The Talladega Mountains Natural Resource Center (a partnership between Jacksonville State University, the Cleburne County Commission and the Talladega National Forest) opened in November, 2012. The Mountain Center houses the JSU Field Schools and acts as a visitor center to “the highest concentration of nationally protected natural areas” in the country. There is a short, 1/2 mile loop trail that provides easy access for woodland birds.

This center is a gateway to the Appalachian Highlands Birding Trail, the Talladega National Forest, Cheaha State Park, Mountain Longleaf National Wildlife Refuge and Dugger Mountain Wilderness. Also, the portion of the center dedicated to county activities is known as the Cleburne County Public Safety & Administration Center and includes the functions of finance, human resources, compliance, emergency management, and emergency 911 services.

GPS: 33.6691225 -85.5612527

Talladega Mountains Natural Resource Center
Gateway to the Appalachian Highland Birding Trail
256-463-3838
www.jsu.edu/epic