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Cheaha Trail

Talladega National Forest, Alabama · 3 min read

Distance
7.5 mi
Elevation Gain
1,600 ft
Difficulty
strenuous
Route Type
Out-And-Back
Best Season
March through November
Est. Time
4-6 hours
Dog Friendly
Yes
Kid Friendly
No
Difficulty Score
10 / 10

Trailhead Amenities

Restroom
Flush Restroom
Parking
Fee Required
Cell Service
Limited
Water
At Trailhead
Camping
Dispersed
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Conditions, regulations, and fees change frequently. Verify with the local ranger district before your trip. Full disclaimer

At a Glance

  • Cheaha Mountain: the highest point in Alabama at 2,407 feet
  • Summit rocky outcrops with 360-degree views across Alabama's ridge-and-valley country
  • Cheaha Wilderness: 7,490 acres of federally protected mountain terrain
  • CCC-era stone observation tower and facilities at the summit
  • The most challenging and rewarding day hike available in Alabama national forest
summitviewsrock formationswildlife

Overview

The Cheaha Trail climbs 1,600 feet through the Cheaha Wilderness to the highest point in Talladega National Forest and the state of Alabama. The 7.5-mile round trip covers genuine mountain terrain for Alabama: quartzite and sandstone outcrops, forested ridgelines, and a summit with panoramic views. Reaching the Cheaha summit via trail rather than by driving the state park auto road is a different experience entirely, earned rather than granted.

The trail is challenging for Alabama but accessible for hikers with experience on sustained climbs. No permit is required. Dogs are allowed on leash. The Lake Chinnabee Recreation Area at the trailhead has full facilities.

The Route

Miles 0 to 1.5: Lake Chinnabee approach. The trail begins at the recreation area and immediately enters the Cheaha Wilderness. The first 1.5 miles follow a stream drainage through mixed hardwood forest with good wildflower habitat in spring. The grade is moderate, building gradually as the trail gains the lower ridge.

Miles 1.5 to 3: Ridge ascent. The trail steepens as it gains the main ridge. Quartzite and sandstone outcrops appear with increasing frequency, providing occasional partial views through the trees to the southwest. This section has the most sustained climbing of the route.

Miles 3 to 3.75: Summit approach. The final three-quarters of a mile reaches the summit area through the most rocky terrain on the trail. Exposed quartzite knobs provide views that improve with every hundred feet of elevation gain. The trail emerges near the CCC-era stone facilities at the summit.

The Cheaha summit observation tower offers the widest views, extending across the Alabama Piedmont and into the Appalachian ridges in several directions.

Return by the same route; the descent requires care on the rocky sections.

When to Hike

March through May: Spring wildflowers in the lower forest sections and clear air typical of the season for best views.

October: Fall foliage peak. One of the best Alabama experiences for summit views and color simultaneously.

November through February: Views are best with bare trees and low humidity. Summit ice after freezing rain is a hazard; check weather.

What to Bring

Many hikers carry 2 liters of water for this climb. Water is available at the trailhead. Trekking poles are strongly recommended for the rocky summit descent. Sturdy trail shoes with good traction handle the quartzite outcrops well.

Trailhead Access

Lake Chinnabee Recreation Area is on AL-281 about 10 miles south of Anniston, or about 5 miles below the Cheaha State Park summit entrance.

Nearby

The Pinhoti Trail: Cheaha Section crosses the summit area and provides an alternate ridge-top route. The McDill Point Loop is an easier option from the same trailhead area. See the full Talladega National Forest guide. Follow Leave No Trace principles in the Cheaha Wilderness.

Trailhead Parking

Lake Chinnabee Recreation Area parking lot. Paved. Day use fee may apply (as of 2026). Flush toilets and water available.

← Back to Talladega National Forest

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Frequently Asked Questions

What is there to see at the Cheaha Mountain summit?
The Cheaha summit has a CCC-era stone observation tower, lodge facilities (operated by Cheaha State Park), and extensive rocky outcrop terrain with panoramic views. On clear days the view extends 50 or more miles across Alabama's ridge-and-valley and piedmont country. The summit is accessible by car via Cheaha State Park as well as by trail.
How difficult is the Cheaha Trail compared to Appalachian Trail peaks?
The Cheaha Trail is comparable in difficulty to moderate Appalachian Trail peaks in North Carolina or Tennessee. The 1,600-foot gain in 3.75 miles is sustained and challenging, with rocky quartzite and sandstone terrain. By national standards it is a strenuous but accessible day hike; by Alabama standards it is the most demanding terrain in the state's national forest system.
Is the Cheaha Wilderness different from areas accessible by car at the summit?
Yes. The Cheaha Wilderness designation covers the forested slopes and terrain below the summit auto road and state park development. The trail ascends through this wilderness before reaching the summit facilities. The wilderness area prohibits motor vehicles and mechanized equipment. The state park facilities at the top are outside the wilderness boundary.