the more advanced vehicles!

1312 Louise Drive SE
Jacksonville, AL 36265
Phone: 256-365-0297

www.facebook.com/choccoloccomountain 

Coldwater Mountain Bike Trail
Located on Coldwater Mountain in Anniston, these mountain biking trails offers everything a 1.5 mile Beginner Loop, which riders of any level can ride, and a 10 mile Blue Loop for Intermediate riders. Perfect for those looking for a leisure ride or a bit of a challenge!

Coldwater Road, Anniston 

www.facebook.com/coldwatermountain

DeSoto Caverns Family Fun Park
Retrace Hernando DeSoto’s expedition through the south over 450 years ago. Explore DeSoto Caverns, the Lost Maze and pan for the real gemstones DeSoto never found. The park also features over 25 wacky attractions, picnic area, camping, hiking and playground facilities."

5181 Desoto Caverns Pkwy.
Childersburg, AL 35044
Phone: 256-378-7252

www.desotocavernspark.com

Desoto Park
Take the opportunity to commune with nature. Hiking and biking trails, swimming pools, tennis courts, playground and picnic area are just a small part of what awaits you in this park, which was once voted as one of American’s top 10 parks!

7104 Desoto Skwy NE
Fort Payne, AL 35967
Phone: 256-845-0051

www.alapark.com/desoto-state-park

Floating Fun
Alabama’s ‘Premier Tube Trip’ with many tubes in stock, offers a floating fun trip down Choccolocco Creek, with a variety of rapids and a steady current to enjoy.

460 Bobwhite Dr.
Oxford, AL 36203
Phone: (256) 591-0437

www.floatingfun.net

International Motorsports Hall of Fame
Showcases racing vehicles that have set world speed records, as well as antique automobiles and the Richard Petty Race Car simulator. Adjacent to the Talladega Superspeedway.

3018 Speedway Blvd
Talladega, AL 35161
Phone: 256-362-5002

www.motorsportshalloffame.com

Janney Furnace Civil War and Native American Museum
The Civil War era furnace was burned by Union soldiers destroying the shacks and damaging a portion of the brick chimneys that capped the stone structure. However, the stone furnace remains standing today. 

145 Janney Road
Ohatchee, AL 36271 

www.janneyfurnace.org

Mountain Longleaf National Wildlife Refuge
More than 6,000 acres of the former military base is designated by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service as a National Wildlife Refuge to protect a unique and endangered ecosystem described as the mountain longleaf pine forest.

407 Baby Bains Gap Road
Anniston, AL 36205
Phone: 256-848-6833

www.fws.gov/southeast/mountainlongleaf

Oxford Lake
Stretch your legs on this paved and gravel track around the lake or spread out a picnic for the whole family, while the kids play on the adventure park playground. This area also houses tennis courts, a swimming pool, baseball complex, indoor basketball courts, a newly renovated and expanded civic center space and more. It is also home to one of Alabama’s oldest remaining covered bridges, moved from Coldwater Creek to Oxford Lake and listed on the National Register of Historic Places.

401 McCullars Lane
Oxford, AL 36203
Phone: 256-831-2660 

Pinhoti Hiking Trail
Alabama’s premiere long-distance recreation trail, spanning 110 miles and traversing the ridges and crests of the Talladega Mountains. It starts in the southern end of the Talladega National Forest and extends through Calhoun County to the Georgia Line.
Talladega/Cleburne/Calhoun Counties

Phone: 256-463-2272 

Terrapin Creek
Canoe down the beautiful Terrapin Creek, located in Piedmont, Alabama, and take in the scenery of Alabama like you’ve never seen it!

4114 County Rd. 175
Piedmont
Phone: 256-447-6666

www.canoeshop.net

Near Atlanta, Near Birmingham, Near Perfect! Kid-Tested-Parent Approved! 

www.VisitCalhounCounty.com