County: Calhoun

RTJ GOLF TRAIL AT SILVER LAKES

Located in Northeast Alabama, between Anniston and Gadsden, Silver Lakes is set on rolling terrain with stunning views of the surrounding Appalachian foothills.

Following the April 2011 devastating EF-4 Tornado, which ravaged the golf course and the surrounding communities, Silver Lakes received extensive renovations and has taken on a new look. Silver Lakes re-opened in September 2011 with spectacular views of the Appalachian Foothills, Lee’s Lake and the original Trail clubhouse. Silver Lakes also boasts 36 holes of newly renovated Champion ultra dwarf putting surfaces, arguably the best on the Trail.

1 SunBelt Parkway
Glencoe, AL 35905
256-892-3268

Alabama Pinhoti Trail

The Alabama Pinhoti Trail, a national recreation trail, is the pride of Alabama hikers. This 100+ mile long path is the backbone of a trail system second to none in the state as it meanders through rolling hillsides, up rocky crags, past mountain streams and waterfalls, and the panoramic vistas atop the mountains of the Talladega National Forest. The name “Pinhoti” is a Native American word meaning “turkey home,” and there is the chance that you will stir up some wild turkeys along the trail. In 1999 the trail was designated one of only 50 “National Millennium Trails” in the country.

The path is blazed with either white markers embossed with the trail’s “turkey foot” moniker or painted blue blazes, and are very easy to follow. This is due to the tireless efforts of several state clubs and organizations who have taken the “adopt-a-trail” approach to maintaining the trail for all of us to enjoy. (Refer to the “Additional Information” section for a list of these groups.)

The Pinhoti is currently being extended beyond the boundaries of the Talladega National Forest to the Georgia state line where it will connect to the Georgia Pinhoti Trail. The Alabama Trails Association is the group spearheading this effort. While the map we have included here does not show the extension, you can find out about this route, follow the progress of trail development, and obtain trail reports at www.alabamatrailsasso.org.

The trail is intersected by a multitude of other footpaths in the forest, so if you are not inclined to hike 100 miles and would rather do a weekend overnighter or perhaps a quick day hike loop, it can easily be arranged. But PLEASE, safety first! This is a wilderness area! Contact the groups and agencies listed below for suggested routes and trail conditions, and plan your trip well in advance.

The Alabama Pinhoti Trail is one of many long paths being connected together to create the Eastern Continental Trail that stretches from Florida to Canada. (Please see the “Eastern Continental Trail” section for more information on this hike.)

Total Miles: 100+ miles

Secondary Trail Use: Mountain Biking

Hours of Operation: Always open

Trail Connections: Appalachian Trail

Freedom Riders Civil Rights Heritage Trail

In 1961, a small interracial band of “Freedom Riders” challenged discriminatory laws requiring separation of the races in interstate travel. They were attacked by white segregationists, who firebombed the bus. Images of the attack appeared in hundreds of newspapers, shocking the American public and spurring the Federal Government to issue regulations banning segregation in interstate travel.

Take a walking tour of the Freedom Riders Civil Rights Heritage Trail, taking in the historic murals, and find out the major role Calhoun County, Alabama played during the Civil Rights movement. Murals in the alleyways of the old Greyhound and Trailways Bus stations depict scenes from when the Freedom Riders were attacked here on May 11, 1961. Freedom Riders Park under development. Alleyway of Greyhound Bus Station: Site of first attack. Near 1031 Gurnee Ave.; Alleyway of Trailways Bus Station: Site of second attack. Near 1018 Noble St.

1031 Gurnee Ave. & 1018 Noble St.
Anniston, AL 36201

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, AL 36202

Coldwater Mountain Bike Trail

With 4,083 acres located between the cities of Oxford and Anniston, Alabama’s Forever Wild Land Trust protects Coldwater Mountain. Alabama State Lands, part of the Alabama Department of Conservation and Natural Resources, manages the park. There are many hiking and wildlife watching opportunities available here, but Coldwater Mountain has also become arguably the best mountain biking destination in Alabama.

Through a partnership between Alabama State Lands, the International Mountain Biking Association (IMBA), the City of Anniston, and several local businesses, over 25 miles of novice to expert mountain biking trails exist currently on Coldwater Mountain. A total of 75 miles should be completed by 2017.

Coldwater Mountain offers everything a rider could wish for. Explore red-dirt trails in a backcountry setting, shuttle the gravity runs and style out the optional technical lines, or enjoy scenic, entry-level trails that will stoke a novice rider’s fire. This is the place to visit for biking in Alabama!