Cheaha State Park

Alabama offers locals and visitors plenty of places where you can relax and commune with nature. Cheaha State Park boasts of a unique camping and hiking options, so you need not look any further. The Cheaha State Park is blessed with high elevations, and it is a scenic place where you can spend a day or stay over the weekend in the woods. 

Cheaha is an Indian word that means “high place.” It is an appropriate name considering that it is the highest in the state at more than 2,000 feet above sea level. Campers and hikers in the Cheaha State Park have a unique experience because they are more than a couple of thousand feet above the terrain. 

The incredible 360-degree view is something to behold. The state park is in the Talladega National Forest, and it is complete with waterfalls, rock climbing opportunities, endless trails, gem mine and as mentioned before, fantastic views. The majority of the structures in the park were made in the 1930s by the Civilian Conservation Corporation. 

There are traces of their art and masonry everywhere at the Cheaha State Park, from the observation tower, the stone lodge, pavilions, and cabins. Some of the activities which many visitors enjoy are rock climbing and repelling. The Rock Gardens and Pulpit Rock Trails are highly sought after. 

There is a human-made lake which offers swimming. The beach includes a diving platform, paddle boats, and a playground. There are various places to hike with multiple levels of difficulty from stroller and wheelchair accessible trails. There are moderate trails for those looking for a little bit of challenge, and difficult multi-directional trails for hikers who have a lot of experience. 

The best thing is you can take Spike on a long walk with you at the Cheaha State Park. Not only do you get to have an adventure, but you also get to have it with your four-legged best friend too! Another addition to the Cheaha State Park is the Pinhoti Mineral and Gem Mining Company, where visitors can purchase a gem bag at the County Store. 

Brochures are available so that visitors can identify the fossils, minerals, and gems available. Those who would like to stay overnight at the Cheaha State Park need to pay $14 for primitive camping, $22 for improved campgrounds, and a day use fee of $4. Leashed pets are welcome at the pet-friendly chalets for an additional payment of $16.50 per pet per night.