Heflin AlabamaATTRACTIONS & THINGS TO DO
Listed below are the best attractions and things to do near Heflin, Alabama.
1. Bennett Farms
FAMILY FUN AGRICULTURAL EXPERIENCE
Bennett Farms is a family-run agricultural attraction offering seasonal activities including pumpkin patches, corn mazes, and farm tours. Visitors can enjoy hayrides, farm animals, and special events throughout the year. The farm provides a beautiful natural setting that showcases rural Alabama life and creates memorable experiences for people of all ages.
2. High Country Cellars
LOCAL WINE TASTING DESTINATION
High Country Cellars offers visitors a chance to sample locally produced wines in a charming countryside setting. The winery features regular tastings, special events, and a relaxing atmosphere for enjoying Alabama-made vintages. Guests can learn about the winemaking process while taking in views of the surrounding scenic landscape.
3. Cleburne Welcome Center
GATEWAY TO LOCAL ATTRACTIONS
The Cleburne Welcome Center serves as an informational hub for travelers exploring Heflin and the surrounding Cleburne County. Friendly staff provide maps, brochures, and personalized recommendations for local attractions, dining, and accommodations. The center showcases the natural beauty and cultural heritage of this region positioned between Atlanta and Birmingham.
4. Lake Heflin
PEACEFUL OUTDOOR RECREATION SPOT
Lake Heflin offers visitors a tranquil setting for fishing, picnicking, and enjoying the natural beauty of eastern Alabama. The lake's calm waters are popular for anglers seeking bass, bream, and other freshwater species. Walking paths around the shoreline provide opportunities for wildlife viewing and peaceful contemplation away from busy city life.
5. Cahulga Creek Park
NATURAL PLAYGROUND AND RECREATION
Cahulga Creek Park provides a beautiful natural setting for outdoor recreation in the heart of Heflin. The park features walking trails, picnic areas, and access to the creek for fishing or wading during warmer months. Families particularly enjoy the playground equipment and open green spaces for games and gatherings.
6. Shoal Creek Ranger District
TALLADEGA FOREST GATEWAY
The Shoal Creek Ranger District office serves as the primary information center for exploring the eastern portion of Talladega National Forest. Rangers provide visitors with maps, permits, and safety information for hiking, hunting, and camping in this vast wilderness area. The district encompasses thousands of acres of protected forest land with diverse recreational opportunities including sections of the Pinhoti Trail.
7. Historic Cleburne County Courthouse
CENTURY-OLD ARCHITECTURAL LANDMARK
The Historic Cleburne County Courthouse has stood as Heflin's centerpiece for over a century since the town became the county seat in 1906. Its stately architecture reflects the importance of this governmental center to the surrounding communities. Visitors can appreciate both the historical significance and architectural details of this enduring landmark.
8. Marie's BBQ
LOCAL BARBECUE TRADITION
Marie's BBQ offers authentic Alabama-style barbecue prepared with traditional smoking techniques and family recipes. This local favorite serves up tender pulled pork, ribs, and other Southern classics alongside homemade sides and desserts. The casual, welcoming atmosphere attracts both locals and travelers seeking a genuine taste of regional cuisine.
9. Pinhoti Trail
ALABAMA'S PREMIER HIKING PATH
The Pinhoti Trail, Alabama's longest hiking path, passes through the Heflin area offering spectacular wilderness experiences for outdoor enthusiasts. This long-distance trail traverses the southernmost Appalachian Mountains with sections ranging from easy day hikes to challenging backpacking routes. Hikers can experience diverse ecosystems, panoramic vistas, and connections to the larger Appalachian Trail system.
10. Cheaha State Park
ALABAMA'S HIGHEST PEAK
Cheaha State Park, located near Heflin, features Alabama's highest point at 2,407 feet above sea level with breathtaking panoramic views. The park offers outdoor activities including hiking, camping, swimming, and fishing across its 2,799 acres of natural beauty. Historic CCC-built structures, comfortable lodging options, and a restaurant make this an ideal destination for travelers seeking both adventure and relaxation.
11. Coleman Lake Recreation Area
PRISTINE FOREST RETREAT
Coleman Lake Recreation Area, situated in the Talladega National Forest near Heflin, centers around a 21-acre lake perfect for fishing and wildlife viewing. The site features well-maintained campsites, picnic areas, and access to several hiking trails including connections to the Pinhoti Trail network. Visitors appreciate the quiet, natural setting and opportunities to observe diverse plant and animal species in their native habitat.
12. Bains Gap
CHALLENGING MOUNTAIN BIKING TRAIL
Bains Gap near Heflin is renowned among mountain bikers for its technical challenges and rewarding terrain. The trail system features significant elevation changes, rocky sections, and fast descents that test riders' skills and endurance. Spectacular views of surrounding mountains and forests make the physical effort worthwhile for outdoor enthusiasts.
13. Mountain Longleaf National Wildlife Refuge
RARE ECOSYSTEM PRESERVE
Mountain Longleaf National Wildlife Refuge preserves one of the last remaining mountain longleaf pine ecosystems in the southeastern United States. The refuge encompasses 7,759 acres of diverse habitats supporting numerous plant and animal species, including the endangered red-cockaded woodpecker. Visitors can explore hiking trails, observe wildlife, and learn about the area's natural and cultural history.
14. Chief Ladiga Trail
SCENIC RAIL-TO-TRAIL PATH
The Chief Ladiga Trail is a paved rail-trail offering 33 miles of scenic cycling, walking, and running opportunities near Heflin. This family-friendly path winds through wetlands, forests, and farmland with minimal grade changes making it accessible for users of all abilities. The trail connects to Georgia's Silver Comet Trail, creating a continuous 100-mile route from central Alabama to the Atlanta suburbs.
15. Noccalula Falls Park
MAJESTIC WATERFALL EXPERIENCE
Noccalula Falls Park features a stunning 90-foot waterfall cascading over dramatic rock formations within a 250-acre natural preserve. The park offers numerous attractions including botanical gardens, a pioneer village, campground facilities, and miles of hiking trails along Black Creek. Visitors can learn about the romantic Native American legend that gives the falls its name while exploring this scenic natural wonder.