Odum Scout Trail

While hiking the Odum Scout Trail, you will quickly understand why it is called "Alabama's Most Scenic Mountain Trail."

The trail was created by the Cheaha District Choccolocco Council of the Boy Scouts in conjunction with the U.S. Forest Service with the goal of "encouraging interest in camping and hiking in the great out-of-doors." The finished product, which was named for the ridgeline it follows, lives up to its mission.

The Odum begins at the base of High Falls, a churning 3-tiered cascade. The climb here is the most difficult of the trip, climbing the steep rock face of the falls on metal and wooden stairs. The falls tumbles next to the trail.

Once at the top of the falls, the walk becomes easier as it meanders over the backbone of Odum Point. Along this section of the trail, the path is lined with beautiful wildflowers, azaleas and dogwoods that bloom from spring through fall. You will come across two bluffs, one on Cedar Mountain, the other on Big Caney Head. Both offer spectacular panoramic views of the surrounding mountains. Don't be surprised to stir up wild turkeys, white tail deer, and fox along the path.

There are a couple of important notes about the Odum Scout Trail to keep in mind. First, aside from High Falls, water is scarce on the trail, so take enough along. Also, while the trail is marked with yellow paint blazes, often they become hard to follow and almost non-existent. Keep your head up and watch ahead and you should be able to make out where the trail heads. But, in any event, if you are not comfortable with the possibility of bushwhacking, bring along someone who is, or someone who is familiar with using a compass to keep you safe.

Eventually you will come to the intersection with the Pinhoti Trail. This is the turnaround to head back to the trailhead.

While this can be done as a full-day hike, you can make this into an overnight backpack trip. Several campsites have already been established previously by other visitors along the trail. Be sure to follow the US Forest Service rules for camping in the forest.

Several fantastic backpack trips can be made using the Odum and other trails in this area, such as the Pinhoti, Chinnabee Silent Trail, etc. If you're into backpacking, take a look at the Pinhoti Trail Map #7 available at the Cheaha State Park camp store to plot longer weekend trips.