Cheaha State Park proudly claims the title of Alabama’s oldest state park and is also home to the state’s highest natural point at 2,407 feet. To sweeten the deal, it conveniently sits midway between Atlanta, Georgia, and Birmingham, Alabama—making it the ultimate pit stop for road trippers traveling I-20.
The three biggest draws for visitors to Cheaha State Park are the geology, the CCC history, and the outdoor recreation possibilities, and I managed to fit all three into my visit.
Cheaha State Park – Know Before You Go
Address: 19644 Highway 281, Delta, Alabama
Hours: Open daily 8 am – dusk. Mountain store: 7 am – 9 pm
Website
Park Admission: $2-$5. If the pay station at the park gate is closed, admission may be paid at the mountain store. You’ll be given a windshield pass and gate code for entrance.
Talladega Scenic Drive
After visiting Alabama’s oldest covered bridge (details below), I headed to Cheaha State Park via the Talladega Scenic Drive (Alabama Highway 281). This well-maintained, wide road meanders through the Talladega National Forest, encircling Mount Cheaha. Just before the park’s entrance, I stumbled upon an overlook that offered a stunning panoramic view.
Bunker Observation Tower – Alabama’s Highest Point
Once I entered the park, my first stop was Bunker Observation Tower. Hand-built by the Civilian Conservation Corps (CCC) in 1935 using Cheaha quartzite, the Tower was originally designed as a sightseeing spot and wildfire management viewpoint. It’s one of only two CCC-constructed stone towers in Alabama, the other being at Flagg Mountain in Weogufka.
Fun Fact: The Cheaha mountain range was once twice as tall as Mount Everest!
Inside Bunker Tower, look for the “X” carved into the stone floor. This survey mark, left by the CCC, indicates Alabama’s highest point. How cool is that?!
If you climb the 62 steps to the observation deck, you’ll get a fantastic panoramic view. On a clear day, you can see the Flagg Mountain Lookout Tower, Talladega Speedway, and even planes taking off from Atlanta’s airport!
Unfortunately, it was super foggy when I visited, so I couldn’t see much more than a white haze. I’m still glad I climbed the tower, but next time, I’ll visit later in the day when the sun has burned off the fog.
Before heading back to my car, I took a moment to check out the TV transmitter tower. Even though it was shrouded in fog, I learned from an exhibit panel that in 1955, Alabama launched the nation’s first educational television network, transmitting right from this tower at Cheaha State Park.
Museums at Cheaha State Park
Visitors can explore two museums: the Civilian Conservation Corps Museum at Bunker Tower and the Walt Farr Native American Relic Museum, located outside the entrance pay station near the store.
The CCC Museum features a collection of tools and items used by CCC workers to build Cheaha State Park. Meanwhile, the Walt Farr Native American Relic Museum showcases arrowheads, knives, and pottery artifacts.
Unfortunately, both museums were closed during my Monday visit. However, if you plan your visit for the weekend, you can expect them to be open. Be sure to check the park’s website for museum hours.
Hiking Trails
There are some wonderful hiking trails in Cheaha State Park. If you only have time for a couple of them, I recommend the Bald Rock Boardwalk Trail (0.3 miles each way and wheelchair accessible) and the Pulpit Rock Trail (0.3 miles each way). Both are out-and-back trails.
Bald Rock Boardwalk Trail (Doug Ghee Accessible Trail)
The Bald Rock Trail (0.3 miles) is an elevated, wheelchair-accessible boardwalk leading to a gorgeous panoramic overlook. There were numerous signs along the way with information about the park’s Native American Creek history, reptiles, mammals, bugs, and more. It’s also a great birding trail.
For those who’d prefer to get off the boardwalk, explore, and climb the rocks on the way to the overlook, exit staircases lead to dirt paths on either side of the boardwalk.
I left the trail at the Old Glory Overlook to visit the Cheaha quartzite vault, a final resting place for the ashes of retired American flags. The vault sits on an east-facing ridge overlooking the valley.
I returned to the boardwalk and walked to the final overlook, where a sign identified the distant mountain peaks. Unfortunately, visibility was still obscured.
Since it was foggy and I couldn’t see much, I decided to get off the trail again and climb the rocks by the Bald Rock marker.
Climbing the rocks sure brought out my inner child again!
Pulpit Rock Trail
The Pulpit Rock Trail (0.3 miles each way) was fantastic! The descent from the top is quite steep until it meets the main trail, so it can be muddy and slippery when wet. I switched to my hiking boots for this hike and realized I probably should have brought my trekking poles too. Despite the rocky and root-covered path, it leveled out quickly, and I managed just fine. (I’m extra cautious since spraining my ankle.)
My biggest surprise was seeing the mountain laurel blooming—what a treat!
The red blazes were easy to follow and led me to a rocky outcropping with a sensational view. The fog had lifted a bit, so the visibility was much better.
Another scenic option is the Rock Garden Trail, accessible via the Lake Trail. Although steeper and longer than the Pulpit Rock Trail, it rewards hikers with beautiful views.
Other trails at the park include the Mountain Laurel Trail, Fisherman’s Trail, Leave No Trace Bigfoot Challenge Trail and Tim Haney Sensory Trail.
Camp or Stay at the Lodge
You can stay overnight in the park by choosing from the lodge, rock cabins, chalets, or campgrounds, which offer both primitive and improved camping options. Overnighters can swim in Alabama’s highest pool!
Pan for Gemstones and Arrowheads
If gem mining is something you’ve always wanted to try, you’re in luck! You can buy bags of gemstone-rich soil at the store and use the water troughs near the entrance to unearth your treasures.
Live the Lake Life
Spend a perfect day at Cheaha Lake swimming, sunbathing, floating, or fishing (requires an AL fishing license). This 6-acre lake, crafted by the CCC, features a beach, playground, picnic area, and floating dock. While motorized boats aren’t allowed, you can easily launch your kayak or canoe for a leisurely paddle.
What’s Nearby: See Alabama’s Oldest Covered Bridge
Coldwater Covered Bridge is located in Oxford Lake Park in Oxford, Alabama, about 20 minutes from Cheaha State Park. It’s right off I-20 at Exit 185. Take a right off the ramp onto State Highway 21 North and take an immediate right onto Recreational Drive, which winds its way to Oxford Lake Park.
It’s such a pretty park with a walking trail and gazebos. It’s a great stretch-your-legs pitstop on I-20 and an ideal place for a picnic.
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