Alabama is home to an incredible range of state parks that have something to offer adventurers year-round. Our Alabama State Parks Passport series highlights all of the stunning outdoor spaces throughout the state that make for the perfect seasonal getaway. The fifth in our series is Cheaha State Park.

According to Alabama State Parks, “Cheaha Resort State Park, which is located on the southernmost tip of the Appalachian Mountain chain, is the oldest park in Alabama (est. 1933) and is considered by many to be one of the most unique parks in the nation. Imagine 2,799 acres of granite boulders and wind-warped ancient trees at 2,407 feet above sea level, often above the clouds, and surrounded by 392,567 acres of the Talladega National Forest including 7,245 acres of Cheaha Wilderness.”

 

OVERVIEW

“Named by the Native American “Creek” nation in the Muskogee language, “Chaha” means “high place.” Cheaha State Park is truly a magnificent Alabama destination with a cliffside pool, a lake, a dog park, accessible and extreme trails, cultural heritage, and more!”

When visiting Cheaha State Park, you may feel far from the outside world, but the park is only a 30-minute drive from cities such as Anniston, Oxford, Heflin, Talladega, and more. These historic downtown streets are lined with plenty to enjoy from dining and shopping to arts and recreation.

There are three primary ways to arrive at Cheaha State Park. The most scenic of these is along the Talladega Scenic Drive, Highway 281, which is a great option for larger recreational vehicles. Visitors can also access the park by AL Highway 49 which connects with Al Highway 281. Another scenic option is Cheaha Road, County Road 42, from Munford. This road makes its way through the Talladega National Forest. While picturesque, the park notes that this road is not well-suited for large recreational vehicles.

ACCOMMODATIONS

While A-frame chalets, cabins, lodge rooms, and more can be found within the park, Cheaha also offers camping in the park, CCC primitive camping near Cheaha Lake, and primitive camping near the park’s highest point. For larger groups, the historic CCC Bald Rock Lodge offers 12 bedrooms and baths as well as a grand hall suited for reunions, retreats, weddings, and more.

AREA ATTRACTIONS

Cheaha State Park is roughly at a halfway point between Birmingham and Atlanta.  Within a 30-minute drive of Cheaha State Park, visitors can enjoy a number of historic downtown tourism locations including Heflin, Oxford, Ashland, Lineville, Munford, and Talladega.

Many attractions can be found nearby including the following: Talladega National Forest, Pinhoti Trail, Cheaha Wilderness Area, Chief Ladiga Rails to Trails Bike Route, Coldwater Mountain Biking Trails, Historic Downtown Heflin, Wine Tasting Trail, Choccolocco Park, Freedom Riders Park, Oxford Center for the Performing Arts, Talladega Super Speedway, Dale Jarrett Racing Adventure, and historic Kymulga Grist Mill Covered Bridge and Park.

While Cheaha State Park does not have a restaurant within the park, many options for dining can be found within 20 miles. Interested visitors can view this list to find a few local favorites.

THE MOUNTAIN STORE

The Mountain Store can be found at Cheaha and is open daily from 7 a.m. to 9 p.m. offering camp fare, snacks, easy meals, and a microwave for visitor use. Visitors can also utilize grills and picnic tables found throughout the park. If the Park gate is closed, visitors can also pay admission at The Mountain Store.

Find out more about Cheaha State Park here.