The park's Bunker Tower was constructed by the Civilian Conservation Corps in 1933 using local stone.
The name Cheaha is derived from the Muscogee Creek word 'Chaha,' meaning 'high place'.
It is the oldest continuously operating state park in Alabama, opened to the public in 1939.
The park contains the 13-mile Odum Scout Trail, which passes through areas showing evidence of 19th-century gold mining.
The Cheaha Lake dam was built using local quartzite, a signature rock formation of the Cheaha Mountain ridge.
The Bald Rock Boardwalk is ADA-accessible and leads to a cliff-side overlook frequently used for sunrise viewing.
Cheaha State Park encompasses the highest natural point in Alabama at 2,407 feet above sea level within the Talladega National Forest. The park features the Civilian Conservation Corps-built Bunker Tower, which provides a panoramic vantage point of the surrounding Appalachian foothills. Accommodations include a 30-room lodge, 11 modern cabins, and several rustic stone cabins originally constructed during the 1930s. Recreational facilities feature the 6-acre Cheaha Lake, which is fed by natural springs and includes a sandy beach area. Hikers have access to the Pinhoti Trail, a major long-distance route that connects to the Appalachian Trail system. The park occupies a ridge-top position, resulting in significantly cooler temperatures than the surrounding lowlands. Facilities include a restaurant, conference spaces, and multiple campgrounds ranging from primitive to full-hookup sites.
The Bald Rock Boardwalk overlook at dawn.
Bring a light jacket even in summer, as the mountain elevation results in temperatures 10-15 degrees cooler than nearby cities.
Check the park's official website for current road closures on AL-281, as mountain passes can be restricted during severe weather.
Download offline maps, as cellular reception is inconsistent or non-existent in many parts of the forest.
Attempting to hike the steeper trails without adequate water, as elevation changes are strenuous.
Practice 'Leave No Trace' principles; pets must be leashed at all times in public areas.
