{
  "name": "Talladega Scenic Drive",
  "slug": "talladega-scenic-drive-al-281",
  "url": "https://www.bestdrivingroads.com/roads/talladega-scenic-drive-al-281/",
  "summary": "AL 281 follows the crest of the Talladega Mountains for about 26 miles, from US 78 near Heflin past Cheaha Mountain, the highest point in Alabama, to a dead end where the pavement stops at a forest road.",
  "roadNumbers": [
    "AL 281"
  ],
  "location": {
    "country": "United States",
    "region": "Alabama",
    "start": {
      "name": "Heflin",
      "lat": 33.645833,
      "lon": -85.632174
    },
    "end": {
      "name": "Adams Gap",
      "lat": 33.40415,
      "lon": -85.874413
    }
  },
  "measurements": {
    "lengthMiles": 26.5,
    "lengthKm": 42.6,
    "driveMinutes": 53,
    "corners": 48,
    "hairpins": 0,
    "maxGradientPercent": 8,
    "summitMetres": 638.7,
    "elevationConfidence": "measured",
    "difficulty": "moderate",
    "tightnessOutOf10": 5
  },
  "timing": {
    "bestSeasons": [
      "spring",
      "autumn"
    ]
  },
  "conditions": {},
  "hazards": [
    "Horseshoe curves and S-curves near Cheaha State Park",
    "Slower switchbacks and bends that tighten",
    "Very little traffic on the dead-end stretch south of the park",
    "Deer and other wildlife on the road",
    "The pavement ends at a forest road, so you turn round there"
  ],
  "scenery": [
    "mountain",
    "forest"
  ],
  "pointsOfInterest": [
    "Scenic Overlook",
    "Cheaha Pinhoti Trailhead",
    "Restaurant Overlook",
    "Highest Point in Alabama"
  ],
  "geometry": {
    "pointCount": 290
  },
  "attribution": {
    "source": "bestdrivingroads.com",
    "citation": "Cite with a link to the road page. Stats are measured from the mapped line; where elevationConfidence is \"approximate\" the 30 m DEM cannot resolve that line and the elevation figures are indicative.",
    "roadGeometry": "(c) OpenStreetMap contributors, ODbL",
    "terms": "Facts are free to cite with attribution; bulk reproduction of the catalogue requires permission (simon@keane.studio)."
  },
  "updated": "2026-10-11"
}