Cheaha State Park Observation Tower: Alabama's Crowning View

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Ascend to Alabama's highest point for panoramic views and a glimpse into the state's rich history at Cheaha State Park Observation Tower.

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Cheaha State Park Observation Tower

The Cheaha State Park Observation Tower, also known as Bunker Tower, sits atop Cheaha Mountain, Alabama's highest point. Built in 1934 by the Civilian Conservation Corps (CCC), this historic stone structure offers panoramic views of the surrounding Talladega National Forest and Appalachian foothills, along with a glimpse into the state's natural and cultural history.

A brief summary to Cheaha State Park Observation Tower

Delta, Alabama, 36258, US

Monday 8 am-6 pm
Tuesday 8 am-6 pm
Wednesday 8 am-6 pm
Thursday 8 am-6 pm
Friday 8 am-6 pm
Saturday 8 am-6 pm
Sunday 8 am-6 pm

Local tips

Bring your camera to capture the stunning panoramic views from the observation tower and other overlooks within the park [6].
Visit during the fall for vibrant foliage and optimal hawk-watching opportunities [4, 11].
Explore the CCC Museum inside the tower to learn about the park's construction and the legacy of the Civilian Conservation Corps [3, 5, 22].
Wear comfortable shoes for climbing the tower steps and exploring the park's hiking trails [4, 9].

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Getting There

Driving

From I-20, take exit 191 and merge onto US 431 South [3, 12]. Follow US 431 for 3.8 miles and turn right onto County Road 131. In 0.6 miles, turn left onto AL 281 South, also known as the Talladega Scenic Byway [2, 3, 12]. Follow AL 281 for 12.5 miles and turn right into Cheaha State Park and onto Bunker Loop Road [2, 3, 12]. Follow the signs to the Bunker Observation Tower. Park entrance fee is $5 for adults (12+) [2, 3, 4].
Public Transport

Limited public transportation is available [6]. The nearest city with public transport is Talladega. Take a Greyhound or local bus to Talladega [6, 15]. From there, arrange a taxi or rideshare service to Cheaha State Park, approximately 25 miles away [6]. Confirm taxi/rideshare availability in advance. Park entrance fee is $5 for adults (12+) [2, 3, 4].
Walking

Once inside Cheaha State Park, follow Bunker Loop Road to the parking area directly adjacent to the Bunker Observation Tower [14, 22]. The tower is a short walk from the parking lot, though reaching the observation room requires climbing 62 steps [3, 25]. The area around the tower also provides access to picnic tables and a display of an antique sawmill [24].

Discover more about Cheaha State Park Observation Tower

Perched at 2,407 feet above sea level, the Cheaha State Park Observation Tower, also known as Bunker Tower, marks the highest point in Alabama [5, 13]. Constructed in 1934 by the Civilian Conservation Corps (CCC) during the Great Depression, the tower stands as a testament to the enduring spirit of the New Deal era and the state's commitment to conservation [3, 5, 13]. Built with locally sourced Cheaha quartzite, the tower's rustic architectural style evokes a sense of timelessness, reminiscent of a castle or lighthouse [3, 5, 24]. Originally designed as both a sightseeing destination and a wildfire management viewpoint, the tower provided a crucial vantage point for monitoring the surrounding Talladega National Forest [3, 5]. Today, visitors can climb the 62 steps to the observation deck for breathtaking 360-degree views, potentially spotting landmarks as distant as the Atlanta skyline on a clear day [3]. The tower also houses the Civilian Conservation Corps Museum, which showcases artifacts and stories from the CCC workers who built Cheaha State Park [3, 5, 22]. The park itself, established in 1933, is Alabama's oldest state park, offering a diverse landscape of granite boulders, ancient trees, and stunning vistas [2, 3, 5]. Visitors can explore hiking trails, picnic areas, and other attractions, immersing themselves in the natural beauty and rich history of this unique mountain getaway [4, 6, 7].