Written Directions
Leaving from the center of the City of Cullman travelling West on US Highway 278 will take you out of Cullman County into Winston County along smooth well maintained highway. Curvy enough to be enjoyable but straight enough to sight-see. This route is mostly rural in nature with hills and valleys, creeks and rivers and just enough small towns along the way to maintain contact with "civilization". Shortly after passing through the Town of Addison you enter the William B Bankhead National Forest. The Fall Foliage is spectacular in this area! At the crossroads of US Highway 278, Alabama Highway 195 and Alabama Highway 33 you'll find a place to rest, gas-up (if need be) and a great departure point for more great riding! North on AL33 takes you through Bankhead Forest to the City of Moulton (25 miles) or South on AL195 through Bankhead Forest to the City of Jasper (25 miles) or continue West on US278 to the City of Hamilton (36 miles). No matter the direction you choose great riding is in store!
Scenery
Upon leaving the City of Cullman you will find yourself in farmland and small towns, hills and valleys, large streams, and all this before you even reach the National Forest! Once inside the forest you will cross the back channels of Smith lake and see plenty of trees exploding with color! (If you travel during the Fall) Several points of interest along this stretch of highway make for great side trips or destinations in themselves. Just a short detour, only 1 mile off US278 at County Road 1117, will take you to the Clarkson-Legg Covered Bridge that was originally built in 1904. The 270-foot bridge is a Town Lattice truss construction over four spans. The Clarkson-Legg Covered Bridge was listed on the National Register of Historic Places on June 25, 1974. It is currently the second-longest existing covered bridge in Alabama and one of the longest in the United States.
Another short detour of 2 miles off the main route, South on County Road 63, will take you to The Houston Historic Log Jail. The Jail was built in the late 1850's. The jail burned during the Civil War and was rebuilt in 1868. The Houston jail was built of hand-hewn logs filled with nails to prevent prisoners from "sawing their way to freedom". The jail held prisoners and provided a site for court.
This section of road is a great starting route for all points North, South and West! Enjoy the open road and "backwoods" of West Alabama any time of year. Easy one day trips for the experienced and novice rider alike.
Drive Enjoyment
This is a well maintained US Highway with recent paving in sections, new bridges and well marked should you be caught out at night or unexpected inclement weather. It has ample amounts of curves for all to enjoy and plenty of room for "other" traffic. Hills, "hollers", pasture, forest, stream, and everything in between along this route.
Tourism Opportunities
Plenty of small communities along the way with gas stations, restaurants, and other "needs" should they arise! The largest of towns after leaving Cullman is the Town of Addison which has several good eateries on the main road. At the end of this section is the town of Double Springs with plenty of food, gas, groceries and ATM's. This is a good spot to stop and rest and plan the rest of your trip should you decide to venture on into distant lands.
