145 miles southwest from downtown Chattanooga, Cheaha State Park is located in Delta, Alabama.WHY WE LOVE IT
Part of the Pinhoti Trail System, Cheaha State Park features a network of trails for hiking and biking through this 2,799-acre preserve, located in northern Clay and southwestern Cleburne counties. Adjacent to Talladega National Forest, the park surrounds Cheaha Mountain, the highest point in Alabama.
The highest point within the park is marked with Bunker Tower, a stone building with an observation deck on top. Near the peak is Bald Rock, which was recently improved with a wheelchair-accessible wooden walkway that provides an overlook of the surrounding region.
WHAT TO EXPECT
Accommodations at the park range from a lodge to modern and primitive campsites. In addition to the Cheaha Mountain Express Bike Trail and many hiking-only trails, the park features waterfalls and fishing.
The 7th annual Mount Cheaha 50K UltraMarathon Race is scheduled for Feb. 25.HIKING TRAILS
- Bald Rock Boardwalk Trail: One-quarter-mile in length, this interpretive trail terminates in a scenic overlook from where views stretch halfway to Birmingham.
- Pulpit Rock Trail: A moderate hike, Pulpit Rock is a quartzite rock facing where many guests rappel or just take in the view.
- Rock Garden and Lake Trail: The lake trail provides more than a 1,000-foot elevation change in the first 1/2 mile of the trail.
POPULAR ATTRACTIONS
- Walt Farr Indian Relic Museum Opened in September 2011, this on-site museum features Native American artifacts from a local collector.
- Anniston Museum of Natural History (annistonmuseum.org) A short drive from Cheaha, explore the wilds of Africa, the wonders of the North American wilderness and the mysteries of 2,000-year-old mummies in the museum's seven exhibit halls.