Chinnabee Silent Trail - June Hike

Hike: Chinnabee Silent Trail, Cheaha Wilderness, Talladega National Forest, Mon. 6/9/2008 10:15-15:30
Distance: 7.4 miles
Rating: 5/5
Difficulty: Moderate to Difficult
Conditions: Hot, humid (normal for the South). Mostly sunny. Very light breeze to still.
Thoughts/Observations:

Hiked with Glenn. Traveled 94 miles from Prattville to trailhead on AL281. Got on trail at 10:15. Hiked to Lake Chinnabee, where we snacked and rested up. Retraced our steps, arriving back at trailhead about 15:30.

We got tired and hot by the return side of the hike but Cheaha Falls was quite refreshing! Not quite as cold as Blue Springs, but it will rapidly cool you off. It was very much appreciated on this hot afternoon. The falls refreshed our spirits and bodies. It was certainly a GOD send.

Scenery was spectacular - what else would you expect from Alabama's highest point. There were many wildflowers still in bloom (this was a surprise to me) and the Oakleaf hydrangea was showing off everywhere. A couple of great vistas greeted us on this hike. Most pleasing and enjoyable of the scenery was probably at Cheaha Falls and Cheaha Creek. The area around Devil's Den reminded me of scenery one would expect to see in an Indiana Jones movie - complete with wooden bridge. "Hike Alabma" describes the Chinnabee Silent Trail as one of the most beautiful hikes in the state - I believe him.

Many lizards and butterflies observed. Lots of birds (as expected). Saw no mammals (unless you count the few humans at Cheaha Falls and Lake Chinnabee).

I ran out of water with 1.2 miles to go in the hike - reminder to self to take minimum of 2L of water on summer hikes!

Thank YOU, LORD, for this great time and place. Focus my spirit and mind on YOU every day!