Alabama Road Trip with Kids: Mummies, Monuments, and Mountain Trails (Day 6)
Welcome to Day 6: Anniston to Cheaha Mountain
Looking for things to do in East Alabama with kids, Day 6 of our Alabama road trip blends dinosaurs, deep questions, scenic drives—and one unforgettable bear encounter. From exploring prehistoric fossils at the Anniston Museum of Natural History to standing in reverent silence at the Freedom Riders National Monument, this day is packed with learning, emotion, and wide-open views. As the sun sets, the adventure shifts from highways to hush, ending in a quiet cabin tucked deep in the woods… just in time for a surprise visitor.
If your kids are reading Ethan & Oliver Adventures: The Great Alabama Road Trip, Day 6 captures fossil facts, freedom reflections, and a real-life moment of bravery when a black bear wandered into view. It’s a day where curiosity meets courage—and the kind of adventure that lingers long after the truck is unpacked.
📍 Day 6 Itinerary Overview
Route: Anniston ➡️ Talladega Scenic Drive ➡️ Cheaha State Park
Total Drive Time: ~1.5–2 hours (including scenic route)
Activity Time: ~6–7 hours
Best Time of Year: Fall (for color), spring (for weather), or any time with open skies and open hearts
Stop 1: Anniston Museum of Natural History
What to Expect:
- Walk through prehistoric Alabama to ancient Egypt
- View real fossils, taxidermy wildlife, and cultural artifacts
- Explore outdoor trails and the dinosaur garden
- Hands-on Discovery Room for younger kids
Educational Tie-In:
Covers Earth science, biology, paleontology, and Alabama’s prehistoric past. Great for early learners through middle grades.
Notebook Prompt:
If you could live in any prehistoric time, which would you choose—and why?
STEM Tie-In:
Learn about fossil formation, animal adaptation, and natural cycles.
Kid-Friendly Tip:
Don’t skip the Discovery Room—it’s packed with touch-and-learn opportunities!
Stop 2: Freedom Riders National Monument
What to Expect:
- Outdoor exhibits, interpretive panels, and a restored 1961 Greyhound station façade
- Learn about the courageous young people who risked everything to fight segregation
- Opportunity for meaningful, age-appropriate family discussion
Educational Tie-In:
Connects to Civil Rights history, social justice, U.S. history, and character education. Ideal for upper elementary and middle schoolers.
Notebook Prompt:
What does it mean to be brave? What would you stand up for, even if it was hard?
Faith Tie-In:
Isaiah 1:17 — “Learn to do right; seek justice. Defend the oppressed.”
Parent Tip:
Use gentle, honest language when talking about injustice. This stop opens powerful conversations. This is just one of the two Freedom Rider Stops.
Optional Drive-By: Talladega Superspeedway
As you pass this legendary NASCAR track, picture cars flying by at 200+ mph!
Memory Moment:
Oliver shouted from the back seat, “We’re in the lead! Eat my dust, Daytona!”
Scenic Route: Talladega Scenic Drive
Visit Scenic Drive Information Website
What to Expect:
- Winding mountain roads with brilliant fall color
- Pull-offs for short hikes, snacks, and nature photos
- Wildlife sightings: deer, hawks, and golden trees
Educational Tie-In:
Study elevation, biodiversity, and Alabama geography. Great for nature journaling and map skills.
Notebook Prompt:
What does this landscape remind you of? How does being in nature make you feel?
Stop 3: Cheaha State Park
What to Expect:
- Alabama’s highest point at 2,413 feet
- Short hike to Bald Rock overlook via accessible boardwalk
- CCC-built observation tower with panoramic views
- Excellent picnic and journaling spot
Faith Tie-In:
Psalm 121:1 — “I lift up my eyes to the mountains—where does my help come from?”
Quick Stop (Optional): Ann Hodges Meteorite Site – Oak Grove
Stars fell on Alabama! In 1954, Ann Hodges became the only confirmed person in history to be struck by a meteorite—and survive! Learn More.
Notebook Prompt:
If you were hit by something from space and lived to tell the story, what would you say on the news?
What We Learned
- Courage comes in many forms—from Civil Rights heroes to quiet mountain hikes
- Alabama’s natural history includes dinosaurs, fossils, and even meteorites!
- Scenic drives offer more than views—they invite reflection and deep conversation
Read the Story Version
Day 6 of Ethan & Oliver Adventures: The Great Alabama Road Trip includes fossil discoveries, tough questions at a historic bus stop, and the joy of seeing the world from above.
What’s Next?
Day 7: Hidden wonders, History, and Horseback rides under the stars
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📎 Note: We are not affiliated with any organizations or destinations mentioned in this post. Just sharing what we loved!
