Surrounded completely by the Talladega National Forest and wearing the badge of being the Highest point in Alabama is the Cheaha State Park. Located 2,407 feet above sea level on Cheaha Mountain this is one of those “must-see” paces if you are in and around this gorgeous part of Alabama.
Cheaha is not just a place to visit for locals or a spot to stop and check out as you are passing through. It is a destination in itself. We meet people from all over who come here on vacation. Looking for some beautiful sunsets and great walking trails lead them to check out our beautiful state treasure. It is also my favorite Alabama State Park.
Hiking in Cheaha State Park
Cheaha Mountain has so many amazing hiking trails. There is the Bald Rock trail which is a boardwalk and wheelchair accessible. With several shaded resting spots on the way to the look-out It really is a trail for all abilities. There are several opportunities to get off the trail and onto the slightly more rugged foot path out to Bald Rock. The Pinhoti trail can take you down to the beautiful Pine Glen Campground or you can take it to Sylacauga, Alabama. The waterfalls along the trails are incredible and you don’t want to miss those. You can take the hike to Rock Gardens or Pulpit rock and watch a sunset that you will never forget. There is the Pinhoti 100 (My husband took part in this endurance race) that takes place in November every year; the 100 mile foot race begins at Pine Glen and comes up and over the Cheaha Mountain and ends in Sylacauga.
Overnight Stays
When you come to Cheaha, make sure you pack some clothes (if you run out of the overnight necessities you can pick up most of those in the general store). There are so many accommodations in the park. You can stay in a hotel, rent a chalet, or a cabin. For larger events you can rent the beautiful Bald Rock lodge consists of 12 bedrooms and bathrooms, a large kitchen, and dining room. It is located next to the Bald Rock trail entrance and would be a perfect spot for a company meeting or family reunions. The lodge has a fantastic outdoor seating area and will certainly be a hit with everyone in your group. We have stayed in a chalet, and were pleased with the accommodations. Staying in this park just doesn’t come with a bad view.
Camping at Cheaha State Park
The Upper Campground is located on the top of the mountain near the chapel and has back in as well as pull-through spots. There is one bath house centrally located inside the camping area. We stayed here on our last visit and were excited to see the deer walking so close to our camp site. Each site has water, sewer, electric, picnic table and grill.
The lower campground is another improved campground located near the Cheaha Lake. All sites are equipped with water, sewer, electric, picnic table, and a grill.
There are semi-primitive camping spots near the tower that have picnic table, fire ring and are close to water spickets.
Primitive camping is located near Cheaha Lake and has a fire ring at each spot and a community water spicket. (We stayed here on my daughter’s first camping trip. We are accustomed to primitive camping, and it was enjoyable… but prefer the upper campground now!)
Things to do:
Native American Relic Museum located just prior to entering the park.
Picnic; there are picnic tables & grills located throughout the park that provide you with a perfect spot to enjoy the scenery and a snack.
There is a restaurant with killer views.
Mountain Bike Trail
Swimming; There is a pool near the hotel, and you can also swim in Cheaha Lake.
In the summer you can rent paddle boats at the lake.
Pavilion Rentals
Gem Mining
Rapelling and rock climbing
Make sure you follow Cheaha’s Facebook Page and keep up to date with the many activities that they have. We have been to an Easter egg hunt, a Pioneer Day, Wild Wednesday (an event in the summer for kids), and so many more. The events are generally free with paid park admission. My kids have learned so much from their free events at the park.
When you are heading up to Cheaha make sure you 1) have a full tank of gas, it takes quite a bit more gas to get up that mountain than you may anticpate… there are no gas stations for miles and while the store does sometimes have gas you don’t want to take that chance. 2) prepare for no cell phone service; despite being the highest point in Alabama and likely being surrounded by cell phone towers, some of the spots in the park just don’t have good cell phone receiption. 3) even if you aren’t sure if you want to stay the night; pack a bag. When you get there you are NOT going to want to leave!
Growing up near Cheaha I remember countless trips here as a kid. We would drive up for family picnics and spend the day touring the tower, playing on the playground, and of course hiking out to Bald Rock. Now my kids are the ones making beautiful childhood memories of one of my favorite places in all the world. With amazing sunsets, wildlife at every corner, trails for every ability, and waterfalls that take your breath away you don’t want to miss out on all that Cheaha has in store for your family!
Other Alabama State Parks we love:
Trackbacks/Pingbacks