Cheaha Mountain, at 2,407 feet above sea level, is the highest point in Alabama and sits within Cheaha State Park in the Talladega National Forest of east-central Alabama. The Summit Trail is a short but rewarding walk of approximately 0.5 miles round trip from the summit parking area to the observation tower and rocky peak, gaining around 200 feet of elevation through mixed hardwood and pine forest.
Trailhead access is via Alabama State Route 281, which winds through the Talladega National Forest to the park's summit complex. A state park entrance fee of $4 per vehicle is collected at the gate. Ample paved parking is available in the summit lot. No additional permits are required. The park restaurant, gift shop, and restrooms are all accessible near the parking area.
The trail surface is a mix of compacted gravel and exposed quartzite rock outcrops typical of the Appalachian foothills. Rocky sections near the summit require careful foot placement but no technical scrambling. The Bald Rock overlook, reachable via a short boardwalk detour from the summit lot, provides sweeping views to the south without any climbing. The main summit features Bunker Tower, a stone observation tower built by the Civilian Conservation Corps in the 1930s; the tower is open during park hours and adds approximately 40 feet of elevation for panoramic views spanning multiple states on clear days.
Shade is consistent through the forested lower portion of the route, giving way to exposed quartzite near the peak. Water is available at the park restaurant and chalets near the summit parking area rather than on the trail itself. No backcountry shelters are present on this short route. Longer hikes originate from the same parking area, including the Pinhoti Trail connector and the Cave Creek Trail, providing options for those seeking additional distance. Weather changes rapidly at elevation in Alabama's Appalachian ridges; afternoon thunderstorms are common from May through September, making morning starts advisable.
Trail facts
- Trail area
- Delta (Cheaha State Park)
- Best season
- October for fall foliage panoramas; any season
What to bring
- Comfortable shoes
- Water
- Camera
Location
19644 AL-281, Delta, AL 36258
33.4857, -85.8096 View on map
Highlights
- Standing at Alabama's highest point — 2,407 feet above sea level in the Talladega National Forest
- Bunker Tower, a CCC-built stone observation tower with multi-state views on clear days
- Bald Rock boardwalk overlook offering panoramic southern views without any climbing
- Trailhead access to the long-distance Pinhoti Trail through the Appalachian foothills
- Mixed hardwood and quartzite forest ecosystem supporting diverse bird and wildlife populations
Tips for visiting
- Start early — afternoon thunderstorms are common from May through September at summit elevation
- Pay the $4 vehicle entrance fee at the park gate before proceeding to summit parking
- Bring a light jacket even in summer — summit temperatures run 5-10°F cooler than the valley
- The Bald Rock boardwalk is a quick detour for non-hikers or those with limited mobility in the group
- October delivers the best fall foliage panoramas from the Bunker Tower observation deck
When to visit
October is peak season for fall foliage panoramas from the summit tower, with mild temperatures and low humidity making the short climb very enjoyable. Spring (March-April) offers wildflowers and comfortable conditions; summer visits should target mornings to avoid afternoon thunderstorm activity common at elevation.
Accessibility
The summit parking area is paved and accessible. A paved path and short boardwalk lead to the Bald Rock overlook with no steps, making that viewpoint wheelchair-friendly. The main Summit Trail involves uneven quartzite rock near the peak and is not suitable for standard wheelchairs or strollers.
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Frequently asked questions
How difficult is the Cheaha Mountain Summit Trail?
The trail is easy to moderate — short at 0.5 miles round trip with 200 feet of gain. The exposed quartzite near the summit requires steady footing, but most fit adults complete the walk in under an hour.
Is the observation tower open to the public?
Bunker Tower at the summit is open during Cheaha State Park's operating hours. No additional fee is charged beyond the park entrance fee.
Can the trail be extended for a longer hike?
Yes. The Pinhoti Trail, a 335-mile long-distance path running from Alabama into Georgia, passes through Cheaha State Park. Several additional miles of ridge-top trails can be accessed from the summit parking area.
Is camping available near the trailhead?
Cheaha State Park offers developed campsites, RV hookups, and mountain chalets available for nightly rental. Reservations are recommended for weekends and fall foliage season.
What is the elevation gain on the Summit Trail?
The paved parking lot sits very close to the summit, and the trail gains approximately 200 feet over 0.25 miles to the base of the observation tower, which adds another 40 feet to the overall high point.