Heading east out of Leeds, Alabama, U.S. Route 78 takes us on a scenic and steady 15-mile journey through a mix of small-town charm, suburban growth, and rolling Appalachian foothills as we make our way toward the unincorporated community of Chulavista. This segment of US-78 is a connector for several communities east of Birmingham and provides an alternative to the faster-paced Interstate 20, which closely parallels it throughout the drive.
Our route begins in the heart of Leeds, just beyond the interchange with I-20. Known locally as Parkway Drive, US-78 threads its way through downtown Leeds, a community that balances its industrial roots with an emerging arts and retail scene. Just east of the city center, we cross the southern terminus of U.S. Route 411, where travelers can divert north toward Odenville. This junction is a notable waypoint for those familiar with Alabama’s older road systems, as it represents a confluence of several historical travel corridors.
Continuing east, US-78 passes under the shade of established neighborhoods before meeting Alabama Highway 25, a route that stretches southward into the scenic countryside of Shelby County. This area marks a subtle shift in the road’s character as it starts to wind more freely through a mix of wooded areas and light commercial zones. The road begins to climb and curve slightly as it approaches the town of Moody, where development has steadily increased in recent years. Despite this growth, the route maintains a rural feel, with tree-lined shoulders and the occasional church steeple or farm gate peeking out from the roadside.
In Moody, U.S. 78 resumes its dance with I-20, running parallel to the interstate for a stretch near Kelly Creek Road. This portion offers convenient access points for commuters while preserving the quieter, slower pace of US-78. As we depart Moody, the road veers south briefly to navigate around a small ridge, showcasing the area’s rolling topography before straightening back out toward Chulavista. This final portion of the drive features more winding sections, with pine forests and hilltops giving the highway a tranquil, meandering quality as it prepares to rejoin the more heavily traveled I-20.
As we enter Chulavista—a small community perched at the base of the Appalachians—U.S. Route 78 curves northeast and arrives at its second interchange with I-20. Here, the highway merges once again with the interstate system, linking back into the faster flow of traffic heading toward Pell City and points beyond. This is where our video ends, right at the point where the local character of US-78 fades into the broader highway network.
Whether you’re looking to skip the interstate rush or just want to enjoy a more relaxed pace through central Alabama, this stretch of U.S. 78 offers a mix of small-town atmosphere, convenient connections, and a few scenic surprises. It’s a short drive with plenty of personality.
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