Cheaha State Park, Cheaha Mountain Travel Guide

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Discover Alabama's highest point at Cheaha State Park: Breathtaking views, hiking trails, and a rich history await in the heart of the Talladega National Forest.

Cheaha State Park, cradled in the Talladega National Forest, is Alabama's oldest continuously operating state park. Home to Cheaha Mountain, the state's highest point, the park offers breathtaking views, diverse recreational activities, and a rich history shaped by the Civilian Conservation Corps (CCC).

A brief summary to Cheaha State Park

19644 AL-281, Delta, Alabama, 36258, US
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Monday 7 am-9 pm
Tuesday 7 am-9 pm
Wednesday 7 am-9 pm
Thursday 7 am-9 pm
Friday 7 am-9 pm
Saturday 7 am-9 pm
Sunday 7 am-9 pm

From Eve

Know before you go

Hi, I'm Eve. Here are a few practical things to know before exploring Cheaha State Park.

Visit during the spring or fall for mild weather and vibrant foliage.
Bring your camera to capture the panoramic views from Bunker Tower and Bald Rock.
Check the park's event calendar for guided hikes and interpretive programs.
Consider booking accommodations in advance, especially during peak seasons.
Explore the CCC Museum to learn about the park's fascinating history.

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Explore Cheaha State Park on the Map

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Getting There

Driving

Cheaha State Park is accessible by car via Alabama Highway 281. From I-20, take exit 191 and head south on Highway 431, then turn right onto Highway 281. Follow the signs to the park. Alternatively, from the west, Cheaha Road (County Road 42) offers a scenic but winding route through the Talladega National Forest. Note that Cheaha Road is not recommended for large recreational vehicles. Upon entering the park, there is a per-person entry fee. The fee is $5 for adults (12 and older) and $2 for children (4-11). Seniors (62+) are $2 with ID. Payment can be made at the gate or the Mountain Store. Parking is available throughout the park, including near the Mountain Store, campsites, restaurant, and trailheads. Parking can be limited during peak seasons and weekends. Navigating the park's main loop road provides access to key attractions like Bunker Tower, Bald Rock, Cheaha Lake, and various trailheads.

Discover more about Cheaha State Park

Cheaha State Park, established in 1933, is a unique mountaintop retreat encompassing 2,799 acres in Clay and Cleburne counties, Alabama. Perched on the southernmost tip of the Appalachian Mountain chain, it's often called Alabama's 'Island in the Sky'. The park is adjacent to the vast Talladega National Forest, offering a sense of remoteness while remaining accessible to nearby towns.Cheaha Mountain, the state's highest point at 2,407 feet above sea level, is the park's centerpiece. Visitors can ascend Bunker Tower, a CCC-built stone structure, for panoramic views. The park's history is deeply intertwined with the CCC, who from 1933 to 1939, constructed many of the park's iconic features, including Cheaha Lake, stone cabins, pavilions, and hiking trails.Today, Cheaha State Park offers a wide array of activities. Hiking enthusiasts can explore miles of trails, from the accessible Bald Rock Boardwalk to the more challenging Pinhoti Trail. Cheaha Lake provides opportunities for swimming, fishing, and paddling. The park also features a restaurant, a gift shop, and various lodging options, including a hotel, cabins, chalets, and campgrounds.Visitors can delve into the park's history at the CCC Museum or explore Native American artifacts at the Walt Farr Native American Relic Museum. Scenic drives within the park, especially along the Talladega Scenic Drive, offer stunning vistas. Cheaha State Park is a destination for those seeking natural beauty, outdoor adventure, and a glimpse into Alabama's past.