Outdoor Recreation
Swimming Pool (Open Memorial Day through August 1, 2024, at which time it will close for construction)
Alabama's highest pool is available to OVERNIGHT GUESTS ONLY. This pool has a view like no other, filled with cold mountain spring water and is located next to the Vista Cliffside Event Center and Hotel.
Day use visitors to Cheaha State Park are welcome to swim at Cheaha Lake Day Use Area but the pool is reserved for overnight guest use only. (Park Admission Fees: $5 per person; $2 per child/ senior; free for Veterans/ Military with ID.)
The pool is open 8:00 a.m.-10:30 p.m. beginning on Memorial Day Weekend and closing when construction begins on the new hotel project (August 1, 2024). Guests must provide their own beach towels. Our pool depth varies from 3-ft deep to 9-ft deep. Swim at your own risk- no lifeguard on duty.
Cheaha Lake
Take a swim and cool down in Cheaha Lake. Surround yourself in its cold mountain water. Relax on the beach and watch the kids have fun in the sun. This 6-acre lake was created by the Civilian Conservation Corps. The kids will enjoy the playground, beach, diving platform, fishing (with valid Alabama fishing licenses), Hiking trails and so much more. Guests must provide their own beach towels.
Families can enjoy picnics, fishing, sunning, swimming, and hiking. A day-use admission fee is charged to enter the park. Alabama Law requires that all eligible anglers 16 years of age and older have in their possession a valid State of Alabama Fishing License. Due to the size of our lake, we only allow hand-launched boats, motorized vessels are not permitted.
Purchase a fishing license online
Cheaha Wilderness Area
Surrounded completely by the Talladega National Forest, Cheaha State Park is ideal for access to the Kentuck ORV-ATV Trail. Guests may also purchase day passes for USFS Talladega National Forest recreation areas and the ORV-ATV Trail from the Cheaha Mountain Store. Additionally, the park is home to the Cheaha Trailhead of the Pinhoti Trail, which connects with the Appalachian Trail and accesses the Odum Scout Trail, and the Chinnabee Silent Trail.
Rock Climbing & Rappelling
Rock climbing and rappelling is a unifying activity complete with a challenge, commitment, camaraderie, and personal success. A great activity for groups or individuals. Rock climbing and rappelling groups seek the adventure of Rock Gardens and Pulpit Rock trail each year.
Cheaha State Park requires each person to sign a waiver at the mountain store as they enter the park.
Cheaha State Park does not provide equipment or instructors.
This area requires trained or professional guides for rock climbing and rappelling. Day-use fee will apply.
Geocaching
Geocaching (pronounced geo-cashing) is one of the fastest-growing outdoor activities. It is a worldwide game of hiding and seeking treasure. A geocacher can place a geocache anywhere in the world, pinpoint its location using GPS technology, and then share the geocache’s existence and location online at www.geocaching.com. Anyone with a GPS receiver can then try to locate the geocache. For other Geocaches in the Delta, Alabama area use the 36258 Zip Code search.
Day-use fee will apply
If your child loves nature, Cheaha is the perfect place for your next birthday celebration.
Use this park map to help you make your plans.