Cheaha Mountain – Alabama’s Highpoint
Located in Delta Alabama, this great state’s highpoint can be found within Cheaha State Park. At 2,407 feet above sea level, Alabama’s highpoint features a stone observation tower which is open to the public and offers stunning views of the surrounding Talladega National Forest.
The observation tower, also known as Bunker Tower, was built in 1934 by the Civilian Conservation Corps (CCC), part of President Franklin Roosevelt’s New Deal Program designed to create jobs during the depression era. The CCC Bunker Tower also houses a museum featuring artifacts used by the Civilian Conservation Corps during the park’s construction.
Alabama’s highpoint truly feels like a summit. Cheaha Mountain derives its name from the Native American Creek Nation. Quite appropriately, Cheaha – or chaha, means “high place”. The breathtaking views throughout the park bear witness to its namesake.
Alabama’s Oldest State Park
Checking Alabama’s highpoint off your list comes with a bonus – you get to check Alabama’s oldest state park off your list as well. Established in 1933, and comprising 2,799 acres, Cheaha State Park is an exceptionally beautiful park with that “back in the day feel”. Exploring the mountain-top park, you can almost picture the silver glint of Airstream campers pulled by Woodie station wagons full of weekend adventurers. With its stone cabins and quaint little park store, Cheaha State Park is a nostalgic reminder of a bygone era.
Take a Hike – or two.
There are several hiking trails in and around Cheaha State Park for hikers of all skill levels. The two most prominent trails are Bald Rock Trail and Pulpit Rock Trail. Both of these trails culminate with a spectacular view of the Talladega National Forest.
Bald Rock Trail
Bald Rock is an accessible .5-mile out and back trail that features a boardwalk. You can opt to hike alongside the boardwalk on an easy trail with scattered boulders, or you can simply stroll along the boardwalk. Either option leads to the same destination – an amazing overlook.
Pulpit Rock Trail
Wow is the only word I can think of to describe the view that awaits at the end of Pulpit Rock Trail. Rated as an easy trail by AllTrails.com, this .6-mile out and back trail is not without its challenges. The hike out is mostly a downhill trek, with the reward being an unadulterated view of forestland for as far as the eye can see.
Sunset is definitely the time to go – you won’t be disappointed. It’s a place where heaven kisses earth. The price of this experience is paid on the hike back – that downhill descent becomes an uphill scramble. Being less than fit, I found it to be a bit of a challenge. If hiking out for the sunset view, allow yourself enough time to get out of the woods before dark. Or pack a headlamp, the trail is very rocky.
Feel like walking to Maine?
If boasting Alabama’s highest elevation and oldest state park weren’t enough, Cheaha Mountain is also the southernmost tip of the Appalachian Mountain chain. The nearby Pinhoti Trail continues for approximately 100 miles to North Georgia where it meets the Benton MacKaye Trail. This trail in turn connects to the famous Appalachian Trail. If the 2,193 miles and 14 states covered by the Appalachian Trail isn’t enough – you can always start your trek at Cheaha Mountain.
A highpoint to hang out at.
Many of the U.S. State highpoints, such as Florida’s Britton Hill at just 345 feet, are barely recognizable as highpoints at all. These “lesser” highpoints offer little more than a sign marking their significance. Compared to these, Alabama’s Cheaha Mountain is a highpoint you will enjoy hanging out at.
