The seat of Cleburne County is inside Talladega National Forest
In the late 1800s, Heflin was a railroad station and trading center for travelers heading to Atlanta. Today, the area is a self-proclaimed 'Trail Town of Alabama,' with public pathways connecting hikers and equestrians to nearby counties. The community sits within the hills of Talladega National Forest in eastern Alabama. Locals have access to Mount Cheaha, the highest point in the state. Heflin also has several businesses and a small yet active downtown. In the city's early years, many business owners opened shops along Ross Street, also known as Highway 78. Today, this street doubles as a commercial hub and Heflin's main drag.
Known as the Trail Town of Alabama
The lakefront Cahulga Creek Park is one of Heflin's top outdoor spaces. The grounds contain a community garden, picnic tables and a dedicated dog park. Visitors can fish off the public pier but must obtain a permit. There is also a boat ramp and a 20-hole disc golf course. Several state trails pass through the area; Pinhoti Trail leads past a popular waterfall inside the national forest. The pathway also crosses Cheaha State Park, home to Alabama's highest mountain peak. Lloyd Owens Canoe Trail offers a 44-mile excursion on the Tallapoosa River; kayakers can find the access point on Highway 46. The City of Heflin Recreation Center contains an indoor basketball gym and walking track. The baseball diamonds host games from local sports leagues that run from April to July. Other neighborhood spaces include Deacon and McIntyre Parks.
Buying a Heflin home and weather risks
Narrow, curving roads pass homes perched on Heflin's sloping hillsides. Front lawns often have native trees like pines, walnuts and oaks. Many backyards contain sheds or barns hidden from the sloping residential streets. Houses are primarily ranch-styles and split-levels. There are also historic multistory dwellings and cottages from the early 20th century. Almost a quarter of previously sold properties are tracts of land ranging from 3 to 50 acres. Most residences cost between $115,000 and $450,000. There are also a few newly built homes ranging in price from $200,000 to $285,000.
Cleburne County has a risk of wildfires. The area also has a history of severe storms and tornados, which can result in high winds and flooding.
Retail and other businesses on Ross Street and Almon Street
Ross Street in the historic downtown is dotted with businesses and service providers. The road has a Piggly Wiggly grocery store. Locals visit Cleburne Farmer's Market on Tuesdays and Saturdays for fresh produce, baked goods and homemade canned foods. Other businesses are found down Almon Street, such as W M Grocery and Marie's BBQ House. Closer to Interstate 20 are Vallarta Grill Mexican Restaurant and the local bar, DamnYankees. The community is about 15 miles from the outdoor shopping hub, Oxford Exchange.
Heflin Main Street events
Heflin Main Street and the city's Economic Development Department manage the historic downtown area. The organization hosts several community events throughout the year. Recurring gatherings include Homecoming on Main, which features multiple days of activities, such as a parade, tailgating and a bonfire. The Tree Lighting and Cookie Crawl invites locals to collect baked treats and shop at vendor booths along Ross Street.
Students enroll in Cleburne County Schools
Students attend Cleburne County Elementary, which has an A-minus grade on Niche. Cleburne County Middle and Cleburne County High have B grades. The elementary and middle schools share a building, while the high school is next door. Cleburne County Career Technical School offers programs in auto service and electrical technology, as well as health science and cosmetology.
The midpoint between Atlanta and Birmingham
Interstate 20 reaches across the area, leading to the Alabama-Georgia line in roughly 15 miles. Heflin has an urgent care facility and medical centers; the closest major hospital, Regional Medical Center, is about 20 miles away in Anniston. The community is situated about 75 miles from Atlanta and Birmingham.
Written By
Ashley Kennedy
