Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
Maps: USGS Cheaha, AL;
DeLorme: Alabama Atlas & Gazetteer,
page 32 E5;
USDA Forest Service Pinhoti Trail Map #4 featuring Cheaha Mountain available
at Cheaha State Park camp store or online at www.nationalforeststore.com
Trail contact: Cheaha State Park, 19644 AL 281, Delta, AL 36258; (256)
488-5111; www.alapark.com/cheaharesort
Finding the trailhead: From Lineville at the intersection of AL 9 and AL 49, take
AL 49 north 14.2 miles. Turn left onto AL 281 South. Travel 3.4 miles and come
to the entrance of Cheaha State Park on the right. Turn right onto Bunker Loop.
You can either pay your day-use fee at the camp store here at the entrance or at the
entrance station only a few yards straight ahead. Continue straight on Bunker
Loop, circling around the top of Cheaha Mountain for 1.5 miles. The trailhead and
parking will be on the right. GPS: N33 29.042' / W85 48.891'
The Hike
If you're looking for a hike with a little view, check out Pulpit Rock at Cheaha
State Park.
Cheaha, as you know by now, is the state's highest mountain, coming in at
2,407 feet. The mountain is part of the southern Appalachian Mountains, a range
that was created eons ago, some say 500 to 600 million years ago, by the heating
of the earth's crust. The crust was then compressed and thrust upwards, creating
these peaks. Over the centuries the soft upper layers of dirt and rock eroded, leav-
ing numerous quartzite outcroppings, such as Pulpit Rock. No matter how old
they are or how they were formed, they make for one outstanding view.
There are two easily accessible overlooks in the park. The first is located at the
end of the Doug Ghee Boardwalk Trail that follows the ridge of the mountain to
Bald Rock, a bluff that towers above the surrounding valley. The second is right
here at Pulpit Rock. The rock is so-named because it stands out—literally—like a
pulpit high above the valley. The rock juts far out into space, allowing for an
amazing panoramic view. From here, on a clear day, you can see up to 6 miles
away.
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