Overview
Coldwater Mountain acreage consists of mountainous pine-hardwood northwest of I-20 in Calhoun County near Anniston and Oxford. The tracts secure a large portion of the local watershed for Coldwater Spring, a unique ecological environment and source of drinking water for local municipalities.
This tract was dedicated as the Doug Ghee Nature Preserve and Recreation Area by the Forever Wild board in recognition of the former senator and Forever Wild board member.
Visitors to Coldwater Mountain can bike down its trails, hike its beautiful forests and spy the abundant wildlife.
Article about Coldwater Mountain
Biking
Coldwater Mountain has a total of 35 miles of bike trail ranging from beginner level to expert. This includes 2 miles of gravity trails.
Two locations are available for access to the trails. The Coldwater Trailhead is located at 1661 Coldwater Road in Anniston, while the Anniston Trailhead is located at 401 Monsanto Street in Anniston. Trail Map
The Northeast Alabama Bicycle Association maintains a web page on Coldwater Mountain trail conditions and trail descriptions.
Since the mountain biking trails opened, Coldwater Mountain has received many accolades from riders and organizations. In 2013, the International Mountain Biking Association designated the Forever Wild Land Trust’s Coldwater Mountain tract near Anniston as a Bronze Level Ride Center.
The National Recreation Trails website provides additional information on the trails.
Keep up with news about the trails by following the Coldwater Mountain Bike Trail Facebook page.
Hiking
Hikers are welcome to enjoy the trails at Coldwater Mountain. Hikers should travel the trails in a counter clockwise direction. Trail Map
Economic Impact
In 2012, Headwaters Economics conducted a study of the Economic and Impact Analysis of the Coldwater Mountain Bike Trail. A copy of this study is available on their website. This survey found that avid mountain bikers are projected to have high daily spending and use the trails frequently on the Coldwater Mountain Bike Trail in Alabama. The new trail system is likely to be popular with locals and attract some outside spending that could have significant effects on retail and hospitality businesses that cater to this group.
Directions
From Birmingham, take I-20 East approximately 41.5 Miles to Exit 179 (AL-202/Coldwater Rd.). Turn left onto AL-202 and go approximately 2.1 miles to Calhoun Co. Rd. 109/Coldwater Pump Road. Turn right on Coldwater Pump Road and go approximately 0.2 miles and turn right onto the new public access road.
Coldwater Trailhead
33.64343
-85.85619
Anniston Trailhead
33.60864
-85.91654