With Waterfalls, Overlooks, And Swimming Holes, You'll Love The Pin-Chin-Sky Loop Hike In Alabama
By Lisa Battles|Published October 27, 2023
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Lisa Battles
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Lisa has traveled the U.S. for over a decade, seeking out and sharing the stories of its most interesting places, people, and experiences. A journalism graduate of Auburn University, she has been a content strategist, editor, and writer for more than 25 years. Lisa has worked in community news, PR, and marketing with a focus on tourism, hospitality, and economic development. Besides following her curiosity around every corner, she's a devoted dog mom of two and advocate for animal welfare.
The best hike near Talladega, Alabama – and all of the state – lies along the western reaches of the Cheaha Wilderness in the middle of the Talladega National Forest. The 19-mile Pin-Chin-Sky Loop comprises segments of three trails – the Pinhoti Trail, the Chinnabee Silent Trail, and the Skyway Loop. Ah, now the name makes sense. The reasonable distance and variety of trail features earn my top vote for a fun weekend of hiking and camping. Although it’s rated as challenging, it rewards the effort with waterfalls, overlooks, and swimming holes offering sweet relief from the summer heat.
The loop begins at Adams Gap Pinhoti Trailhead, located at the southernmost point of the Talladega Scenic Highway. This area is where the highway converges with State Route 281 Adams Gap Road and County Road 600-2.
The Pinhoti section offers some gorgeous views, and it makes you work for them. Taking the loop counterclockwise, at about 3.75 miles in, you’ll ascend the rocky "Stairway to Heaven" to the "Pearly Gates." You'll finally reach an overlook described as “Heaven,” all within about a quarter mile.
Expect a couple of mountain spring crossings before the 6-mile mark, where you’ll turn left onto the Chinnabee Silent Trail segment. This intersection is also the location of the often-busy Little Caney Head campsite.
The trail has ample shelters and campsites along the way, including the Turnipseed Campground 8 miles up the trail. If you’re looking for a spot to set up your site for the night, that may be a good option for a nearly-halfway point.
If you prefer to push a bit further, in about one mile you’ll find a large campsite near Cheaha Falls. You’ll cross a creek and then see the falls on your left. Within .2 miles, you’ll see the Cheaha Shelter.
As promised, this trail has not one but two waterfalls. About two miles from Cheaha Falls, you reach the second, Devil’s Den Falls. Both spots are popular swimming holes in the summer.
Just past Devil’s Den is where you'll take the Skyway Loop Trail, and almost immediately cross another creek. In spring, you’ll notice pretty pops of mountain laurel pink are an added bonus to the abundant water along some parts of this trail.
For the last leg of your journey, follow the Skyway Loop south-to-southeast about 7 miles to return to the Adams Gap Trailhead. Note that this trail is pup-friendly, and dogs can be off-leash in some areas.
Tell us about your favorite hikes in Alabama, and definitely any tips you may have for this particular trail. Check out AllTrials to learn more about the Pin-Chin-Sky Loop, including a trail map and hiker reviews.
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