Central Alabama's Talladega National Forest covers 375,000 acres (1,520 km²) at the southern edge of the Appalachians.

Before it was bought by the federal government in the 1930s, the area that comprises the Talladega was extensively logged and represented some of the most abused, eroded wastelands in all of Alabama. Pine forest regrowth now hosts a diverse eco-system.

The tiny 7,400 acre (30 km²) Cheaha Wilderness preserves a portion of this natural wealth near Rebecca Mountain.

The Talladega National Forest is physically separated into two areas, and divided into three Ranger Districts:

• Oakmulgee District lies in the central part of the state, east of Tuscaloosa in Hale, Tuscaloosa, Bibb, Perry, Chilton and Dallas Counties. It consists of level to moderately sloping, broad ridges with stream terraces and broad floodplains.

• The Shoal Creek and Talladega Districts are located in the northeastern part of the state in Cherokee, Calhoun, Cleburne, Talladega and Clay Counties. It is comprised of upland hills and low mountains with predominantly moderately steep slopes.

External links

• Forest Service website on Talladega National Forest

Landmarks in Alabama | Geography of Alabama | National Forests of Alabama