low-lying segment of the Appalachian Mountains, extending northeastward along the border of Clay and Talladega counties and into Cleburne county in east-central Alabama, U.S. Rising to Cheaha Mountain (2,407 feet 【734 metres】), the highest point in Alabama, the pine- and hardwood-covered mountain mass is mainly within the eastern division of the Talladega National Forest. In August 1540 the Spanish explorer Hernando de Soto (Soto, Hernando de) led his expedition through the region, which in 1835–36 was briefly a focus for gold-mining activities. It is now the focus of recreational activities and includes Cheaha State Park at the high point.