Cheaha State Park

The view from Cheaha Mountain on a misty day.

The Civilian Conservation Corps built this stone observation tower atop Cheaha Mountain.

The centerpiece of Cheaha State Park is Mount Cheaha. At 2,407 feet above sea level, it is the highest point in Alabama.

Situated in the rugged highlands of northern Alabama, this 2,799-acre wooded park offers an attractive mix of activities, from hiking up Cheaha to relaxing in a swimming pool.

Five hiking trails, totaling seven miles in length, reveal a diversity of wildlife and panoramic views. There's also a 10-mile (and growing) mountain bike trail, and the park is the halfway point in a 110-mile touring bike race held every May.

Additional trails wind through the surrounding Talladega National Forest, including the Kentuck ORV trail, an ATV trail built and maintained by the National Forest Service.

Spring blossoms include mountain laurel, hydrangea, rhododendron, dogwood and azalea. Fall foliage is also outstanding.

History buffs will want to examine the park's many stone Civilian Conservation Corps structures.

Accommodations include 73 campsites. A wooded primitive camping area can accommodate 75 people. Services include a store, resort lodge and restaurant.

A six-acre lake supports fishing, swimming and paddle boating. Canoes and other non-powered, hand-carried boats are welcome.