Pinhoti Trail to Cheaha Summit

Pinhoti Trail to Cheaha Summit follows a section of the 335-mile Pinhoti National Recreation Trail to reach the highest point in Alabama at 2,407 feet above sea level on Cheaha Mountain. The summit is capped by a historic stone observation tower built by the Civilian Conservation Corps in the 1930s, and climbing to the top of the tower adds additional height and dramatically expands the already impressive views across the Talladega National Forest and the Alabama ridge-and-valley landscape. The Pinhoti Trail is Alabama's most significant long-distance hiking route, connecting to the Appalachian Trail in Georgia and providing a major southern extension of the eastern long-distance trail network. The summit trail ascends through quartzite boulder fields that characterize the upper slopes of Cheaha Mountain, with the rough pinkish-gray rock providing excellent traction even when wet. The surrounding Talladega National Forest protects the largest contiguous tract of upland forest in Alabama. Rare plant communities on the quartzite summit outcrops include several species found only on exposed acidic summits in the southern Appalachians. The $5 vehicle fee applies. The state park facilities include cabins, a lodge, restaurant, and camping area, making Cheaha a popular destination for extended stays.