Calhoun County: Nature, Civil Rights History and Culture

Calhoun County combines a mountainous forest landscape with significant sites in civil rights history and a year-round cultural program. There are also several ways to get around: the county lies along I-20 in the foothills of the Appalachians. For arrival and onward travel, options include Amtrak train service, major highways, a Greyhound bus station, Anniston Regional Airport and various cycling routes. Transportation options and schedules may change; check current connections when planning your trip.

Forest Landscapes and Trails

Coldwater Mountain lies northwest of I-20 in Calhoun County, near Anniston and Oxford. This mountainous area is characterized by pine and hardwood forests. Possible activities include cycling on the trails, hiking through the forests and wildlife watching. Cyclists have a total of 35 miles of trails for different skill levels, from beginner to expert, including two miles of gravity trails. The range of options therefore extends from trails for beginners to challenging routes, though not all trails have the same level of difficulty.

When choosing a bike ride, it is also helpful to distinguish between the entire trail network and the gravity trails: the latter account for two of the total 35 miles. If you prefer to explore the landscape on foot, consider hiking through the forests or focusing on wildlife watching. The Chief Ladiga Trail offers a different experience: it follows a former railroad corridor through forests, agricultural areas, wetlands and small towns. This means a mountainous forest area and a former railroad corridor with varied landscapes offer two distinct ways to experience nature.

Civil Rights History in Anniston

The Greyhound Bus Burning Site commemorates the attack on the Freedom Riders and the burning of a Greyhound bus. Limited parking is available at the site on basic gravel surfaces on the park side of the road. Check conditions at the site before your visit. For a broader view across time and themes, the Anniston Civil Rights Trail commemorates key events, significant places and people of the civil rights movement in Anniston from 1954 to 1968. While the Burning Site focuses on one specific event, the trail spans a longer period and covers several aspects of the movement.

Historic Sites and Culture

The history of the Choccolocco Creek Archaeological Complex also reaches far back: before the 1830s, the site was a ceremonial center of the Abihkas, one of the oldest tribal towns within the present-day Muscogee (Creek) Nation. Janney Furnace has a different historical context. Alfred A. Janney built the facility in 1863 and 1864 to produce pig iron for the Confederate States of America during the Civil War. The ceremonial site dating to before the 1830s and a facility built in 1863 and 1864 thus represent different historical chapters.

In Oxford, Choccolocco Park brings together a variety of recreational amenities across more than 370 acres: these include a combined 2.7-mile trail, a Boundless Playground and a 30-acre lake. These dimensions differ considerably from Coldwater Mountain, which has 35 miles of designated biking trails. The Oxford Performing Arts Center presents live music, theater, comedy and family shows year-round. The main theater has 1,200 seats and the studio theater has 200; there are also two art galleries. The Martin–Lett Gallery at the Oxford Performing Arts Center features rotating exhibitions throughout the year. If you are planning to attend a particular performance, check the current schedule.

Dining in Anniston

Coldwater Mountain Brewpub in Anniston serves craft beer and elevated comfort food. Restaurant offerings can change, so check the current menu if you plan to dine there.

Discover More Destinations

Oxford, Anniston, Jacksonville, Baldwin, Jackson, Clarke County, Marengo County and Lee.

For the overarching travel guide: Alabama.