Talladega National Forest Road 500 is a well maintained trail in the northern district of the Talladega National Forest. Beginning near the town of Heflin, FR-500 runs north 24 miles from County Road 281 to Duggar Mountain near the City of Piedmont. The trail passes through Choccolocco Wildlife Management Area, following the ridgelines and foothills of nearby Choccolocco Mountain. Link this trail together with other nearby trails such as 600-1 and 600-2 for a long weekend of overlanding. With great views, several lakes and creeks, lush hardwood forests, and endless connecting trails; NF-500 has something for everyone. So pack a lunch, bring your camera and enjoy the beautiful ride through the Talladega National Forest.
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To South Trailhead:
From Heflin: Take Highway 78 West 2.6 miles to County Road 281. Merge onto 281 then take a take a right onto
FR500 and the trailhead.
From Oxford: Take Highway 78 East 12.1 miles to County Road 281. Turn left onto 281 then take a right onto FR500 to the trailhead.
To North Trailhead:
From Piedmont: Take Vigo Road 2.3 miles to Hebble Highway. Turn right onto Hebble Highway. Continue 0.4 miles to Duggar Mt. Road. Continue straight onto Duggar Mt. Road to the trailhead.
Did only about 10 miles in and back out from the south. Road was very well maintained even with significant rain. We were just passing through from Natchez to Atlanta and needed a diversion. The directions using the link here did not work for us. So, I just used "Cleburne, AL" in Maps and it took me right to the Pinhoti Trail parking area. The weather was cloudy and 75F ! A welcome treat from the lower elevations. Never needed 4x4 in our 4Runner. There were many side roads that looked like fun but we just didn't have the time......next visit.
It’s a great little trail. Nothing insane or crazy. Drop the PSI a few pounds if you have E rated tires and you can enjoy a nice smooth drive on this forest road. I managed to stumble across a lake at the end of it and found a little spot I would call a slice of heaven. The trail will also lead you to a designated campground with thunder pots and water hook up. Great fishing spot and hunting camps as well.
Good trail, easy for anything to drive through. Good camping places on state hunting camp locations. Ready for more, not alot to see but great to just get away.
My son and I took our first trail ride together in the Jeep on FR500. We entered from the South. The main road is a well maintained gravel road, easily traveled even in a minivan. We took some of the side trails and found a little more adventure. We drove down to the lake and stayed right to the dam. We did have to use 4wd coming out. Lake was beautiful. Nice easy trail and good camping sites.
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Jake is an Alabama native, born and raised in Central Alabama. Jake has spent years exploring the back roads and off road parks around the Southeast. Jake enjoys exploring new areas and incorporating new technology and tools while doing so. As an avid enthusiast he utilizes two different rigs to explore and document new trails, a Toyota 4runner overland style rig, and a Jeep Tj built for the rocks. Jake is a long time Toyota enthusiast, with over one million miles driven between two rigs. When not on the trail you can usually find Jake flying,mountain biking and spending time with his family.
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