Central Region - Hiking Alabama: A Guide to the State's Greatest Hiking Adventures - page 310

The boardwalk is perfect for families with small children and persons with dis-
abilities. It runs down the center of the ridge and is elevated, approximately 4 feet
off the ground. It's quite wide, at least 6 feet, with 4-foot-high handrails, and it
leads directly to the rock. This makes the trip easily accessible for those in wheel-
chairs, and the railings have cables so that small children are kept in check.
The trail begins at the north end of the parking lot, next to the Cheaha Lodge, a
fine example of CCC craftsmanship. A half mile into the trip, you arrive at Bald
Rock with an amazing panoramic view of the surrounding mountains and valley.
The trail opens at 7:00 a.m. and closes at sunset. There is a park day-use fee.
(See the Pulpit Rock Trail, Hike 27 , for park directions and additional informa-
tion.) DeLorme: Alabama Atlas & Gazetteer: Page 32 E5.
J Deadening Trail
Not long ago a small group of hikers gathered together, solicited the help of local
officials and the blessing of Alabama Power, and built a series of fantastic day
hikes along the banks of beautiful Lake Martin. One of those, the 3.6-mile Dead-
ening Trail, is a very strenuous trek but well worth the effort as you clamber
through such rock features as Jasmine Bluff and Needles Eye, all with a backdrop
of beautiful mountain laurel and rhododendron.
The Cherokee Ridge Alpine Trail Association, the group credited with building
the trail, warns that children under 12 should not attempt this hike and young
teens should be closely supervised. Sections of the trail are very narrow, with dan-
gerous drops off the cliff.
Visit www.cherokeeridgealpinetrail.org for more information. DeLorme:
Alabama Atlas & Gazetteer: Page 39 H6.