Talladega National Forest 600-2

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4.7/5 (18 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

4.7/5 (18)
Open
Rated 5/5
Visited: 11/19/2023
Difficulty Accuracy: Harder

Much harder than initial rating. We did this trail “backwards”, from NE to SW. Started very smooth, beautiful scenery but easily done by any vehicle or even bicycle. Then came some rocks, needing 4WD but nothing crazy. Then we got the the road the cuts the trail, and soon after saw the “Road Closed” sign, but pressed on, leaves on the trail proved very little vehicle traffic. Rockiness increased significantly. Then we reached a section where wash outs have created a large chasm, like an extended uneven half pipe filled with large rocks. I had to get out and scout a significant portion to insure it could be attempted. Luckily I had aired down to 18psi. We saw roll over 20° in a few spots, very challenging and very fun. Good initial test of my 2024 Rubicon X 2D. Recommend airing down, away bar disconnected and doors on to keep inside the vehicle. Jeep did it all without 4WD low (kept in the 4WD high part-time setting), and never had to engage lockers… but I considered it. Great Trail.
Trail Review: Talladega National Forest 600-2 - Robert Kelley
Trail Review: Talladega National Forest 600-2 - Robert Kelley
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Open
Rated 4/5
Visited: 10/04/2023
Difficulty Accuracy: Harder

Great trail. Deep ruts are a nice challenge and the mud bog was fun.
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Official Crew
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47900
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.
Trail Review: Talladega National Forest 600-2 - Tim Palmer
Trail Review: Talladega National Forest 600-2 - Tim Palmer
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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.

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