Cheaha State Park

Take a trip to the highest point in Alabama. At 2,407 feet above sea level, Cheaha Resort State Park located on top of Cheaha Mountain has breathtaking views and fun recreational activities. This 2,799-acre mountaintop retreat offers visitors a little bit of everything. From quiet surroundings and accommodations to a magnificent lodge that can be used for family and group functions. Named by the Creek Indians “Chaha” meaning high place, Cheaha Resort State Park is truly a magnificent Alabama destination.

Fishing

Nestled at the foot of Cheaha Mountain, you will find Lake Cheaha. Hand dug by the CCC (Civilian Conservation Corps), this six-acre lake offers some of the best recreational bass and bluegill fishing in the immediate area. Located three miles from Cheaha Hotel, and across the street from the lower campgrounds, families can enjoy picnics, fishing, sunning, swimming, and paddle boats. A day-use admission fee is charged to enter the park. (Overnight guests may fish and access all of the lake’s amenities at no charge.) However, Alabama Law requires that all eligible anglers 16 years of age and older have in their possession a valid State of Alabama Fishing License. These may be purchased online.

Other Area Fishing Attractions:

Lake Chinnabee, located just few miles outside of the park
Clay County Lake, located one mile west of Delta, AL on State Lake Road
Due to the size of our lake, we only allow hand-launched boats and electric motors.
Paddle Boats are available for rental between Memorial Day & Labor Day.

Our Jon Boat is currently available for rental. All boaters must wear life jackets.

For more information, contact the Country Store at 1-800-846-2654 or 1-800-610-5801.

Camping & Lodging

Hotel
Cabins
Chalets
Group Primitive Campground
Improved Campgrounds
Semi-Primitive Campground
Primitive Campground
Pet Friendly Facilities
Bald Rock Group Lodge

Hiking Trails

Hiking Tips

-Wear appropriate clothes/ footwear for the season. Tennis shoes & hiking boots are recommended no matter what terrain.

-Pack  water and snacks in your day pack.

-Be informed. Whether it is just taking a trail map or asking for directions, it is important to 'know before you go'. It is also important to consider your limits when it comes to the physical aspect of the trails.

-Stay on the trail.

-The trails close when the sun sets, so make sure you give yourself  enough time to finish your hike.

-Watch your step. There are many rocks, roots and stumps that line our mountainous terrain.

-Have fun exploring the beauty of Cheaha State Park!

Hiking/Biking Trails

There are 5 trails on the east side of the park that were created as bike trails. Hikers are also welcome on these trails, but they need to yield to mountain bikers. The trails that you will encounter on the east side include: Cheaha Express, Deer Run, Lower Spring Loop, Upper Spring Loop, and Cheaha Run. This unique trail system showcases a view that is only visible on these trails. They also cross and parallel crisp mountain springs. Enjoy a brisk hike or ride on this stretch of trail.

Hiking Trails

-Bald Rock 0.3 mi

There are 2 paths that lead out to Bald Rock Outlook, a boardwalk and a dirt trail on either side of the boardwalk. We invite all to bask in the beauty of nature at Bald Rock Outlook.

-Pulpit Rock 0.3 mi

 This trail has some steep terrain, but it takes you to a beautiful scenic outlook. Pulpit Rock is a popular rappelling area. Rappelling/rock climbing is only permissible in the park with a permit. For more information or to obtain a permit, go to the Cheaha State Park Country Store.

-Mountain Laurel 1.4 mi

 The Mountain Laurel Trail wanders along a streambank in a beautiful laurel thicket out to Rock Garden Outlook. This outlook showcases the beauty of Talladega National Forest, and has very few man made structures within view.

-Lake Trail  1.0 mi

The Lake Trail connects Cheaha Lake to Rock Garden. This trail is very steep and rugged. It is a fun and challenging trail, but make sure you have proper footwear for tackling this trail.

-LNT Bigfoot Trail 0.5 mi

The Leave No Trace Bigfoot Challenge Trail connects the CSP Motel to the highest point in Alabama. As you climb to the highest point, you have a chance to learn how to help us take care of the woods. There are LNT teaching signs scattered along the trail. There are also Bigfoot Cutouts scattered along the trail. How many Bigfoot will you see?

-Fisherman's Trail 0.6 mi

The Fisherman’s Trail wraps around Cheaha Lake. This is a nice trail for finding the right fishing hole, exploring the park, or enveloping yourself in nature.

Mountain Bike Trails

There are any number of ways to ride the mountain bike trails on Cheaha. One excellent way is to start from the entrance gate trail head.  The Cheaha Express trail has yellow blazes marking it. Ride about 0.4 miles to the start of the Deer Run trail with purple blazes. Ride Deer Run to its junction with the Lower Spring Loop, which has blue blazes. This will be about 1.2 miles with a hard climb just before it joins Lower Spring Loop. A right turn on Lower Loop is the easiest ride. The left is a hard climb. Following the trail on the right will join Upper Spring Loop with green blazes. Take the left turn. You will pass through thick mountain laurel stands and might think you were on a trail at Tsali. Follow the Upper Loop past the other junction with Lower Loop to the junction with Mountain Express and yellow blazes. Take the right to where the Upper Spring Loop leaves it and turn right on Upper Spring Loop. This part of the Upper Loop is excellent. It has some pretty fast single track and neat laurel thickets. If you want to ride all of every trail, ride to the junction with the section of Lower Loop you did not come up. Ride down it. Come back up Lower Loop as you did before. Ride Upper Spring Loop to its junction with Mt. Express. Ride Mt Express North to its end. There is a small loop on Mt. Express that can be ridden also. There is an upper trail head past the loop. Take the Cheaha Express Mountain Bike Trail back to the trail head and parking area. You can of course return on the paved roads in the park. It is down hill all the way to the entrance on the road. If you are looking at a map I believe this description will make sense. These trails are rough and rocky in places and smooth in others. It is a good combination of challenging and fast single track.

Swimming

Lodge Swimming Pool

​Our lodge has an olympic size pool available to all over night guests. This pool has a view like no other, filled with cold mountain spring water..... you will feel the heat of summer leave you!

Day visitors to Cheaha State Park must use Cheaha Lake to swim and pay day use fee.

The pool is open 8:00 a.m.-9:00 p.m. beginning on Memorial Day, and ending on Labor Day. (After Labor Day guests can use the lake for swimming)  The swimming pool is located across the street from the Lodge, and next to the restaurant. Guests must provide their own beach towels.  The shallow end of our pool is 3-ft, and the deepest end is 9-ft deep. Our pool has a view that will take your breath away! The cool mountain water on a hot summer day is the perfect way to relax and enjoy the nature surrounding you.

Cheaha Lake

Take a swim and cool down in Cheaha Lake. Surround yourself in its cold mountain water. Relax on the beach and watch the kids have fun in the sun. This 6-acre man made lake (hand dug by the Civilian Conservation Corp) has its own playground, beach, diving platform and paddle boats.  The swimming area generally opens for swimming and boating on Mother's Day weekend. Guests must provide their own beach towels.

Picnic Areas

Spread a blanket in the field near Cheaha Lake, or claim a picnic table near the highest point.  Cheaha State Park has a "mountain" of reasons to enjoy a picnic with your family!

The Picnic Trail is located on top of the mountain near the CCC Observation Tower. There are several tables near the playground. Many people enjoy a picnic on the rocks close by the playground.

This area has two pavilions that you can reserve for your group by calling 256-488-5115 or email our Sales Department

Playground

Our playground is located at Cheaha Lake. It is well shaded, surrounded by several picnic tables with barbecue grills, and within walking distance of the Lower Improved Campground and Primitive Campground. This is the perfect setting for a day of adventure with your little ones.

There is also a play area located within walking distance of the Upper Improved Campground & Semi-Primitive Campground. It has swings and picnic tables. Order to go for a delicious picnic from Vista Cliffside Restaurant.

Our playground is located at Cheaha Lake. It is well shaded, surrounded by several picnic tables with barbecue grills, and within walking distance of the Lower Improved Campground and Primitive Campground. This is the perfect setting for a day of adventure with your little ones.

There is also a play area located within walking distance of the Upper Improved Campground & Semi-Primitive Campground. It has swings and picnic tables. Order to go for a delicious picnic from Vista Cliffside Restaurant.