In Calhoun County, striking landscapes sit alongside places with stories of their own. Coldwater Mountain offers woodland and outdoor activities; in Anniston and Oxford, the themes range from the civil rights movement to performing arts and exhibitions. Nature, historic places and culture each make their own mark.
Woodland and trails around Coldwater Mountain
Coldwater Mountain is a mountainous, forested area of pine and hardwood trees northwest of I-20, in Calhoun County near Anniston and Oxford. Its trail network includes 35 miles of bike trails for different skill levels, from beginner to expert, including 2 miles of gravity trails. In addition to biking, visitors can hike through the woods and observe the abundant wildlife. The mountain offers several different ways to experience the landscape.
Choccolocco Park is on a different scale. It spans more than 370 acres and includes a combined 2.7-mile loop trail, Boundless Playground and a 30-acre lake. The trail, playground and water feature are distinct parts of the park; the figures give a sense of its size and variety.
Civil rights history and historic sites
The Anniston Civil Rights Trail commemorates key events, important places and people of the civil rights movement in Anniston between 1954 and 1968. This period frames the historical perspective, focusing on events, places and people alike.
One specific historic site is the Greyhound Bus Burning Site: the attack on the Freedom Riders took place there, and a Greyhound bus was burned there. Limited parking is available at the site on simple gravel areas on the park side of the road. Check conditions before setting out.
The Choccolocco Creek Archaeological Complex once included at least three earthen mounds, a large stone mound and a large stone serpent effigy. Before the 1830s, the site was the ceremonial grounds of the Abihkas, one of the oldest tribal towns within what is now the Muscogee (Creek) Nation. This historical context connects the archaeological features with the history of the Abihkas and the Muscogee (Creek) Nation.
Janney Furnace also represents a clearly dated era: Alfred A. Janney built the facility in 1863 and 1864 to produce pig iron for the Confederate States of America during the Civil War. Its construction dates and purpose give the site a specific connection to the Confederacy's wartime economy.
Performing arts and exhibitions in Oxford
The Oxford Performing Arts Center presents live music, theater, comedy and family shows throughout the year. Its main theater has 1,200 seats, the studio theater has 200, and the venue also has two art galleries. The two stages offer distinct settings, while the galleries round out the program.
Within the center, the Martin–Lett Gallery presents changing exhibitions throughout the year. If you are planning to attend a specific performance or exhibition, check the relevant dates.
Getting here and local dining
Calhoun County is located along I-20 in the foothills of the Appalachians. Ways to get here include Amtrak train services, major highways, a Greyhound bus station, Anniston Regional Airport and various bike trails. For specific travel plans, check the relevant connections and schedules, as transportation options and timetables may change.
In Anniston, Coldwater Mountain Brewpub serves craft beer and upscale home cooking. Dining options may change.
Discover more destinations: Oxford, Anniston, Jacksonville, Barbour County, Walker, Tallapoosa County, Houston and Autauga County.
For the main travel overview: Alabama.
