Cherith Glover Fluker
Cherith at Bald Rock overlook
My husband and I went for an afternoon drive with no real destination in mind, and somehow we ended up at the highest point in Alabama. That’s the thing about living in Central Alabama — you can drive an hour and a half from Birmingham and stumble onto Cheaha Mountain, 2,407 feet above sea level. It’s easy to take for granted that we have something this grand right in our own backyard.
Once we got there, we decided to take a walk on the Bald Rock Trail, an elevated boardwalk that winds through the woods and ends with a sweeping, 180-degree view of the Talladega Mountains. Standing on that overlook, looking down at ridge after ridge of green, I understood immediately that this view was too good not to share with everybody.
And that’s really what makes this trail so special. It’s built for everybody. The boardwalk is just over a quarter mile one way, with the full loop coming in around six-tenths of a mile. The walk is short enough that you’re not committing to a grueling afternoon hike. But don’t let the length fool you into thinking it’s not worth your time.
Along the way, there are covered alcoves with benches built right into the boardwalk where you can stop, catch your breath, and just sit with the quiet for a minute. And for most of the walk, you’re shaded by a canopy of hardwoods and pines that keep things cool even on a warm afternoon.
I also enjoyed that this wasn’t a trail full of serious hikers in gear. It was families pushing strollers, grandparents moving slow and steady with walking sticks, little kids running ahead and doubling back. The path is wide, mostly flat, and gentle enough that it welcomed every single one of them. That’s rare for a trail that ends at the literal highest point in the state.
Cherith Glover Fluker
Cheaha Lake
If you go, don’t feel like Bald Rock has to be the whole trip. There’s Bunker Tower, an old stone tower that climbs to an even higher vantage point. Down at Cheaha Lake, folks were wading in off the little sandy beach, enjoying the afternoon. And if you’ve got a hiker in your group who wants more than a stroll, the Pinhoti Trail picks up right there and will happily take them as far and as rough as they want to go.
We didn’t plan this trip. We just drove and Alabama handed us its highest view. Some of the best things in this state are just a turn off the highway.
Cherith Glover Fluker
Boardwalk entrance to Bald Rock trail
Know Before You Go
Address: 19644 Highway 281, Delta, AL 36258
Getting there from Birmingham: Take I-20 East to Exit 191, then follow Highway 281 South about 18 miles to the park entrance.
Park admission (day use): Ages 0–3 free, ages 4–11 $2, 12 and older $5, seniors 62+ $2, veterans and active military free with ID. Check the website as prices may change.
Trail length: Just over a quarter mile one-way on the boardwalk, with a full loop option around 0.6 miles.
Accessibility: The boardwalk is ADA accessible and stroller-friendly.
Dogs: Welcome on a leash.
Good to know: There’s no restaurant inside the park, but the Mountain Store has snacks and quick meal options, and several historic downtowns (Oxford, Anniston, Talladega) are about 30 minutes away for a full meal.