Reviewed by: Nathan Watson
New $28M Cheaha Lodge perched atop Alabama’s highest peak
Reading time: 3 minutes
Picture waking up on the highest point in Alabama with the whole Talladega National Forest spread out below your balcony. That’s now an option.
On Friday, October 16, 2026, Alabama State Parks officially dedicated the new $28 million Lodge at Cheaha State Park, which sits atop Cheaha Mountain—the highest peak in Alabama.
Alabama’s newest scenic destination, the Lodge offers 32 rooms, each with a balcony, so every guest can experience the stunning views of the surrounding Talladega National Forest.
A rooftop bistro crowns the four-story lodge, and the views are especially great after dark. There’s also a bluff-side observation pavilion.
Alabama’s oldest State Park and newest lodge
Established in 1933, Cheaha is Alabama’s oldest continuously operating state park. The new lodge replaces the previous facility built in 1973 and is one of several major investments in Alabama State Parks made possible by the $85 million bond issue approved by Alabama voters in 2022.
“The new Lodge at Cheaha State Park ensures our state parks remain destinations people want to visit for generations to come and honors Cheaha’s rich history, allowing more visitors to experience the beauty of Alabama’s highest point. We’re grateful to the voters who made these investments possible and proud to see their support translated into meaningful improvements for our parks and the communities they serve.”
Ben C. Stimpson, Jr., Commissioner, Alabama Department of Conservation and Natural Resources (ADCNR)
Things to do at Cheaha State Park
The fall is one of the best times to visit Cheaha State Park. The weather is comfortable and for “leaf peepers” the views are spectacular. Outside the lodge there’s plenty to keep you busy outside the lodge:
- Vista Cliffside Events Center
- Accessible boardwalk at Bald Rock
- Historic Bunker Tower
- Original Civilian Conservation Corps(CCC) built cabins
- Places for swimming, fishing and picnicking at Lake Cheaha
- Environmental education programming
“Cheaha has always been a special place, and this gives people another reason to come and stay awhile. You can spend the day hiking, exploring the park and taking in the views, then relax on your balcony and watch the sun set over the mountains. We can’t wait for people to experience it for themselves.”
Matthew Capps, Director, Alabama State Parks
The Lodge at Cheaha State Park room reservations are expected to open in November 2026. Add your name to the Waitlist today.
