East Alabama Attractions

Talladega Scenic Byway

The Talledega Scenic Byway (AL-281) is a beautiful mountain drive, particularly in spring when the dogwoods and azaleas are in bloom, or in the fall during the changing of the colors. The scenic byway begins at US-78 in Cleburne (near Heflin) and extends 23 miles into the Talladega National Forest and Cheaha State Park, climbing to an elevation of 2,407 feet as it crosses Cheaha Mountain, the highest point in the state. The route for the LOG 24 mountain drive includes the scenic byway; however, you may wish to drive it beforehand at a more relaxing pace that allows time to enjoy the scenery.

Web Site: Talladega Scenic Byway

Cheaha State Park

Located atop Cheaha Mountain, the highest point in the state, this retreat offers breathtaking scenery year round. The park features two lodges, chalets, cabins, and a campground. An observation tower is located at the summit. Hiking trails and picnic areas can be found throughout the park, and a lake area offers fishing, swimming, and pedal boating. The Alabama Mountain Drive will pass by the park entrance as we traverse the Talladega Scenic Byway, selected by Road & Track as one of the top 10 best roads in the Southeast.

Directions: From Atlanta, take I-20 West to exit #191 and turn left onto US-431. Go 3.7 miles and turn right on Skyway Motorway (AL-281). Go 13 miles and turn right on Bunker Loop, arriving the East entrance to the park.
Address: 2141 Bunker Loop, Delta, Alabama 36258
Web Site: Cheaha State Park
Phone: 256.488.5111 (park office), 800.846.2654 (lodge)

Talladega Superspeedway

For 35 years, this 2.6 mile tri-oval has been the location of the fastest speeds in NASCAR history. Talladega Superspeedway can accommodate more than 143,000 seated guests and thousands more in the 212-acre infield. The track offers van tours to visitors daily during working hours except during race weeks.

Directions: From Atlanta, take I-20 West to exit #173 (Eastaboga). Turn left onto John Willis Avenue (AL-8). Go 0.3 miles and turn right on Speedway Boulevard. From Birmingham, take I-20 East to exit #168 (Lincoln). Turn right onto AL-77. Go 0.9 miles and turn left on Speedway Boulevard.
Web Site: Talladega Superspeedway
Phone: 877-462-3342

International Motorsport Hall of Fame and Museum

The International Motorsports Hall of Fame & Museum was founded to preserve the history of motorsports and to honor the people who have been responsible for its growth. Located to the Talladega Superspeedway, the museum has an extensive collects of racing vehicles valued at more than $15 million. The collection is somewhat slanted toward NASCAR; however, there are many interesting vehicles such a the Budweiser rocket car which broke the sound barrier, the world's fastest boat, and Richard Petty's famous STP Charger which had an astounding career record of 31 wins and 16 pole positions. The hall of fame includes Colin Chapman and many famous Lotus drivers such as Jim Clark and Ayrton Senna. The hall and museum are open daily from 8:30 AM to 5:00 PM and extended hours during race weekends. Adult admission is $8.

Directions: Follow the directions to Talladega Superspeedway.
Web Site: International Motorsport Hall of Fame
Phone: 256.362.5002

East Alabama Restaurants

The Shack

Located near Lake Logan-Martin, The Shack serves hickory smoked pork barbeque and ribs. This place is hard to find but worth the trip.

Directions: From Atlanta, take I-20 West to exit #168 (Lincoln) and turn left onto AL-77 South. Go 2.6 miles and turn right on Old Lincoln Highway. Go 2.7 miles and turn right on Howell Cove Road. Go 0.5 miles and bear right on Stemley Bridge Road. Go 4.0 miles. The restaurant is about 0.2 miles after crossing Stemley Road. From Birmingham, take I-20 East to exit #158 and turn right on US-231. Go South 3.3 miles and bear left on Mays Drive (AL-34). Go 0.7 miles and turn left on Cropwell Drive. Go 0,3 miles and bear right on Stemley Bridge Road. Go 4.7 miles to the restaurant.
Address: 7744 Stemley Bridge Road, Talladega, AL 35160
Phone: 256.268.2005

East Alabama Golf

Silver Lakes

Silver Lakes, located 23 miles North of the I-20 exit #185, is part of the Robert Trent Jones Golf Trail. The course features 27 championship holes and a 9-hole short course. See "Alabama: A Golfer's Paradise" for more information about the golf trail.

Directions: From Atlanta, take I-20 to exit #185 (Oxford) and turn right onto Quintard Avenue (AL-21). Go North 5.4 miles and turn left on US-431. Go 16.8 miles and turn left on Oak Grove Road. Go 0.7 miles and turn left on Silver Lake Boulevard.
Address: 1 SunBelt Parkway, Glencoe, AL 35905
Web Site: Robert Trent Jones Golf Trail
Phone: 256.892.3268

Silver Lakes is just one of many golf courses in East Alabama. For a listing of golf courses by city or county, see Golfable.com or click on one of the following counties along the I-20 East corridor: Calhoun, Cherokee, Etowah, St. Clair, and Talladega.