Talladega National Forest

Follow the Cave Creek Trail until you reach the Pinhoti connector, and hang a right to take the Pinhoti Trail northbound. Look for a sign that points to McDill overlook, and follow a side trail for the last quarter mile. Along this side trail you’ll pass the wreckage of a small plane that supposedly crashed back in 1972. Look for blue and white pieces of the plane off the trail to your right. Keep going and you’ll eventually come to a campsite that would comfortably fit 3 or 4 tents, only about 100 yards shy of the overlook. Camping in this area is a great option because you’re close to the cliffs, but protected from the wind. There are also a few spots right at the cliffs that are big enough for a small tent or hammocks and have better views, but are a bit breezier. The boulder cliffs are an awesome place to hang out at sunset or for stargazing, just remember to keep a headlamp on you! 

Pinhoti Trail Backcountry Campground

Pinhoti - Cave Creek Connector Backcountry Campground

Seek adventure and solitude on the highest point in Alabama at Cheaha State Park.

At 2,407 feet above sea level, Cheaha State Park, located on top of Cheaha Mountain, offers breathtaking views and adventurous recreational activities and is great for camping near Birmingham. This 2,799-acre mountaintop retreat is known for spectacular sunsets and beautiful waterfalls. The park offers overnight guests and day visitors an array of activities as well as opportunities for rest.  Facilities include a restaurant, hotel, cabins, chalets, camping with options that range from improved to primitive, and pavilions.   

In addition to lodge rooms, cabins, and A-frame chalets, we offer improved camping in the park, semi-primitive camping near the highest point, and primitive camping near Cheaha Lake.  There is also primitive camping along mountainside trails, offering campers numerous options for getting close to nature. Groups may want to consider reserving Cheaha's historic CCC Bald Rock Lodge, which has 12 bedrooms/baths with a beautiful grand hall, for retreats, family reunions, meetings and more!

Cheaha State Park

Pinhoti Campground after passing McDill Point 

Start hiking at Cheaha Trailhead, located at the far end of a parking area just before you get to Cheaha State Park on Highway 281. Follow the Cave Creek Trail until you reach the Pinhoti connector, and hang a right to take the Pinhoti Trail northbound. Look for a sign that points to McDill overlook, and follow a side trail for the last quarter mile. Along this side trail you’ll pass the wreckage of a small plane that supposedly crashed back in 1972. Look for blue and white pieces of the plane off the trail to your right. Keep going and you’ll eventually come to a campsite that would comfortably fit 3 or 4 tents, only about 100 yards shy of the overlook. Camping in this area is a great option because you’re close to the cliffs, but protected from the wind. There are also a few spots right at the cliffs that are big enough for a small tent or hammocks and have better views, but are a bit breezier. The boulder cliffs are an awesome place to hang out at sunset or for stargazing, just remember to keep a headlamp on you! The next day, backtrack the quarter mile and continue on the Pinhoti back towards Cheaha State Park. Several rocky outcroppings provide some good views along the way.

McDill Point Backcountry Campground

https://www.theoutbound.com/alabama/backpacking/backpack-to-mcdill-point

McDill Point Intersection

Pinhoti Campground North of Talladega Scenic Drive 1 

Cave Creek Trail Backcountry Campground

Pinhoti Campground North of Talladega Scenic Drive 2 

Group Campground near Blue Mountain Shelter

Blue Mountain Shelter

USDA Forest Service

Pinhoti trail is breath taking! The trail has numerous look out points. Every view is breathtaking. We camped out here and the lands are very well maintained! We camped along the trail so it was very secluded. I think up another half mile was a camp site but we didn’t venture there. Only down fall is there is a bar/restaurant a few miles away and the music was pretty loud all night so it echoed in the mountains. But I would certainly come back again! 

Camping

beautiful

Like many sites along this section of the Pinhoti it is right off the patch and provides a large space to set up your tent with a nice campfire ring in the center. Although my favorite site in this area is definitely McDill Point this is not a bad option if you cant make the trek all the way there or if that site is already full. One of the major things to be aware of though is that this site has no water access any time of year (unless it is actively raining) so make sure to carry in any water you will need. If you are doing the full cave creek loop there is plenty of spots to pump fresh water on the second half of the loop but you will need to make it there with what you hike in with. If this site is taken you can always head a little further along and find other sites since there are many options in the area. Also, you will definitely need to check out the views as you get closer to McDill point since it opens up and is spectacular.

Pinhoti Trail Backcountry Campground

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