Cherokee Rock Village-Northeast Alabama

The year was 1838 and the Cherokee and Creek Indians would stare off into the Alabama and Georgia country from high atop Lookout Mountain. The trails of tears would soon force them away from the land they considered holy and where they would often hold ceremonies. The area is surrounded by huge boulders and walls of rock. Shinbone ridge lays high above the town of Leesburg and offers a stunning panoramic view of the country below.

Today the sacred Indian ceramonial rocks is called Cherokee Rock Village. It is located near the town of Sandrock, Alabama and is one of the most popular climbing spots in the country. Also known as sandrock, the Rock Village has plenty of free primitive camping spots. Be sure to grab your spot early, as the area tends to fill up on the weekends.

If your looking for hiking, there is over a half mile of boulders that will keep you busy for a while. If you looking for some bigger trails there some great trails within a 30minuts. If you are a photographer expect to find some wonderful shots as you look over Weiss Lake and off into the blue Alabama sky. The late Alabama fall is filled with bright colored leafs that will capture your heart.

The rock village for years was a favorite place for hunters and off-road atvs. As the word spread of the areas beauty and solitude it would soon turn into a destinations for site seeing, climbing, and hiking.

As you look off over the edge you will be high above the trees with a canopy of different colored leafs changing. On the right day you can see a perfect reflection of clouds off the lake below. As you explore between the boulders you may come across a climber hanging from the side of the rock faces. To kids playing between the huge rocks.

There are a lot of boulders with trees and bushes on them and some can be very difficult to climb. If you visit in winter when it is super cold watch for ice on the rocks. From some of the rocks it is a huge drop; some rocks are over 80 feet wide and 150 feet tall. Perfect for some repelling or rock climbing.

I have repelled in the village on several occasions and have found some very easy climbs ups. The perfect place for a beginner to get started repelling with some small boulders to practice on. Shinbone ridge has been a playing ground for people since the Indians used the area from 8000b.c. to the present. Don't be surprised to see an eagle or a deer in the area. The rock village is located a few miles from any stores so be sure to stock up before you make your trip.

I found a great list of climbs at the rock village here Rock Village Climbs
If you looking for a great place to camp in the area this is a great pick. The sunrises from the rock village can be breathtaking over the lake. Don't expect to find water or great bathrooms. The county owns the 200-acre park and they do patrol through the area on busy weekend to make sure everyone is playing safe and legal (it is a dry county)!