Cheaha State Park

Campgrounds

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Improved Campgrounds

Upper Improved Campground Map

Lower Improved Campground Map

Because you voted yes on Amendment 2, we were able to remodel both the Upper and Lower Campgrounds. The park has 77 improved campsites including 4 ADA campsites in the Upper and Lower Improved Campgrounds. All campsites have 20, 30, and 50 amp electrical hook-ups with water and sewer hook-ups, picnic table, grill or fire-ring, and access to a bathhouse.

For all campground reservations, guests will be given the gate code for entry. You are welcome to go first to the campground to set up, but please return to the Mountain Store to complete the check-in process as soon as possible. The Store will give you a post pass and vehicle pass.

For guest safety, golf carts, ATVs and other off-road vehicles are not allowed on Cheaha State Park public roadways. Golf carts can be driven INSIDE the campgrounds but not beyond the gate. We do not allow car camping, but hybrid roof-top/attached tents are permitted.

Upper Primitive Campground

Upper Primitive Campground Map

Primitive sites are located along Tower Road, Alabama’s highest point. There are 26 TENT sites available. Each TENT site has a picnic table, fire ring, shared water spigots, and access to public restrooms (no bathhouse or shower amenity in this campground; shower passes for use in Improved Campground bathhouses may be purchased at the Mountain Store for an additional fee). No RVs, campers, or camping vans are allowed. Roof-top tents on vehicles are allowed.

CCC Primitive Campground

CCC Primitive Campground Map

The CCC Campground is on the site where our last Civilian Conservation Corps Co 2420 camped as they built the park. We have 28 rustic TENT sites available. With a tent pad, fire ring, access to a vault toilet, and access to community water spigots (no bathhouse or shower amenity in this campground; shower passes for use in Improved Campground bathhouses may be purchased at the Mountain Store for an additional fee). No RVs, campers, or camping vans are allowed. Roof-top tents are allowed.

Primitive Group Campground

Groups can camp in our private group camping area for tents and hammock camping. There are 5 sites that can accommodate 9 to 25 people per site. Each site has a fire ring and access to a community water spigot (no bathhouse or shower amenity in this campground; shower passes for use in Improved Campground bathhouses may be purchased at the Mountain Store for an additional fee). Our pavilions and bathrooms are not included in the group camping reservation. The lake area is winterized from November 1 to March. No water or restrooms are available from November 1 through March. Vehicles belonging to overnight guests in the group area must have a visitor pass displayed in the windshield. Vehicles that do not have an official pass will be ticketed. Day visitors must pay the park admission fee and display their day pass in the windshield of their vehicle. No RVs, campers or camping vans are allowed. NO roof-top tents allowed (no vehicles in group camp areas).

Pavilions are available to rent from 8am-Sunset (50 people or less) for $72-$120/day. For more information on renting a pavilion email Cheaha.StatePark@dcnr.alabama.gov

See Cheaha's home page for Guest Guides, Park Maps, Insider Tips for Overnight Guests, and Park Regulations

Please contact the Mountain Store at (256) 488-5111 for reservation questions.

Check-in at the Mountain Store for campgrounds begins at Noon.

Check-out of your campsite by 11:00 a.m.

Rules & Regulations:

• Your email reservation confirmation will contain gate codes to enter the campground. You are welcome to set up first at your campsite, but please return to the Mountain Store to complete the check-in process. The Store will issue you a post pass and vehicle pass, which must be displayed while in the Park.
• Full payment is required to make the reservation.
• All cancellations must be made 72 hours prior to the check-in date. If cancellation is made within 72 hours of your check-in date your payment is nonrefundable.
• This fee is based on a 4-person reservation. There will be a $3.00 charge for each additional guest. 8 guest limit per site (except for Group Camp)
• A two-night minimum reservation is required on all weekends.
• A three-night minimum stay is required on Talladega race weekends and all holidays.
• We strive to assign our guests the campsite & campground preferred, but we cannot always guarantee a specific campsite.
• There is a 2-vehicle maximum per site. Over 2 vehicles, there will be a $5.00 charge per vehicle, per night and parking offsite but nearby will be suggested.
• Limit 2 tents per site.
• Car camping is not allowed. Tents attached to cars are allowed in some sites.
• Place the registration card given to you upon check-in on clip located at the front of your campsite, and one in your vehicle during your stay.
• Check-in time is as early as Noon and checkout no later than 11:00 am.
• Pets are welcome but must be kept on a leash (6 feet long or less) at all times. Never leave your pet unattended in any RV, camper or tent for any reason. Pets are not allowed at the beach area, restrooms, and bathhouses.
• Quiet hours are from 10:00 pm to 6:00 am, and are strictly enforced.
• Discounts are unavailable in conjunction with group rates, special packages, and other discounts.
• There is an additional $100.00 cleaning fee for damages, excessive debris or uncleanliness in the campsite, or burning anything other than firewood in the firepit.
• CCC Primitive Campgrounds, Upper Primitive Campgrounds, and Lake Group Campgrounds DO NOT include access to bathhouses or showers. Park guests in these primitive facilities may purchase a shower pass from the Mountain Store for $5 per person. For more information, email Cheaha.StatePark@dcnr.alabama.gov

Hiking

Hiking Trails

Hiking and Biking Trail Map

There are so many benefits to hiking, both mentally and physically. Physically, walking a trail is great exercise, promoting strong muscles and bones, improving your sense of balance, and decreasing your risk of heart and respiratory problems. Mentally, being surrounded by nature, even for short periods of time, can reduce stress, calm anxiety, and help to relieve and reduce depression. Lace up those boots, and begin your journey by putting one foot in front of another on any path you choose. Pick a trail!

-Bald Rock Trail 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 Trail 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 Trail 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.

Shinrin-Yoku (Forest Air Bathing aka Taking in the Forest) Wellness Trail

Location: Mountain Laurel Trail

Forest immersion and ecotherapy with relaxation prompts make this trail a mindful experience that focuses on celebrating the power of nature through interactions such as birdsong, water patterns, deep breathing, meditation, observation of colors and textures, and the search for peace. Shinrin yoku is an ancient practice of allowing the forest atmosphere to improve mental and physical relaxation and well being. This “five sense” experience nurtures heart centered relationships between you and the more than human world of nature. Research has proven that health benefits result from spending time surrounded by trees including reduced stress, lower blood pressure, improved mood, amplified focus, and increased energy.

-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. The trail itself is only a mile long, but it is a very steep descent (or ascent!) of 1000 feet elevation difference.

-Leave No Trace 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?

Tim Haney Sensory Trail 0.5 mi

Location: Leave No Trace Bigfoot Trail

Like the amazing man for which it is named, this trail will inspire thousands of park guests to listen, smell, look, touch, and explore the uniqueness of the Cheaha State Park landscape. As John Burroughs penned, “I go to nature to be soothed and healed, and to have my senses put in order.”

-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.

Park trail maps are sold for $2.00 in the Mountain Store.

Waterfall Trails

There are two seasonal waterfalls inside the state park boundary:

CCC Reservoir Falls (manmade Cheaha Quartzite dam)

Laurel Falls which flows off the vista at the overlook at the end of Laurel Trail

Park entrance fee required (Veterans Free)

There are three waterfalls located just a short distance from the park in the Talladega National Forest.

There may be a USFS parking fee to access these trails. Stop by Cheaha Country Store for a map.

Cheaha Falls (Access from the Turnip Seed Parking Area...hike down Chinnabee Silent Trail)

High Falls (a three-tiered waterfall reached by a moderately difficult trail and accessible by a rock wall

ladder)

Devil's Den (Access from the Lake Chinnabee Recreation Area-Parking lot closed during winter) USFS Parking Fee Required $3.00

Watch our EVENTS Calendar for annual waterfall hikes and tours.

Hiking Tips

-Wear appropriate clothes/ footwear for the season.

-Pack water and snacks in your day pack.

-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!

Leave No Trace Wilderness Ethics

Once upon a time this area was so covered with trees that a man could walk for days through a forest before seeing sunlight. Nature provides resources for us to use and survive, but it is also the home for countless animals and plants.

“Everybody needs beauty as well as bread, places to play in and pray in, where nature may heal and give strength to body and soul alike. “- John Muir

Enjoy the scenic wild spirit of Cheaha, but make sure to leave some wild for others to enjoy!

The 7 Leave No Trace Wilderness Ethics

-Plan Ahead and Prepare

-Travel and Camp on

-Durable Surfaces

-Dispose of Waste Properly

-Leave What You Find

-Minimize Campfire Impacts

-Respect Wildlife

-Be Considerate of Other Visitors

If your child loves nature, Cheaha is the perfect place for your next birthday celebration.

Use the ADCNR Interactive Map to learn more about the Alabama State Parks.

Use this park map to help you make your plans.

Cheaha Trail Map