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Cherokee Ridge Alpine Trail
4.8 ★★★★★ 304 Google reviews · Running trail in Dadeville, Alabama · Posted hours
Runner's snapshot
- Surface
- Natural surface
- Loop distance
- Not reported
- Shape
- Loop
- Shade
- Not reported
- Access
- Posted hours
Confirmed from Cherokee Ridge Alpine Trail's own listing, the park or land manager's website, and runner reviews. Blank cells mean we could not verify that fact — we would rather say "not reported" than invent one. There is no Easy / Moderate / Hard rating on this page on purpose: a one-word difficulty score tells you nothing about whether a trail suits your run. Surface, distance, shade and hours do.
Relaxed lakefront trails for hiking, swimming and picnics, plus scenic outlooks.
What runners say about Cherokee Ridge Alpine Trail
“The trail was well maintained with signposts at junctions and prolific painted tree markers - you’d struggle to get lost!”
“The trailhead has a great view with picnic tables and the trail goes right up next to the lake.”
Amazing trail. Liked the hiking view. Nice location. We went on the Chimney trail. The trail goes by the lakeside so it is really nice and there is a corner from where you can get into water to add more fun or relaxation to the hike.
Have hiked these trails many times. Beautiful places to hike on Lake Martin! John Scott Forever Wild, the Jim Scott Deadening, Smith Mountain and the trails at the Overlook!!
Whew - this was a good one! I love trail running, so I figured I’d drive over from Montgomery to check this one out, and it did not disappoint. If you loop around, you get in about 7 miles, and it can be pretty technical and challenging at times.
Decent trail, well maintained. The loop takes you close to Lake Martin with some good spots to enjoy. Not clouded. Few rocky parts so could be slippery during and after rain. Multiple loops inter connected. We took the Chimney Rock Trail that loops from Cherokee Ridge Alpine Trail. Good trail for bird watching.
Trail conditions & character
“The trailhead has a great view with picnic tables and the trail goes right up next to the lake.”
“It can get a little steep in some areas, but there are various trails in the area so you can find some that are perfect for you.”
“The trailhead has a great view with picnic tables and the trail goes right up next to the lake.”
“I'd recommend going in winter because it's colder but if you hike the yellow trail when the water is down there's a cool Rocky beach you can chill at.”
“If you loop around, you get in about 7 miles, and it can be pretty technical and challenging at times.”
“The trail was well maintained with signposts at junctions and prolific painted tree markers - you’d struggle to get lost!”
Plan your run at Cherokee Ridge Alpine Trail
The practical stuff
- AccessPosted hours — posted hours below; park gates sometimes close earlier than the listing says
- SurfaceNatural surface — easiest on the joints and the most fun, but expect roots, rocks and mud after rain
- DistanceNot reported. Trail systems often quote total path mileage rather than a single loop, so measure the route you actually want before you drive out.
- ShadeNot reported. Assume some of it is exposed and carry water in summer.
- At the trailheadparking — reported by runners
Hours
| Monday | 6:30 AM–7:30 PM |
| Tuesday | 6:30 AM–7:30 PM |
| Wednesday | 6:30 AM–7:30 PM |
| Thursday | 6:30 AM–7:30 PM |
| Friday | 6:30 AM–7:30 PM |
| Saturday | 6:30 AM–7:30 PM |
| Sunday | 6:30 AM–7:30 PM |
Running trails near Dadeville
Other trails within easy driving distance — useful when this one is flooded, gated, or just not the run you had in mind today.
Adamson Trailhead
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Smith Mountain Fire Tower
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Wind Creek State Park
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Leafy Lake Martin acreage with campgrounds, cabins & hiking trails popular with families & groups.
Parks & Recreation Administration
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Big park featuring playground equipment, various sports fields, picnic tables and a frisbee golf course.