Cheaha Mountain - Alabama Highpoint

If you want to get to the summit of the mountain, none of these maps are correct. Here are the directions to do that: 1) park at the lake trail ($5 fee) and hike up to the state park. 2) walk down the road past a small waterfall on the left and just before you get to the pool at the lodge 3) take a left into the campground loop and look for the trailhead markers with the blue yeti! This "Leave No Trace" trail will take you right to the top observation tower and picnic area! Views are better from other overlooks, which you can access in the park.

The lake trail was VERY well marked (to the point I figured they'd hired some vandal to do penance and just "mark every tree, rock and dirt patch with blue".) The trail is like other reviewers said: steep and rocky but beautiful!

Worth the trip and so many more amazing views. It was very foggy but standing on the edge of the cliff was a feeling I’ve never experienced.

Great hike but I got lost about half way through. Well not really lost, but I wasn't 100% sure I was on track and decided to head back... the trail isn't marked well (or at all) like Pinhoti Trail (which I highly recommend over this). Pinhoti is a great trail, Bald Rock and Pulpit Rock and incredible lookouts, but this one is just kind of alright. Still worth the hike if you're in the area for a couple of days.

Started at Lake Cheaha trailhead (Blue Marker). It was steep and rocky for the majority of the trail. Amazing views along the trail. Also a couple of very cold creeks to cool off in. The trail merges with Mountain Laurel (Pink Marker) at the scenic area. We followed the Mountain Laurel trail to the upper campground then cut through the wood to the observation tower and then back down to the lake. 3.6 miles total. Strenuous for the both of us, I'm 38, she's 14. I would definitely do it again.

boardwalks all the way to a beautiful lookout. perfect for all to enjoy

This is a moderately difficult hike that offers great views overlooking the national forest and Appalachian foothills. Besides the views there are large rock outcroppings to climb on, a plane crash site, and plenty of places to camp. The trail was easy to follow for the most part, but was a little unclear near the top.

LOVED IT! Beautiful views and nice, short hikes. Great for kids and dogs. Very well maintained and marked.

can you camp anywhere on the trail?

fun trip..taking in a few geos. ..

Loved it kid friendly :)

Beautiful!! The trail head is outside the park. Inside the park are several short walking picture opportunities. I'd rate the trail higher than moderate. Had a heavy pack and there are some tough elevation spots. Loved it and plan to go back:)

Really enjoyed this hike. Lots of opportunities for some beautiful pictures. The trails are well marked. Park is clean and well kept.

Loved it

I hiked this from the lake to the summit with my girls age 6 and 8 it is a steep hike. The trail is well blazed and easy to follow. Great views along the way. Once the trail ends it comes out by some cabins ( not at the summit ) so we were determined to get a picture with the "highest point in Alabama sign" and wondered along lost for a bit but eventually made it up and got the pics. About a 6 mile round trip to the summit then back to the lake. Great time I recommend doing it if you are considering.

We hiked from the Cheaha lake up to the summit. It was a very steep rocky incline for a large part of the hike. Really well maker trail to the top with multiple spots for resting, picture taking, and sight seeing. Once you reach the top of the trail it will end in a parking lot by some cabins. From there we walked the road to the highest point which is at the overlook tower. Just look for the tallest building and head straight for it. We followed the road around to it but that was a waste of time, plenty of cut throughs from the road toward the tower.

Great hike from Lake Cheaha.. Only about a mile or so to the top but over 1000 ft in elevation change. It's a steep, rigorous hike but the views are definitely worth it.

Fun trail, but definitely strenuous at parts. I'd highly recommend trekking poles

Completed 4/10/15. I was pleased to find all the trail markings, some were a bit faded though. Made a nice day hike. Would love to know of other more technical trails.

10/17/2014 - Went for a day hike at Cheaha also got turned around about four miles in, no trail markers. Had planned on doing a loop but the printed trail map issued by the park service didn't match the trail I thought I was on I came upon a triple junction that I couldn't find on the map. Back tracked to the start. This would be a great place to hike if the park service would mark the trail system. ( I came upon one junction & it looked like the trail marker had been used for kindling) Rick

A lot of trails to be hiked at Cheaha, got lost 4 miles deep due to poor markings on trails. Ran into a group that was also lost.. Luckily we were able to backtrack and go off trail to find our way back. 4 mile hike turned into 9 mile hike. Had fun but will not be back here.. Definitely need clearer markings and better maps.

Not a very long trail, but certainly not easy!!

ok

I have driven this area many times, actually got engaged on the top of one of the mountain cliffs. Very pretty drive. The Georgia side has nice views, but some of the best driving is on the twisting road on the Alabama side from the top. Sevral hiking trails in the area, and rock garden and bald rock are both worth viewing on the top of the mountain. Small park fee, maybe $3 or so. Also check out view from restaurant balcony, my sister was married there. Small lake and play area towards bottom of mountain on Alabama side also.