Pedal Plan

"The bicycle is a curious vehicle. Its passenger is its engine." ~John Howard

When's the last time you rode a bike? As a kid, that's one thing our parents may teach us, but do we maintain that knowledge with practice and lose it as we grow older? Some people can pick up where they left off, and some, like children, take a while to find their balance.

Cycling has gained popularity in Alabama in recent years, thanks to the surge of road biking events and development of mountain bike trails in Anniston, Birmingham, Auburn, Tuscaloosa, Huntsville and more. Not only is cycling exercise, but it's a great recreation opportunity to explore the outdoors and as Hemingway said, "learn the contours of a country best."

Calhoun County, Alabama is haven for outdoor enthusiasts, especially cyclists. 

Cheif Ladiga Trail: 

From the municipalities of Piedmont, Jacksonville, Weaver and Anniston, one could cycle all the way to Atlanta via our local rail trail. The Ladiga Trail is 32.5 miles of paved rail trail, wandering along the foothills of the Appalachian Mountains. With paths through residential areas as well as views of open fields, creeks and hillsides, this shaded path provides cyclists of all levels an area to retreat. From the avid sprinter and road biker to the family learning how to pedal, Ladiga is a perfect spot for any weekend adventure. 

*June 24, the sinkholes in the Jacksonville section have been repaired, and the entire trail is undisturbed and fully open again! 

Coldwater Mountain Bike Trail:

This is not for the beginner cyclist or the faint of heart. Coldwater is full of quick twists and side-winding turns, hard climbs and fast descents. Baby Bear and other trails are great for those wanting to try mountain biking; however, Bomb Dog and other trails are more for the advanced cyclists, ready for whatever comes their way. These trails are mostly shaded, but Alabama summers are brutal and suggest a morning or evening spin. 

That's not all! Within the county, we also have Iron Legs and Henry Farms Mountain Biking Trails, and several road routes area cyclists frequent. Within the region, we have the Black Creek Trail in Gadsden and Cheaha State Park's Mountain Bike Trails. 

For more information, check out our Area Maps! 

Adventure Awaits: Fun for the Whole Family

As a kid, nothing is better than exploring the outdoors and marveling at all the world has to offer.

Just Around the River bend

The Alabama Scenic River Trail is the longest river trail in a single state. There are 40+ waterways, rivers and streams, that are recognized as the Alabama Scenic River Trail, including Terrapin Creek. Terrapin flows from Cleburne County, through Calhoun County and into Cherokee County. The lower end of the creek is perfect to float in a kayak or canoe and fun for the whole family. The upper creek also has great fishing spots. 

Terrapin Outdoor Center
4114 County Rd 175
(256) 447-8383

Redneck Yacht Club

3850 County Rd 175
(256) 447-8690

Hakuna Matata!

Explore the wilds of Africa, the wonders of the North American wilderness, and the mysteries of 2,000 year old mummies in the seven fascinating exhibit halls of Anniston Museum of Natural History. Their open-air exhibits place you face to face with majestic--and often deadly--animals! See one of the country's oldest exhibits of birds in their habitats, and explore the children's discovery room for hands-on experiences with Alabama's natural wonders.Picnic and stroll along outdoor nature trails and enjoy a trip for everyone. 

Anniston Museum of Natural History

800 Museum Drive

Anniston, AL 36206

256-237-6766

Summer Hours:
Monday–Saturday, 10am–5pm
Sunday 1–5pm
Last admission at 4:30 daily

Whistle While You Work

The paved family friendly rail trail of Ladiga stretches 32.5 miles from the Georgia-Alabama line to Anniston, with access points in the cities of Piedmont, Jacksonville and Weaver. This trail also connects to the Silver Comet Trail, extending an additional 63 miles into Georgia.

Calhoun County is also home to the Coldwater Mountain Bike Trail, with its more than 30 miles of intermediate and advanced trails stretching across its 4,000 acre property. 

There are also smaller area trails like Henry Farm and Iron Legs, great for a day of exploring. 

Area Maps

Climb Every Mountain

From the highest point in Alabama, Cheaha, to Little River Canyon, the Pinhoti and everything in-between, there are numerous family friendly hiking trails and opportunities within an hour radius of Calhoun County. Explore waterfalls and make time to swim, as you cool off from the warm summer hike. 

Opportunities for Outdoor Recreation

Outside My Window

If you don't have time to explore more or are just passing through, stretch your legs at one of our great parks. From Oxford Lake and Lagarde Park to Jacksonville's Germania Springs, there are great places to play and stroll is you can't stay. 

Until next time, eat, stay and play in Calhoun County! 

Paddle East Alabama

"Sometimes, you find yourself in the middle of nowhere, and sometimes, in the middle of nowhere, you find yourself."

Calhoun County is a haven for outdoor enthusiasts, including those who like to kayak and canoe. Spending time along the creeks and lakes is definitely one way to explore the East Alabama landscapes.

Neely Henry
Ohatchee
This 11,000 acres is perfect for skiing, boating and fishing along Hwy 77 North. This area has public boat launches, picnic areas and fishing piers perfect for the whole family.

Terrapin Creek
Piedmont
Canoe or kayak down the beautiful Terrapin Creek, and take in scenery like you’ve never seen. Cool off in the spring fed water, and enjoy fun for the whole family.

Chocolocco Creek

Oxford

Kayak down this creek or meet up with 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.
East Alabama

Coosa River
This tributary of the Alabama River is about 280 miles long, beginning in Rome, Georgia and ending just north of Montgomery. This river includes the sections of Lake Logan Martin, Neely Henry and Weiss Lake. Major cities located along the banks of the Coosa include: Gadsden, Rainbow City, Southside and more.

Weiss Lake

Centre

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.

Logan Martin
Beginning at the Neely Henry Dam, this lake continues south toward Pell City, and a majority of the lake traffic is between I-20 and the Logan Martin Dam, especially during the summer.

Little River Canyon

Located near Fort Payne, the Little River flows, for most of its length, atop Lookout Mountain in Northeast Alabama. These spectacular river and canyon systems are surrounded by Appalachian Plateau, forested uplands, waterfalls, streams, pools, boulders, and sandstone cliffs. As the deepest canyon in Alabama, the setting provides a variety of recreational activities. 

Loyd Owens Canoe Trail

Cleburne County

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

Lake Wedowee

Randolph County

The Harris Reservoir, an 11,000 acre Alabama Power Lake with 270 miles of shoreline, is formed by the convergence of the Little and Big Tallapoosa Rivers between Wedowee and Lineville. The Flat Rock Park, a partially submerged granite outcrop that forms a natural beach, is home to bald eagles.

Lake Chinnabee

Clay County

Built in the late 1930s, Lake Chinnabee is home to the Chinnabee Silent Trail, a six mile, one way hiking trail that runs into the Pinhoti Trail. Nearby waterfalls include Devils Den, High Falls, and Cheaha Falls. 

Calhoun County Cuisine

Foodies Unite! Regardless of what your palate prefers, Calhoun County has mouth-watering food and southern hospitality all wrapped into one amazing destination. In fact, three local restaurants were featured in Alabama's 100 Dishes to Eat Before You Die, and another local staple was voted by the state as the best pizza. So, as you travel along I-20, take a short detour.

Classic on Noble's Shrimp & Grits
Shrimp and Grits were basically born in the south, and from the Carolinas to Louisiana is lovingly called "the grit belt." Classic's version plates creamy grits packed with flavor and bacon, and shrimp soaked in a buttery Cajun sauce. This deep south dish is featured daily on their lunch and dinner menu and at every Sunday's Brunch. If you favor the brunch, you might want to make a reservation and be prepared to skip dinner that night.
1024 Noble Street, Anniston, AL 36201 - (256)237-5388 - www.classiconnoble.com 

Cooter Brown's Rib Shack Ribs
We might be biased, but we've traveled to Memphis and more. We still can't find ribs that beat Cooter Brown's! The dry-rub ribs are delectable but be prepared to get messy. Also, try the Hillbilly Egg Rolls appetizer. They pair nicely with the ribs and baked beans. Cooter Brown's also serves several local breweries' craft beers.
8464 Alabama Hwy 204, Jacksonville, AL 36265 - (256)435-1514 - www.cooterribs.com 

Garfrerick's Cafe's Pecan Encrusted Grouper
This farm to table cafe dishes out some of the best local vegetables, and the pecan encrusted grouper is mouth-watering. Garfrerick's also serves a Sunday Brunch, but it is comprised of mostly vegetables and a classic southern dessert. The bread is great and vegetables fresh. If fish isn't for you, they also have great steaks, so there is something for everyone!
655 Creekside Drive, Oxford, AL 36203 - (256)831-0044 - www.garfrerickscafe.com 

Mata's Greek Pizza & Grinders
Voted the Best Pizza in Alabama, this family owned and operated restaurant has served Calhoun County for over 20 years. The dough, the pizzas, are made from scratch. The cheese is grated daily, the toppings hand chopped. If you measure the time to make the dough, grate the cheese, chop the toppins, load your favorite ingredients all the way until the deep-dish is baked, each pizza takes about two hours from start to finish. Their salads are a great pairing, and if you're not a pizza person, they have "grinder" sandwiches that are delicious too. We recommend calling in your order, so you you don't have to smell the mouth-watering pizzas long before you can dig in...
1708 Quintard Avenue, Anniston, AL 36201 - (256)237-3100 - www.matasgreekpizza.com

It's impossible to choose just a handful of restaurants to represent the diverse menus Calhoun County has to offer, so you'll just have to come eat, stay and play to try it all yourself.

www.VisitCalhounCounty.com

Ideas for Memorial Day in Calhoun County

Camping

From Cheaha State Park to Mike Tucker, Ladiga or Neely Henry, Calhoun County and surrounding areas offer great options for camping and activities. 

Cycling

Go for a spin on the Ladiga Trail or climb Coldwater, Iron Legs and Henry Farm! 

Float

From Terrapin to Choccolocco's Floating Fun, Calhoun County has several options for those hoping to get out on the water. 

Tee-Off

From Silver Lakes to Cider Ridge, Cane Creek to Pine Hill, and Indian Oaks to Stoney Brook, there are plenty of great rounds of golf to be played. 

Explore History

Pay your respects at Centennial Memorial Park and explore Alabama's Civil Rights Trail and more. 

EVENTS

7th Annual Memorial Weekend Gospel Singing
Friday, May 27, beginning at 6:00 P.M.
at Christian Corner Meats, 1002 US Hwy 431, Anniston
Bring your own lawn chair to this concert featuring Wilburn & Wilburn, The Hoppers, and Jay Parrack & Vocal Event. Shuttles will be available from Hillcrest Baptist Church and free dinner for the first 500 guests. 

Back 40 Bash

Saturday, May 28, with gates opening at 5:00 P.M. 

on Harold Boozer Road in Pleasant Valley, Jacksonville, AL 

Bring your own chairs and coolers, no glass, to this outdoor music festival and enjoy an afternoon of country music and classic rock. This year features Riley Green with Muscadine Bloodline and Murphy Elmore. 

Eat, Stay & Play in Calhoun County, a haven for outdoor enthusiasts! 

Remembering the Freedom Rides

May 14, Freedom Riders Hank Thomas, Bill Harbour, and Charles Person returned to Anniston for the bus burning anniversary and to take questions from local students and community members. Birmingham's Civil Rights Institute recently hosted "A Night with Freedom Rider Hank Thomas," one of the survivors of the firebombed bus in Anniston in 1961. Thomas recapped his story of escaping the fire, and 12 year old Janie Forsyth defying the angry mob to share water with Mr. Thomas and other Freedom Riders.
In Anniston, visitors can retrace the journey of the Freedom Riders and the events of May 14, 1961.
At 1031 Gurnee Avenue, the location of the first attack, where the Greyhound Bus station was once located, there is a mural asking "Could You Get On The Bus?" with informational panels capturing the events of Mothers' Day 1961.
The Greyhound bus departed the downtown Anniston bus station, followed by an angry mob, until the damage to the bus prevented it from traveling further along the Old Birmingham Highway, parallel to what is now Hwy 202. There, firebombs ignited the Freedom Riders bus. A historic marker is now located at the site of the bus burning. Many people remember the image of the Greyhound bus burning, but many don't realize there was another bus. A Trailways bus of Freedom Riders entered Anniston about an hour later to another attack. "The Other Bus" mural is located at the corner of 9th and Noble, where the Trailways bus station once stood. There are also panels at this location detailing the events surrounding the Trailways bus.
Recently, the National Park Service took part in a Reconnaissance survey and roundtable discussions, considering these Freedom Rider sites for federal designation.
You can take part in preserving these historic sites for the future. For more information, as well as opportunities to donate or write letters of support, visit www.freedomriderspark.org. 

Perfect for Pickers

Calhoun County is a haven for outdoor enthusiasts and a haven for history buffs and "American Pickers" fans.
From antique shops to markets, Calhoun County has everything you could want, as well as things you like and didn't know you needed.

Anniston Galleries has general line of antiques from the 18th and 19th century.
906 Noble Street, Anniston, AL 36201 - (256) 236-3741

Auction Treasures has antiques, glassware, clothes, furniture, re-purposed & handcrafted furniture, tools, jewelry, housewares & home décor.
1005 Gurnee Ave, Anniston, Alabama 36201 - (256) 294-1764

Calhoun Pickers is a 36,000 square foot Antique Mall  and Indoor Market with more than 180 vendors selling a combination of Antiques, Crafts, Art, Jewelry, and Furniture.
801 Wilmer Ave, Anniston, AL 36201 - (256) 403-6865

Apple Barrel Antiques is a huge two story log building, housing any antique treasure you can imagine. They also buy gold and silver. 

1906 US Highway 78 E, Oxford, Alabama 36203 - (256) 835-1937

Birds of a Feather Vintage Antiques & Restorations is filled with wonderful, unique and vintage items,furniture, jewelry, gifts, architectural, and art.

502 Main St, Oxford, Alabama 36203 - (256) 403-2991

Cotton Antiques and Collectibles has a little bit of everything and something for everyone. Located in downtown historic Oxford, this building dates back to the late 1800s. 

518 Main St, Oxford, Alabama 36203 - (256) 835-6000

Timeless Treasures Antique Mall is a multi dealer mall, carrying a range of antique furniture, from French and European to early American, a large variety of glassware and more collectibles.
230 Davis Loop, Oxford, Alabama 36203 - (256) 832-0500

Crows Nest Antiques and More has antiques with an array of items to choose from. This Store is very unusual and has a lot to choose from !

2631 US Highway 431, Anniston, Alabama 36206 - (256) 343-8822

Olde South Antique Mall has everything from Antiques, collectibles, books, coins, currency, jewelry, advertising, furniture, knives, primitives, tools, military, records and vintage clothing.

405 Pelham Rd N, Jacksonville, Alabama 36265 - (256) 435-7670

Antique Corner has beautiful and eclectic items from yesterday and today. They have antique dishes, furniture, art, cooking utensils, holiday items...the list is endless.

101 N Center Ave, Piedmont, Alabama 36272 - (256) 283-4943

Valley Antiques & Collectibles has about two dozen dealers in 4,500 square feet of shopping space, with everything from vintage textiles and glassware to antique furniture and niche collectibles. 

6312 US Highway 431, Alexandria, Alabama 36250 - (256) 820-0025

Tail Feathers sells home decor pieces, local art and painted furniture. 

101 Clinton St SE, Jacksonville, Alabama 36265 - (256) 283-5075

Puttin' On the Ritz has jewelry, clothes, games, and more collectibles. 

2255 Pelham Road S, Jacksonville, AL 36265 - (256) 435-1999

Dishman Antiques is a 27,000 square foot mall of fine antiques and collectibles located between Anniston and Gadsden. 

10770 U.S. Hwy 431 N, Wellington, AL 36279 - (256) 892-2424