Catch a bird's eye view of Alabama when you drive the Talladega Scenic Drive. At its highest point, you will find yourself on Cheaha Mountain, 2,407 feet above sea level, the highest point in Alabama. You will be awe-struck by the view of the Appalachian Mountains, rock outcroppings, and small rural settlements nestled among the trees. Here, the air is crisp and clean, although during the summer months you may notice a bluish haze in the air. No need to worry - the haze is simply caused by the lush green trees releasing condensation into the warm air.
In addition to simply enjoying the scenic beauty of the Talladega National Forest, be sure to take advantage of its abundant recreational opportunities. You will find many developed areas where you can camp, picnic, fish, and hike. If you are up to an all-day adventure, spend some time in the Cheaha Wilderness or on the Pinhoti National Recreation Trail. The wilderness areas are open to hunting, fishing, and primitive camping. Peace and quiet will abound here, as motorized vehicles and bicycles are prohibited.
No trip is complete without a fine meal and a souvenir, so be sure to visit the restaurants and shops at the top of Cheaha Mountain in Cheaha State Park. And while you are at the top, keep a close eye out for wildlife such as the white-tailed deer, quail, turkey, rabbit, opossum, and even the bald eagle. A glimpse of one of these natural inhabitants could be one of the highlights of your trip on the Talladega Scenic Drive.
The Talladega Scenic Byway is a two-lane paved road with average speed limits of 35 mph. The Byway is designated primarily for automobile traffic. It provides six overlook areas with ample parking for automobiles. Although the Byway is open for travel year-round, an occasional winter storm may require the Byway to be closed for a day or two. However, if the Byway is closed, most other roads in the surrounding area are closed as well.
The two-lane paved road winds through hills and valleys that showcase their beauty most in the spring flower and fall-color seasons. The Drive itself is open year-round, however.
Open year-round. Visitation is steady from March to November, with peak visitation during the fall color season in October/November.
From those 'in the know':An absolute blast to do, 100+ curves. But be careful, pavement is not great and the road is barely wide enough for a single car in some places.
Information was obtained by permission from www.byways.org.
This is a motorcycle ride in the state of Alabama. This motorcycle route has 6 scenery characteristics and other road conditions to help you plan your road trip. This motorcycle map was created by OpenRoadRider in February. Click here to see other Motorcycle Roads by OpenRoadRider
mtnair03 says:
Mando and I (Bubba) rode the Talladega Scenic Highway today (03/17/17). We traveled from the north entrance off of route 78 to the southern end where you are diverted to a gravel road. At that point we made a u turn and repeated the excellent ride. Beautiful late Winter ride with most of the trees free of leaves and some of the flowering trees in bloom. There are many scenic overlooks worth a stop. Recommended.
Fri Mar 17, 2017 at 9:11 PM
cruzman says:
We, a group of 4 bikes road over from Atlanta. We came in on 281 heading south up to Cheaha state park. 281 still has quite a bit of gavel and has had some of the forest removed for the first few miles. However after about 4 miles the loose gravel is pretty much gone and it is really beautiful. We didn't exactly keep to the speed limit and had a blast. After the state park the road is quite a bit tighter and you don't carry as much speed but it is very challenging. We went on a beautiful day. It was in the 30s when we left Atlanta but it was in the 60s when we got to this part of our ride. Very little traffic and no cops. This is the best road I have every ridden with the exception of Cherohala skyway in North Carolina / Tennessee. I'll be back
Fri Jan 11, 2013 at 9:10 AM
felon says:
This is probably as good as it gets in Alabama, a variation to this is to take SR 49 south to Lineville. This is a really nice road, doesn't stay straight much and a lot of forest.
Fri Jan 11, 2013 at 9:10 AM
itsroger says:
THIS IS A GOOD RIDE,JUST RODE IT 10/25/2008 THE ROAD DOWN THE MNT.OUT OF PARK IS OKAY,THE ROAD THREW TALLDEGA NATIONAL FOREST HAS LOOSE GRAVLE ON IT TRY TO STAY CLOSE TO CENTER OF ROAD.NICE CRUVES.
Fri Jan 11, 2013 at 9:09 AM
rdfarr says:
The steep, winding, westward road down from Cheaha Park has been filled with loose gravel! I don't even want to take my cars that way now. A beautiful motorcycle ride destroyed.
Fri Jan 11, 2013 at 9:09 AM
ubername635 says:
Definitely a great route! If not the best route for motorcycles in Alabama. Great scenery, roads are entertaining. A must ride!
Fri Jan 11, 2013 at 9:09 AM