Cheaha State Park facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Cheaha State Park |
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Bunker Tower
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 Cheaha State Park
Location in Alabama
Cheaha State Park
Location in the United States
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| Location | Clay, Cleburne, Alabama, United States |
| Area | 2,799 acres (11.33 km2) |
| Elevation | 2,116 ft (645 m) |
| Established | 1933 |
| Operator | Alabama Department of Conservation and Natural Resources |
| Website | Cheaha State Park |
Cheaha State Park is a cool outdoor place in Alabama, USA. It's found in Clay and Cleburne counties. This park is famous for Cheaha Mountain, which is the highest point in the whole state!
The park covers about 2,799 acres. It's right next to the huge Talladega National Forest. The park is run by the Alabama Department of Conservation and Natural Resources. It's also Alabama's oldest state park that's still open today. You can find places to stay, a restaurant, campsites, and lots of hiking trails here.
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Park History
Cheaha State Park first opened its doors to visitors in 1933. From 1933 to 1939, a group called the Civilian Conservation Corps (CCC) worked hard here. They were a special program that helped young men find jobs during tough times.
The CCC built many things that you can still see today. They created Cheaha Lake. They also built stone cabins, bathhouses, and two stone pavilions. The famous Bunker Tower was also built by them. They even made the Bald Rock Group Lodge and many hiking trails. Later, in 1973, a hotel, a restaurant, and five small cabins called chalets were added to the park.
In 2020, one of the park's trails got a special honor. The Doug Ghee Accessible Trail was named a National Recreation Trail. This means it's a great trail for everyone, including those using wheelchairs.
Awards and Recognition
Cheaha State Park has received special awards for being a great place to visit. In September 2020, it won the Traveler's Choice Award from Tripadvisor. This award is given to places that get really good reviews from visitors. Cheaha State Park was one of eleven Alabama State Parks to earn this award that year.
Fun Things to Do
Cheaha State Park offers many activities for visitors of all ages. You can enjoy a day out or stay overnight.
Day-Use Activities
- Picnicking: There are nice areas where you can have a picnic with your family and friends.
- Swimming: You can cool off with a swim in the park's designated swimming areas.
- Fishing: If you like to fish, you can try your luck in the park's waters.
Amazing Views
- Bunker Tower: At the very top of Cheaha Mountain, you'll find Bunker Tower. It's a cool stone building with an observation deck. From the top, you can see amazing views of the land around you.
- Bald Rock Overlook: The Bald Rock Trail has a special wooden walkway. This walkway is easy to use for everyone, including those in wheelchairs. It leads to another fantastic overlook where you can enjoy the scenery.
Hiking Adventures
- Pinhoti Trail: Cheaha State Park is a starting point for the Pinhoti Trail. This long trail goes through the Talladega National Forest. It even connects to the famous Appalachian Trail. You can hike parts of it right from the park.
Places to Stay
- Campsites: The park has 73 modern campsites for tents or RVs. There are also a few simpler campsites if you prefer a more rustic experience.
- Hotel and Cabins: If you don't want to camp, the park has other options. There's a hotel with 30 rooms. You can also rent cozy chalets or cabins for your stay.
- Bald Rock Group Lodge: This large lodge is perfect for bigger groups. It's often used for conferences or even weddings.
