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.
Region: Central Alabama
Route: Anniston → Talladega Scenic Drive → Cheaha State Park → Sylacauga → Cabin Stay
Total Drive Time: ~3 hours
Activity Time: ~6–7 hours
Start Time: 8:00 AM
Stop 1: Anniston Museum of Natural History
Website: Anniston Museum of Natural History
What to Expect
Step into ancient Egypt, walk among towering African wildlife dioramas, and explore exhibits on natural science, geology, and more. The museum’s quiet, polished halls are filled with lifelike displays—from a golden burial mask to giraffes and lions so realistic you might think they’ll blink.
Highlights:
- Journey through prehistoric Alabama to ancient Egypt
- See real fossils, taxidermy wildlife, and cultural artifacts
- Explore outdoor trails and the dinosaur garden
- Hands-on Discovery Room for younger kids
NPS Stamp: No
Educational Tie-In:
- Ancient Egyptian history and mummification practices
- African ecosystems and biodiversity
- Geological formations and Earth’s history
- STEM Tie-In: Fossil formation, animal adaptation, and natural cycles
- Check out their “Museum From Home” page for more videos and learning!
Notebook/Conversation Prompt: If you could step into one of the museum’s exhibits and make it come alive for a day, which one would you choose and why?
Faith Connection: God’s creation is vast—spanning from the smallest grain of desert sand to the tallest giraffe in the plains. Genesis 1 reminds us He made it all with intention and beauty.
Stop 2: Freedom Riders National Monument
Website: Freedom Riders National Monument
What to Expect
A sobering but powerful site honoring May 14, 1961, when a mob attacked the Freedom Riders in Anniston for challenging segregation laws. Outdoor exhibits and interpretive panels tell the story of these courageous young people, and the restored 1961 Greyhound station façade stands as a testament to their bravery.
NPS Stamp: Yes — Don’t Miss a Stamp — Get Your Passport Book — Grab Yours Here!
Educational Tie-In:
- Civil Rights Movement history
- Justice, equality, and peaceful protest
- Bravery in the face of danger
Parent Tip: Use gentle, honest language when talking about injustice. This stop opens powerful conversations.
Notebook/Conversation Prompt: What does bravery look like in your life right now? Can you think of a time you did the right thing even when it was hard?
Faith Connection: Micah 6:8 calls us to “act justly, love mercy, and walk humbly with your God.” The Freedom Riders lived that out in the face of real danger. Isaiah 1:17 reminds us to “Learn to do right; seek justice. Defend the oppressed.”
Stop 3: Talladega Scenic Drive & Cheaha State Park
Website: Cheaha State Park
What to Expect
A winding drive through fiery autumn colors and rare longleaf pine forests leads to Alabama’s highest point at 2,407 feet. Overlooks offer sweeping valley views, and the crisp mountain air smells of pine and campfire smoke.
NPS Stamp: No
Educational Tie-In:
- Longleaf pine ecosystems and conservation
- Alabama geography and highest elevation points
- Seasonal changes in deciduous forests
Notebook/Conversation Prompt: Imagine standing at the highest point in every state. Which would you choose first, and what do you think you’d see?
Faith Connection: Psalm 121:1–2 — “I lift up my eyes to the mountains—where does my help come from? My help comes from the Lord.” Mountain vistas naturally lift our gaze to Him.
Stop 4: Sylacauga Meteorite Site
Website: For information
What to Expect
A small monument marks where Ann Hodges became the only person in recorded history to be struck by a meteorite—and survive!
NPS Stamp: No
Educational Tie-In:
- Meteorites and space rocks
- Probability and rare events
- Local history and unique claims to fame
Notebook/Conversation Prompt: If something unusual happened to you and made your town famous, what would you want it to be?
Faith Connection: Sometimes life’s surprises are big (and even dangerous), but Proverbs 3:5–6 reminds us to trust God in all circumstances.
Stop 5: Cabin Stay & Bear Encounter
What to Expect
Tucked deep into the woods, your cozy Airbnb cabin offers starry skies, a fire pit, and peaceful seclusion—until a curious black bear wanders in. Remember: stay calm, back away slowly, and give wildlife space.
NPS Stamp: No
Educational Tie-In:
- Black bear behavior and habitats
- Wildlife safety in natural areas
- Alabama’s state mammal
Notebook/Conversation Prompt: Would you rather see a wild bear from far away or up close? Why?
Faith Connection: Psalm 19:1 — “The heavens declare the glory of God; the skies proclaim the work of His hands.” Even an unexpected wildlife encounter can remind us of His wild, wonderful creation.
What We Learned
- Ancient civilizations like Egypt still fascinate us today
- Bravery means doing the right thing even when it’s hard
- Longleaf pines are an important part of Alabama’s ecosystem
- Rare events—like meteorite strikes—make unforgettable stories
- Respecting wildlife keeps both people and animals safe
State Symbols Spotted Today:
- Longleaf Pine (State Tree)
- Black Bear (State Mammal)
Plan It Yourself: Roadtrippers Route — Day 6
You can map this exact route — and customize it for your family — using Roadtrippers Plus. It’s our favorite trip-planning tool for finding kid-friendly stops, tracking drive times, and keeping everything in one place.
View our full trip on Roadtrippers: Ethan & Oliver Adventures Great Alabama Road Trip Map
Up Next: Day 7 — Hidden Wonders, History & Horseback Rides Under the Stars
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As an Amazon Associate and Roadtrippers affiliate, I earn from qualifying purchases at no extra cost to you. Unless otherwise noted, all destinations, attractions, and resources mentioned here are places we’ve personally chosen to visit and recommend. We are not affiliated with, sponsored by, or endorsed by these locations beyond the affiliate programs we participate in. We simply use and enjoy their tools and share them as a resource for fellow travelers.
