Stand on the Top of Alabama
At 2,407 feet, Cheaha is the highest ground in the state, and the stone observation tower on the summit — built by the Civilian Conservation Corps in the 1930s out of local sandstone — lets you climb even higher for a view across the Talladega National Forest to the horizon. The Pinhoti Trail, the southern feeder to the Appalachian Trail, runs the ridge right through here.
| Cost | ~$5 park entry |
|---|---|
| Time needed | 2–3 hours |
| Best season | year-round; October for foliage, clear winter days for the longest views |
| Where | Delta · East Alabama |
Common questions
When's the best time to visit Mount Cheaha, Cheaha State Park?
Best season: year-round; October for foliage, clear winter days for the longest views.
How much does it cost?
~$5 park entry. Prices drift — confirm before you go.
How long should I plan for?
Plan for about 2–3 hours.
Is it actually worth the trip?
Our rating: Non-negotiable. If you're going to stand on top of one thing in this state before you go, make it the whole state.
One of 120 in Kick the Bucket List: Alabama
The full book is 120 checkable picks like this one — with a Bucket Rating on every entry telling you what's worth the drive and what to skip. A keepsake you fill in and score.
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Non-negotiableVerified 2026-07. Prices and hours change — confirm before you drive. Something wrong? Tell us.