The Cave Creek Trailhead is located at the Cheaha Trailhead just outside of Cheaha State Park. This trail has views at almost every turn! It is hard to believe these views are in Alabama and easily comparable with those in north Georgia or the Carolinas.
After Starting on the trailhead the trail almost immediately comes to a junction. Going left takes you on the Cave Creek trail, the right takes you on the Pinhoti. I chose to go left. After starting on the trail several downed trees were scattered all around the trail.
With it being winter when I hiked this trail, views of surrounding mountains could be seen through the bare trees to the left for the first two miles. Numerous small streams pass through this trail creating lush, dense, green vegetation periodically.
Around the 3 mile mark the trail comes to a junction with the Pinhoti Trail to the right and the Nubbin Creek Trail continuing straight. I immediately turned right and passed a few campsites right off the trail. Boulders became prominent everywhere and the hike became very difficult, especially for my four legged friend.
After traversing through what seemed like never ending boulders we came across a spur trail to the left that lead to McDill Overlook. The spur trail is only .2 miles and passes an old plane crash on the way to great views.
After leaving McDill Overlook and jumping back onto the Pinhoti the views didnt end. Just under a mile after leaving the overlook, McDill Point appeared with beautiful views although not as grand as the overlook.
After leaving McDill Point i was surprised to come upon another spectacular vista view less than half a mile away.
Finding it quite hard to take in all of the views on this trail I continue forward leaving another grand vista behind. The trail continues on and becomes very steep at the 6 mile mark up to Hernandez Peak. Folowing the steep accent, there is very little reward for the steep climb compared to the previous overlooks. After trekking down the peak the trail eventually comes to a beautiful campsite with spectacular views that will have me returning to backpack and camp here.
The trail leaves this campsite and comes to another junction. Right taking me back to the Cave Creek Trailhead or left taking me to Cheaha State Park. I went right, taking me back to the trailhead and ending this wonderful hike at 7.5 miles.
*Note that several campsites dot this hike and would be a great backpacking trip.
