Talladega National Forest 600-2

4.8/5 (16 reviews)
Waldo, Alabama (Talladega County)
Last Updated: 01/28/2023

Trail Information

Highlights

Talladega National Forest 600-2 is a great day trip with a lot to offer. It has a mix of terrain appealing to both novice and experienced drivers. The southern half of the trail is rocky and muddy with several large washouts. Most vehicles with decent ground clearance should have no issues, 4WD is recommended anytime the trail is wet. The trail follows the peak of a ridge along the southern end of the Blue Ridge mountain chain. The trail offers excellent views of both the valleys to the south and the mountains to the west and north. It is an excellent trail to view the Fall colors but is enjoyable at any time of the year. The area is remote and cell service is limited, come prepared and always check the weather as it has a major effect on the trail conditions. Tread lightly and enjoy this excellent trail through the beautiful Talladega National Forest!

Trail Difficulty and Assessment

Trail Navigation

Trail Reviews

4.8/5 (16)
Official Crew
39650
Partially Open
Rated 5/5
Visited: 01/28/2023
Difficulty Accuracy: Harder

There is a private property land dispute leading up to the trailhead; However, the trail is open as an out and back from the top side. Take Highway 281 from Cheaha State Park a few mile south. Where the pavement ends is the open end of the trail. The trail was in great shape and is showing some wear and tear from heavy rain and erosion. All of the water holes are passable with a hard bottom. The rutted area takes a little bit of proper tire placement to avoid falling into the deep erosion ruts. This trail rating is a solid 3. The white colored Rubicon in our group is stock and had no issues with a little spotting.
Temporary Closure
Visited: 11/17/2022
Difficulty Accuracy: Harder

South End of 600-2 has been gated by a private landowner. County Commissioners looking into the legality of the gate. The dispute is weather this is a public county road, a national forest road, or an easement across private land. As of now you can enter the northern end of 600-2, travel approximately 90% of the trail, and then turn around and exit out the north end,
Open
Rated 5/5
Visited: 07/04/2022
Difficulty Accuracy: Harder

Yes, the erosion in the washout section, right after the big puddles, really ups this trail difficulty. Went in a stock 4Runner TRD OR with all terrains. In the rutted wash out section, I had to use the rear diff locker twice due to rocking opposite tires off the ground. The other vehicle with me relied on A-Trac. It would be difficult to traverse this section without some form of traction control. There were some steep ruts that require climbing as well. Skid plates scraped several times. Still, quite a memorable trail and lots of fun, if you have enough clearance.
400
Open
Rated 4/5
Visited: 04/29/2022
Difficulty Accuracy: Harder

Beautiful scenery BUT it is way harder than this rating shows (showed a 2). Going from the south end I had to turn around after the mud holes (which i bottomed out in). After the 3-mud holes in a row the erosion has made the wash/rut 3-4 feet deep in areas and it zig zags back and forth across the road. For reference i have 2017 4runner 4x4 with AT tires
Open
Visited: 08/15/2020

It was a beautiful day, warm as always in Alabama. The trail is always easy and you just need to watch for the wash on the down hill to the south end.

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