Cheaha Mountain: Alabama's Rooftop
Discover Alabama's highest peak: panoramic views, rich history, and outdoor adventures await in Cheaha State Park and Talladega National Forest.
Cheaha Mountain, rising to 2,407 feet above sea level, is the highest point in Alabama, offering visitors a unique perspective on the state's diverse landscape [4, 13]. Located within Cheaha State Park, itself cradled by the vast Talladega National Forest, the mountain presents a blend of natural beauty and historical significance [5, 13]. The name 'Cheaha' originates from the Creek Indian word 'Chaha,' meaning 'high place,' a testament to the mountain's prominent stature and historical importance to the indigenous people who once called this area home [2, 5, 15]. Cheaha State Park, established in 1933, holds the distinction of being Alabama's oldest continuously operating state park [2, 4, 5, 12, 13]. During the Great Depression, the Civilian Conservation Corps (CCC) played a crucial role in developing the park, constructing roads, trails, and iconic structures like the Bunker Tower, a stone observation tower offering 360-degree views [2, 4, 5, 12]. The CCC's legacy is preserved in the CCC Museum, located at the base of the Bunker Tower [2, 4, 5, 12, 13]. Visitors can climb the tower's 63 steps to reach the observation deck and admire the surrounding landscape, which on clear days, extends as far as Birmingham and the Talladega Superspeedway [4, 5, 13]. Beyond the Bunker Tower, Cheaha Mountain and Cheaha State Park offer a variety of activities and attractions. Hiking enthusiasts can explore numerous trails, ranging from easy boardwalks like the Doug Ghee Accessible Trail at Bald Rock, to more challenging routes like the Chinnabee Silent Trail [3, 5, 6, 7, 8, 10, 16]. Bald Rock offers stunning views and is accessible to all, while Pulpit Rock Trail provides another scenic vista [3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 10, 16]. Cheaha Lake provides opportunities for swimming and fishing [5, 13]. The park also features picnic areas, campsites, cabins, and chalets for overnight stays [4, 9, 11].
Local tips
- Visit the Bunker Tower for panoramic views, but be prepared to climb 63 steps to reach the top [4, 5].
- Explore the Bald Rock Boardwalk (Doug Ghee Accessible Trail) for an easy, wheelchair-accessible path to stunning overlooks [5, 10, 16].
- Hike the Pulpit Rock Trail for a short but rewarding trek to a scenic vista [3, 4].
- Check the Cheaha State Park website for information on educational programs, guided hikes, and special events [5].
- Consider visiting during the fall for breathtaking views of colorful foliage stretching across the horizon [5].
A brief summary to Cheaha Mountain
- Alabama, US
Getting There
-
Driving
From Interstate 20, take either Exit 191 or 199, located slightly east of Oxford [4]. Follow the signs towards U.S. Highway 78 and then towards Cheaha State Park or Talladega Scenic Drive (Highway 281) [4, 5, 13]. The park entrance is approximately 20 miles from I-20, a drive of about 30 minutes [4]. Once inside the park, follow the signs to the Bunker Tower and the mountain's summit. Park admission is $5 for adults (ages 12+), $2 for children (ages 4-11) and seniors (62+) [4, 8, 20, 22].
-
Walking
Once within Cheaha State Park, several trails lead to the summit area [3, 6, 7, 8]. The Lake Trail, starting from Cheaha Lake, offers a moderately challenging 3.3-mile roundtrip hike that connects to the park roads near Rock Garden [3]. From there, follow the paved road to the Bunker Tower [3]. Alternatively, park near the Bald Rock trailhead and follow the Doug Ghee Accessible Trail, a 0.3-mile boardwalk, to Bald Rock [5, 10, 16]. From Bald Rock, continue along the park roads to reach the summit area. Note that there is a $5 per adult, $2 per child/senior entry fee to the park [4, 8, 20, 22].
