MUSE ON
Discover more than 2,000 exhibits at Anniston Museums and Gardens. Explore the Anniston Museum of Natural History, the Berman Museum and the Longleaf Botanical Gardens — each brimming with remarkable artifacts and fascinating wildlife.
WALK, RUN OR PEDAL
The Chief Ladiga Trail traces a former rail corridor, winding through forests, farms, wetlands and small towns. This paved, mostly gentle path welcomes riders, walkers, runners and skaters, with only modest elevation changes. Spanning more than 39 miles, it links Piedmont, Jacksonville, Weaver and Anniston to the Alabama–Georgia state line, where it connects directly with the Silver Comet Trail. Coldwater Mountain Bike Trail spans 4,000 acres on Coldwater Mountain in Anniston, offering beginner-friendly loops and a 10-mile Blue Loop for intermediate riders.
REV YOUR ENGINES
TOP Trails OHV Park hosts all-terrain bikes and quads charging across thousands of acres at the base of Alabama’s highest peak. Then tackle Choccolocco Mountain Off-Road Vehicle Park — 450 acres built for ATVs, side-by-sides, dirt bikes, 4x4s, rail buggies and rock crawlers to climb, crawl and conquer.
FROM A BIRD’S EYE VIEW
The Appalachian Highlands Birding Trail, the Piedmont Plateau Birding Trail and other neighboring counties offer premium viewing of fine feathered friends.
ANNISTON CIVIL RIGHTS TRAIL
The Anniston Civil Rights Trail honors the pivotal events, places and people that shaped Anniston during the American Civil Rights Movement (1954–1968). As you follow the trail, you’ll encounter stories of courage and conflict, cooperation and resistance. This journey offers an introduction to the cultural shifts that helped define the Anniston of today.
CLIMB EVERY MOUNTAIN
And start with Mt. Cheaha. Rise above the clouds at Alabama’s highest point. Established in 1933, Cheaha State Park crowns the southern end of the Appalachian chain and is celebrated as one of the country’s most unique parks. Explore 2,799 mountain-top acres of granite boulders and time-twisted trees of Talladega National Forest and Cheaha’s wilderness.
ENJOY OUTDOORS
Also visit Mountain Longleaf National Wildlife Refuge, offering 6,000 acres of mountain longleaf pine forest and the Bains Gap Waterfall.
HIT THE WATER
With 11,000 acres Neely Henry Lake in Ohatchee is a sought-after skiing, boating and fishing paradise. Touching Calhoun, Talladega and St. Clair counties, the 17,000-acre Logan Martin Lake offers boating and fishing at its finest. Don’t miss Terrapin Creek, Selwood Farm and the Talladega Creekside resort.
ICONIC CROSSINGS
Oxford Lake is home to one of Alabama’s oldest covered bridges — relocated from Coldwater Creek to its lakeside setting. The park also offers ample sports and play areas. Another overpass of distinction is the Kymulga Mill & Covered Bridge near Childersburg.
A LARK IN THE PARK
Sports including soccer, softball, baseball, track and other events are ready to kick, hit and run at Oxford’s Choccolocco Park. The facility also offers water and natural resources, picnic pavilions, walking and biking trails, and a playground.
THE GOOD EARTH AND DEEPER
First recorded in 1796, Majestic Caverns in Childersburg is a full day experience. Start with over 20 attractions available on the earth’s surface. Then journey below in a guided tour of caves, caverns and a light and water show.
READY, AIM, FUN
CMP Talladega Marksmanship Park is a 500-acre site offering sport shooters opportunities to practice and participate in competitive events.
THE GOOD LIFE
Pursell Farms is available for golf, weddings, horseback riding, yoga, meetings and pampering on 3,500 acres. The site also offers lavish accommodations and chef-crafted cuisine.
PAUSE AND REMEMBER
More than a collection of artifacts, Talladega’s Hall of Heroes Museum is devoted to creating a living, interactive learning experience through special events and exhibitions. The museum is dedicated to honoring military veterans and first responders. History and patriotism are on constant display in the museum.
HOUSES OF HISTORY
Jemison Carnegie Heritage Hall Museum offers history and art. In the heart of Talladega’s historic Silk Stocking District, the museum has been open to the public since 1979.
START YOUR ENGINES
Talladega is synonymous with speed auto racing, with a worldwide following. The Talladega Superspeedway, Talladega Short Track and the International Motorsports Hall of Fame have thrilled race enthusiasts for decades.
TALLADEGA’S HISTORIC DISTRICTS
Talladega’s Historic Silk Stocking District spans 113 acres and showcases Queen Anne, Classical Revival, Colonial Revival and other late Victorian styles. Nearby, the Talladega Courthouse Square Historic District — anchored by the 1836 courthouse — features the original Henderson Drug Store, the Isbell Bank, the first city hall, the Kenwin Building, the post office and the Ritz Theatre.
BOUNTIFUL ARTS
Jacksonville State University stages plays, concerts and art shows alongside a busy sports schedule. Talladega College enriches the community with workshops and lectures by standout voices in the arts, sciences, politics and business — and features the Dr. William R. Harvey Museum of Art and its renowned Amistad murals. See top-tier performances at the 1,130-seat Oxford Performing Arts Center, then step back in time at Talladega’s Historic Ritz Theatre, a 1930s Art Deco gem revitalized in 1998 and now a flagship venue for the region.
IN THE SWING OF THINGS
Stellar quality golfing awaits at venues including the Robert Trent Jones Golf Trail Silver Lakes course (Gadsden and Anniston), Alpine Bay Golf (Alpine), Anniston Municipal Golf Course, Cane Creek Golf Course (McClellan), Cider Ridge Golf Course, Indian Oaks Golf Club and Pine Hill Country Club.
WHEN THE VINE IS KIND
White Oak Vineyards of Anniston grows fruits of distinction for its trademarked Southern Oak Wines.
This article appears in the July 2026 issue of Business Alabama.
