How to get there:
Cheaha is located over sort of between Anniston and Talledega. Take I-20 exit 191 and follow the signs.

What to expect: The drive is steep and winding once off the Interstate. When you arrive at the park entrance at the top of the mountain, park at the general store and pay for your site. There are cabins, chalets and a lodge as an alternative. The person at the counter will explain what to do to secure your site and give you a map of the park. Check out the other handouts by the door, there are lists of reptiles, mammals, fish and birds found in the park as well as general info items.

Once you are set up, check out the rest of the park by car and decide on a few stops. Don't miss the tower or the Doug Ghee Accessible Trail to Bald Rock.

The road is steep and winding. You can see a little gap at the top of the next mountain and that is where the road is going, but first you go back downhill and up again! It is quite a workout for your transmission, especially if you are pulling anything. Don't be fooled just because it is 'only' 2,400 feet high, be sure of your brakes, they will be heavily used.

The view from one of the overlooks on the way to the state park.

There is not a level campsite in the whole semi-primitive loop at the top of the mountain.

But the views are inspiring!

The observation tower is a big adventure.

You can walk around the entire top of the tower, seeing out all 4 sides.

You can also enjoy the view out of the windows.

This is my new favorite trail. A half-mile of boardwalk, floating above the rocky ground, going to a fantastic view. The whole trail is wheelchair and stroller-friendly and ends at a wonderful view at Bald Rock.

At the bottom of the mountain is a small lake, a second campground and a primitive campground. The lake has a swim beach, a nice playground with bathrooms and picnic tables.

We pulled a dragonfly out of the water. I think it blew in from a tree before it's wings dried because it was still unable to fly. It sat in the sun on my water bottle for an hour or more before we put it on a sunny rock out of the wind before we had to go. The wings were stiff and dry by then, but one was a little crooked.

There is a wildflower garden with a pond and a waterfall near the upper campground.

The next morning, we woke up inside a cloud! It rained all night long and our tee-pee was not waterproofed since there was NO rain forecasted! Oh well, we all dried out with no problems. To quote our friend, the lovely Nola, "Setting up a tent is like doing a raindance that works."

Jake on a chilly March day at Bald Rock

Rock climbing and bouldering abound in the area

My little stair-steps!