Cheaha State Park for Highpointers: What to Expect at Alabama’s Highest Peak

Cheaha State Park was our third stop on a whirlwind tour of southern high points in early 2025, and honestly, it surprised us in the best way. From CCC-built stone cabins to mountaintop views and even a glamping tent option, this park had way more going on than we expected. Whether you’re chasing high points like we were, road-tripping through Alabama, or just looking for a chill weekend in the woods, Cheaha is absolutely worth a visit.

About Cheaha State Park

If you’ve never been to Cheaha State Park, it’s one of those places that just feels special the moment you arrive. It’s actually the highest point in Alabama at 2,407 feet, and on some days you’re literally above the clouds. The park sits at the edge of the Appalachian Mountains and is surrounded by the Talladega National Forest, so the views are incredible. You’ll find huge granite boulders, twisted old trees that look like they’ve been through everything, and hiking trails that lead to overlooks that are totally worth the climb.

Cheaha’s been around since 1933, so it’s the oldest state park in Alabama, and you can feel that mix of history and nature when you’re there. It’s super peaceful, not overly developed, and feels like a true escape, yet it’s only about 30 minutes from towns like Oxford, Anniston, and Talladega, so it’s an easy trip if you’re nearby. Whether you want to hike, camp, or just hang out and soak in the views, it’s definitely one of those spots that sticks with you.

How to Visit Cheaha State Park

Address: 19644 Hwy 281, Delta, AL 36258

Website: http://alapark.com/parks/cheaha-state-park

Park Hours: Admission ends 30 minutes before sunset, and all trails and day-use areas close at sunset

Day Admission Fees:

• Ages 0–3: Free
• Ages 4–11: $2
• Ages 12 and older: $5
• Seniors (62+): $2 with ID
• Veterans and Active Military: Free with ID (Parks for Patriots Program)

Annual Passes (Cheaha only):

• Senior & Disability: $55
• Individual (12+): $105
•  Family (up to 6 people): $155

Be sure to plan ahead, especially for sunset visits, as access closes early. Whether you’re exploring trails, taking in the mountaintop views, or just relaxing by the lake, Cheaha is a place where nature’s grandeur speaks for itself.

How to Get to Alabama’s Highest Point

Finding the high point at Cheaha is actually super easy, no major hike required! It’s one of the most accessible state high points in the U.S., which is great if you’re short on time or just want to enjoy the view without a long trek.

Once you enter Cheaha State Park, follow the signs to the Bunker Observation Tower. It’s a stone tower built by the Civilian Conservation Corps in the 1930s, and it sits right at 2,407 feet above sea level- the official highest point in Alabama. You can park right next to it and then climb a short set of stairs to the top of the tower for an even better view.

There’s a sign out front, a USGS marker embedded in the stone outside, and be sure to look for the X carved into the stone of the tower next to the steps for the official high point spot.

Museums at Cheaha State Park

Cheaha isn’t just about hiking and views, it’s also a great place to learn a bit of history and culture while you’re there. The park has three small museums, and each one tells a different story. Whether you’re into local wildlife, the history of the Civilian Conservation Corps, or Native American artifacts, there’s something here to explore beyond the trails. They’re low-key, tucked into different areas of the park, and worth stopping by if you have some time.

Cheaha State Park Interpretive Center

Located in the historic CCC Lake House near the lake area, the Interpretive Center is a relaxing, family-friendly stop. It’s got hands-on nature exhibits, a little environmental education corner, and a classroom space used for programs. Great for kids or anyone curious about local wildlife and ecosystems.

Location: Lake area, inside the historic CCC Lake House

Hours:

• Open (March–November):
• Thursday–Sunday: 10:00 AM – 5:00 PM
• Closed: Monday–Wednesday

Civilian Conservation Corps Museum

This one is located in Bunker Tower, right next to Alabama’s high point. It honors the work of the Civilian Conservation Corps (CCC), the New Deal-era group that helped build much of the park in the 1930s. There are stories, photos, and displays from CCC Companies 465, 468, and 2420.

Location: Inside Bunker Tower

Hours (March 1 – November 30):

• Thursday–Sunday: 9:00 AM – 2:00 PM
• Closed: Monday–Wednesday

Hours (December 1 – February 28):

• Thursday–Sunday: 9:00 AM – Sunset
• Closed: Monday–Wednesday
• Closed: December 25th

Walt Farr Native American Museum

This museum has a cool collection of Native American artifacts, arrowheads, pottery, tools, and more, collected by local historian Walt Farr. It’s located outside the park’s pay gate, right across from the Country Store, so you can swing by even if you’re not heading deep into the park that day.

Location: Across from the Cheaha Country Store, outside the pay gate

Hours (March 1 – November 30):

• Thursday–Sunday: 2:30 PM – 5:30 PM

Hours (December 1 – February 28):

• Thursday–Saturday: 10:00 AM – 5:00 PM
• Sunday: 12:00 PM – 5:00 PM
• Closed: Monday–Wednesday and December 25th

Trails at Cheaha State Park

CCC Driving Tour: Time Traveler Quest

If you’re looking for something fun and low-key to do between hikes (or while giving your legs a break), check out the Time Traveler Quest: CCC Driving Tour at Cheaha. It starts at the Cheaha Mountain Store and takes you on a park-wide adventure that’s all about the natural and cultural history of the area.

You’ll basically be stepping back in time, learning about the Civilian Conservation Corps (CCC), the group that helped build Cheaha back in the 1930s. It’s part driving tour, part scavenger hunt. At each stop, there’s an interpretive panel with a clue. You collect letters along the way on your Quest answer sheet (grab one at the Mountain Store), and once you’ve hit all the stations, you can decode a secret message left behind by the CCC. 

Cheaha Hiking Trails

Within the park itself, there are approximately 11 miles of hiking trails that cater to various skill levels. Some notable trails include:

• Bald Rock and Pulpit Rock Trails for the best views of Alabama
• The Bigfoot Leave No Trace Trail for a unique experience- there are both signs teaching you about LNT and hidden Bigfoot figures

For those seeking a longer adventure, the Cheaha Wilderness 30 Mile Loop is the longest trail in the area, stretching approximately 28.6 miles. This loop is considered challenging and takes an average of over 13 hours to complete. Cheaha is also surrounded by the Talladega National Forest, so the area as a whole is full of nature to explore!

For real, AllTrails+ was a lifesaver at Cheaha. Cell service is spotty in the park, so having offline trail maps made it way easier to stay on track (and way less stressful). If you’re hiking here, definitely download your routes ahead of time.

👉 Grab AllTrails+ here and thank yourself later.

Mountain Biking Trails at Cheaha State Park

Cheaha State Park features a network of mountain biking trails primarily located on the east side of the park. These trails include:

• Cheaha Express: 2.4 miles
• Deer Run: 1.2 miles
• Lower Spring Loop: 0.7 miles
• Upper Spring Loop: 1.2 miles
• Cheaha Run: 0.4 miles

These trails are designed in a “stacked loop” configuration, allowing riders to choose routes that match their skill levels. The terrain is generally rocky with moderate elevation changes, making for an engaging ride. Trails are multi-use, so bikers should yield to hikers.

Other Things to Do at Cheaha

Cheaha isn’t just for hiking, there’s a surprising amount of other stuff to do while you’re here, whether you’re traveling with kids, dogs, or just looking to try something new.

Bosarge Memorial Dog Park

If you’ve got your pup with you, they’ll love the Bosarge Memorial Dog Park. It’s located right across from Bunker Tower and is a great place to let them run off-leash and burn some energy while you take a breather.

Cheaha Lake

Down at Cheaha Lake, you’ll find a cute little swim beach, perfect for cooling off in the warmer months. The 6-acre lake was actually built by the CCC and has a chill, throwback vibe to it. There’s also a playground, a diving platform, fishing spots, and even some hiking trails around the area if you want to explore more.

Rock Climbing & Rappelling

For the more adventurous, rock climbing and rappelling are allowed in designated areas, but it’s a “bring your own gear and guide” situation. You’ll need to sign a waiver at the Mountain Store first, and Cheaha doesn’t provide equipment or instructors, so this one’s definitely for experienced climbers or folks going with a trained guide. Regular day-use fees apply here too.

Playgrounds

There are a couple of playgrounds in the park:

• One near Cheaha Lake Day Use Area
• Another called the Imagination Tree Playground, tucked in between Bunker Tower and the Picnic Trail in the Education Village area.

The Cheaha Mountain Store

The Mountain Store is kind of the hub of the park, definitely worth a stop whether you just rolled in or you’re wrapping up your day. It’s open daily, with hours running 8:00 AM to 7:00 PM (Sunday–Thursday) and a bit later on weekends, 8:00 AM to 9:00 PM (Friday–Saturday). (All times are Central.)

Inside, you’ll find all the essentials: snacks, drinks, basic camping gear, firewood, bug spray, and the kind of odds and ends you might’ve forgotten to pack. They also have souvenirs and park merch, so if you’re into patches, mugs, or trail-themed gear, you’ll be happy here.

The reservation desk is located inside too, so this is your go-to spot for checking in if you’re staying overnight in a cabin, campsite, or the lodge. You can also stop by here to sign waivers for rock climbing or rappelling, grab your Time Traveler Quest answer sheet for the CCC Driving Tour, or just ask the super helpful staff about trail conditions or where to catch the best sunset.

Staying at Cheaha: From Tents to Chalets

Cheaha has a little bit of everything when it comes to places to stay, whether you’re into roughing it in a tent, want a cozy cabin with a fireplace, or you’re showing up with zero gear and just want a glamping tent with a coffee maker (yep, that’s a thing here). From old-school CCC-built cabins to new luxury glamping setups, there’s a spot for pretty much every kind of camper or non-camper.

 Camping

Improved Campgrounds (Upper & Lower):

• 77 sites, including 4 ADA accessible
• 20/30/50 amp hookups, water, and sewer
• Recently remodeled with nice bathhouses
• Each site has a picnic table and a grill or fire ring
• You’ll get a gate code for after-hours entry

Upper Primitive Campground:

• 26 tent-only sites (no RVs, vans, or car campers allowed)
• Picnic table, fire ring, shared water spigot
• Access to restrooms, but no showers unless you purchase a bathhouse pass from the improved campground

CCC Primitive Campground:

• 28 rustic tent sites with a tent pad, fire ring, and vault toilet
• Same deal—buy a pass if you want access to the bathhouse

Primitive Group Campground:

• 5 sites, each one can hold 9–25 people
• Great for scout troops, group trips, or big family campouts

Cabins & Chalets

Chalets (A-Frame Style):

• 5 total; each one has 2 bedrooms with queen beds, a living room, kitchen, bathroom, and TV
• Chalets 12–15 are pet-friendly ($30 extra per night)
• Chalet 11 is ADA certified and both 11 & 15 are easier to access without stairs

Cabins (CCC-Built & Bluff Side):

• Historic stone cabins built in the 1930s, super charming but be warned: the original rockwork can occasionally leak during big storms
• Gas log fireplaces and a whole lot of character
• Cabins 2, 4, 8, 10, and 16 are pet-friendly ($30/night)

Bluff Side Cabins (Cabins 1–4):

• Queen bed in a cozy open floor plan with kitchen, living room, bathroom, and TV
• Great for couples- sleeps 2

Historic Cabin (Cabin #16):

• Also known as the Museum Cabin
• One bedroom with a queen bed, sitting/dining area, bathroom, mini fridge, and microwave
• Sleeps 2

4-Capacity Cabins (Cabins 7–10):

• Semi-open layout with two queen beds, full kitchen, bathroom, and TV
• Sleeps up to 4

Deluxe Cabins (Cabins 5 & 6):

• One queen bed, sitting area, full kitchen, bathroom with whirlpool tub, and TV
• Sleeps 2

 Bald Rock Group Lodge

• 12 rooms that sleep up to 31 people total
• Includes a full kitchen, banquet hall, and a lounge area
• Great for weddings, retreats, reunions, or any big group getaway

Timberline Glamping at Cheaha

Want to camp without sacrificing comfort? Timberline Glamping is your answer. They’ve got deluxe safari tents that bring serious luxury into the woods.

• 240 sq. ft. tents with two queen beds, AC/heat, outlets, mini fridge, and coffee maker
• Larger options include a 400 sq. ft. tent with a king bed, or a family setup with a king + bunk beds
• Rates run around $85–$107 per night

Cheaha Hotel

And if none of that fits what you’re looking for- hang tight. Cheaha is building a brand-new hotel, funded through a 2022 state bond vote. It’s expected to open spring 2026.

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