AL

Alabama Highpoint

Cheaha Mountain

2,407 ft · Cheaha State Park · Talladega Mountains

Drive-up

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Cheaha Mountain summit

The summit pin marks the highest-point area on Cheaha Mountain beside Bunker Observation Tower. Parking is immediately adjacent to the developed summit area, so a separate access marker would nearly overlap the summit marker.

USGS-derived Cheaha Mountain summit location

Standard route

Bunker Observation Tower / Highest Point

Drive into Cheaha State Park to the developed summit area near Bunker Observation Tower. From the summit-area parking, only a very short walk is required to reach Alabama's highest-point area and the historic observation tower.

Distance

Very short walk

Elevation gain

Minimal

Route

Drive-up / short walk

Difficulty

Easy

Trailhead

Bunker Observation Tower summit area

Typical hazards: Summer heat and humidity, thunderstorms, fog, rain, and occasional winter ice can affect travel even though the highpoint itself requires little walking.

This is not a traditional summit hike. Cheaha State Park's official map places Bunker Observation Tower and Alabama's highest point together in the developed upper park.

Cheaha State Park: guest guide and park map

Alternative routes

Leave No Trace Bigfoot Trail

For visitors who want to reach the highpoint on foot, the Leave No Trace Bigfoot Trail connects the Cheaha State Park motel area with Alabama's highest point.

The park lists the Bigfoot Trail as 0.5 mile one way and identifies the highest point as its destination.

Cheaha State Park: hiking

Access

Cheaha State Park summit area

The highpoint is inside Cheaha State Park and can be reached by road. The park recommends Alabama Highway 281 / Talladega Scenic Drive for the main approach from the north and east.

Park address19644 Hwy 281, Delta, AL 36258
Adult day-use admission$5 · age 12 and older
Child admission$2 · ages 4–11
Senior admission$2 · age 62 and older
Young childrenFree · age 0–3
MilitaryVeterans and active military free with ID

Parking is available beside the summit area.

The official park map shows parking immediately around the Bunker Observation Tower and highest-point area. Busy weekends and events can increase traffic, so follow current park signs when arriving.

Park amenities

  • Summit-area parking
  • Public restrooms near the summit area
  • Picnic tables and pavilions near Bunker Tower
  • Mountain Store near the park entrance
  • CCC Museum inside Bunker Observation Tower during museum hours

Know before you go

Cheaha State Park day-use basics

Pay the applicable park entrance fee unless an exemption or overnight admission applies.

Day-use areas and trails close at sunset.

Follow posted park signs and current access restrictions.

Stay on established trails when using the Bigfoot Trail or other hiking routes.

Practice Leave No Trace throughout the park.

Conditions

Check before leaving

Changes frequently

Park admission ceases thirty minutes before sunset, and day-use areas and trails close at sunset. Check current park hours and driving directions before travel. The park recommends Alabama Highway 281 as the main approach; west-side Cheaha Road is narrower and can be affected by construction or detours.

Alabama State Parks: Cheaha State ParkCheaha State Park: driving directions