Cheaha State Park
| Cheaha State Park | |
|---|---|
 A view from Cheaha Mountain. | |
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| Type | State Park |
| Location | Clay / Cleburne counties, Alabama, U.S.A. |
| Coordinates | 33°29′8.0874″N 85°48′33.2274″W / 33.485579833°N 85.809229833°WCoordinates: 33°29′8.0874″N 85°48′33.2274″W / 33.485579833°N 85.809229833°W |
| Area | 2,799 acres (1,133 ha) |
| Created | 1933 |
| Operated by | Alabama Department of Conservation and Natural Resources |
Cheaha State Park is a 2,799-acre (1,133 ha) state park in Alabama, located in northern Clay and southwestern Cleburne counties. The park, which is Alabama's oldest continuously operating state park, encompasses Cheaha Mountain, the highest point in the state.[1] Park facilities include a lodge, restaurant, general store, campsites, hiking trails, and other amenities.
History
The park was first opened to the public in 1933, after the state acquired the property. Although it was open, the first six years saw a joint effort by the state and the National Park System that allowed for construction by the Civilian Conservation Corps of Cheaha Lake and its stone bath house, eleven stone cabins, two stone pavilions, Bunker Tower, and the Bald Rock Group Lodge. This first phase of construction was completed in 1939. A new hotel, restaurant, and five chalets were added in 1973. These facilities were restored and renovated in 1997.[1]
Activities and amenities
- Overnight stays: The park has 73 modern campsites that include water, electric, sewer hookup, a picnic table, grill, and bathhouses. It has 11 semi-primitive campsites with picnic tables, grills, and a bathhouse. Cheaha Lodge has 30 hotel rooms with a swimming pool. Accommodations also include chalets and cabins. The stone Bald Rock Group Lodge is used for conferences and weddings.[2]
- Scenic overlooks: Cheaha Mountain is topped with Bunker Tower, a stone building with an observation deck on top. Near the peak, Bald Rock has a wheelchair-accessible wooden walkway that provides an overlook of the surrounding region.
- Hiking: The park features the Cheaha Trailhead of the Pinhoti Trail system which weaves its way through the Talladega National Forest and connects to the Appalachian Trail.[3]
The park also includes day-use areas for picnicking, swimming, and fishing.
References
- ↑ 1.0 1.1 "Cheaha State Park". Alabama State Parks. Alabama Department of Conservation and Natural Resources. Retrieved 2012-11-05.
- ↑ "Bald Rock Conference/Group Lodge". Cheaha State Park. Alabama Department of Conservation and Natural Resources. Retrieved 2012-11-05.
- ↑ "Waterfalls Located in the Talladega National Forest". Cheaha State Park. Alabama Department of Conservation and Natural Resources. Retrieved 2012-11-05.
External links
- Alabama State Parks Alabama Department of Conservation and Natural Resources
- Pinhoti Trail System PureBound.com
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