Cheaha State Park

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Cheaha State Park
Alabama4.jpg
Bunker Tower
Map showing the location of Cheaha State Park
Map showing the location of Cheaha State Park
Location in Alabama
LocationClay, Cleburne, Alabama, United States
Coordinates33°28′28″N 85°48′35″W / 33.47444°N 85.80972°W / 33.47444; -85.80972Coordinates: 33°28′28″N 85°48′35″W / 33.47444°N 85.80972°W / 33.47444; -85.80972[1]
Area2,799 acres (11.33 km2)
Elevation2,116 ft (645 m)[1]
Established1933
OperatorAlabama Department of Conservation and Natural Resources
WebsiteCheaha State Park

Cheaha State Park is a publicly owned recreation area located in northern Clay and southwestern Cleburne counties in Alabama, USA. The park's 2,799 acres (1,133 ha) include Cheaha Mountain, the highest point in the state. The park adjoins Talladega National Forest and is managed by the Alabama Department of Conservation and Natural Resources. It is Alabama's oldest continuously operating state park.[2] Facilities include lodgings, a restaurant, campsites, and hiking trails.[3]

Map Highlighting the Park's Boundaries.

History[]

The park opened to the public in 1933. From 1933 to 1939, the Civilian Conservation Corps was active in the park creating Cheaha Lake and building numerous structures including a stone bathhouse, eleven stone cabins, two stone pavilions, Bunker Tower, the Bald Rock Group Lodge, and several hiking trails.[4] A hotel, restaurant, and five chalets were added to the park in 1973.[2]

In 2020, the park's Doug Ghee Accessible Trail was named a National Recreation Trail.[5]

Awards[]

In September 2020, Cheaha State Park was one of eleven Alabama State Parks awarded Tripadvisor’s Traveler’s Choice Award, which recognizes businesses and attractions that earn consistently high user reviews.[6]

Activities and amenities[]

  • Day-use: The park has day-use areas for picnicking, swimming, and fishing.
  • Scenic overlooks: Cheaha Mountain is topped with Bunker Tower, a stone building with an observation deck on top. A wheelchair-accessible wooden walkway on the Bald Rock Trail provides another overlook of the surrounding region.[7]
  • Hiking: The park features the Cheaha Trailhead of the Pinhoti Trail system which weaves through the Talladega National Forest and connects to the Appalachian Trail.[8]
  • Overnight stays: The park has 73 modern campsites and a smaller number of semi-primitive campsites. Accommodations also include a 30-room hotel, chalets, and cabins.[3] The Bald Rock Group Lodge is used for conferences and weddings.[9]

References[]

  1. ^ a b "Cheaha State Park". Geographic Names Information System. United States Geological Survey.
  2. ^ a b Ress, Thomas V. (August 11, 2015). "Cheaha State Park". Encyclopedia of Alabama. Alabama Humanities Foundation. Retrieved January 18, 2016.
  3. ^ a b "Cheaha State Park". Alabama State Parks. Alabama Department of Conservation and Natural Resources. Retrieved January 18, 2016.
  4. ^ "Self-Guided Tour of CCC Buildings: Cheaha State Park". Alabama State Parks. Alabama Department of Conservation and Natural Resources. Retrieved January 18, 2016.
  5. ^ "Doug Ghee Accessible Trail (Bald Rock Boardwalk)". National Recreation Trail Database. American Trails. Retrieved February 5, 2021.
  6. ^ "TRIP ADVISOR AWARDS 2020". Official Web site of Alabama Department of Conservation and Natural Resources. Alabama Department of Conservation and Natural Resources. 3 September 2020. Retrieved 4 September 2020.
  7. ^ "Hiking Trails: Cheaha State Park". Alabama State Parks. Alabama Department of Conservation and Natural Resources. Retrieved January 18, 2016.
  8. ^ "Pinhoti Trailheads / Sections". Pinhoti Trail Alliance. Retrieved January 18, 2016.
  9. ^ "Bald Rock Lodge: Cheaha State Park". Alabama State Parks. Alabama Department of Conservation and Natural Resources. Retrieved January 18, 2016.

External links[]

See also[]

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