Follow This 1/4-Mile Trail In Alabama To A Gorgeous Overlook

Alabama is home to the southernmost tip of the Appalachian Mountains, and there’s no better place to appreciate the view than Cheaha State Park. This 2800-acre state park, the oldest in Alabama, is marked by dense forests, rock formations, and the highest point in Alabama at 2,407 feet. Enjoy a bird’s eye view of this special place from the Bald Rock Boardwalk.

Also known as the Doug Ghee trail, this 0.3-mile hike is easy for all ages and leads to an overlook with a stunning view atop Bald Rock. Out and back, the walk is a total of 0.6 miles.

The best news about this trail? It’s accessible! Those with strollers, wheelchairs, or mobility issues should have no problem on the boardwalk going to the overlook.

If you can, time your trip with peak fall foliage. The boardwalk hike, and the view at the end, will be draped in vivid autumn colors.

The trail dead-ends at the overlook. There’s no getting lost on this one! However, from the parking lot, you can choose to take the boardwalk or a more traditional hiking path. Both end up in the same place.

Cheaha State Park is surrounded by nearly 400,000 acres of Talladega National Forest. You can view much of it from the overlook.

The name Cheaha is derived from the Muskogee word “Chaha,” which means “high place.”

Within the park, you’ll find a restaurant with a panoramic view from the dining room, cabins, chalets, and campgrounds. There’s even a 30-room hotel. You can really make a getaway out of a trip out here.

There is a small fee to enter the park. For more information about what the park offers and things to know before you go, refer to the park’s website.

Have you visited Cheaha State Park? What did you do while you were there? Share your experience in the comments!