When one thinks of camping, images of pitched tents, sleeping bags, and the smell of campfires often come to mind. But what if I told you that you could enjoy the best of the great outdoors without compromising on the comforts of home? Welcome to the world of glamping!
My husband and I recently had the opportunity to experience this form of camping at Cheaha State Park in Alabama. Read on to learn what I loved about the experience and why you’ll love it too.
7 Reasons to Glamp at Cheaha State Park
It’s no secret that I love Alabama. My family lived in the state during our full-time RV era (I’ve been dying to use that term), and when we packed up and moved back home to Ohio, I left a piece of my heart behind. I’ve returned several times to visit, like last summer, during a bird-watching road trip when I found even more to love about the state I once called home.
One of the areas I visited last year was the Talladega National Forest which is pretty much in Cheaha State Parks’ backyard. When I say this destination has plenty of opportunities for the outdoor adventurer to explore, I’m not kidding. And if adventure isn’t your thing, that’s okay too because this is a great spot to kick your heels up and relax and enjoy the stunning views that surround you.
1. Comfortable Accommodations are EVERYTHING
Now, first things first. My husband and I arranged to stay at Timberline Cheaha for two nights. I had high expectations for this trip and our glampsite in the upper campground did not disappoint. And neither did the charcuterie box from Lagniappe Grazing waiting for us to munch on when we arrived.
You could say our experience was love at first sight because my heart skipped a beat as soon as we parked and unzipped the tent. The aesthetic was everything. But if there is one thing I’ve learned as a travel writer is that it doesn’t matter HOW cute something is, if it’s not comfortable, it doesn’t matter. Thankfully, this glamping tent was every bit as comfortable as it was pretty.
We stepped inside to find a comfortably cool (yes, the tents are climate-controlled), immaculate set-up with everything needed for an incredible stay at Cheaha State Park.
Inside our well-appointed double safari tent were two queen beds, a refrigerator, a Keurig coffee maker, ceiling fans, lights, and electrical outlets. Outside we found chairs, a cornhole game, a picnic table, a hammock, and a fire ring- plus it was only a short walk to the bathhouse.
When the rain poured on the second night of our stay, I was so thankful to be inside the canvas safari tent instead of the tent we normally take camping. We stayed snug and dry in our glampsite.
I’d love to go on about the tent but I’m gonna switch focus and tell you WHY you need to experience glamping at Cheaha for yourself. You can find out more and book your getaway at the Timberline Cheaha website.
2. The Park is Stunning
Cheaha State Park is not just any ordinary park. Nestled at Alabama’s highest point, it offers breathtaking views.
And if you’re a sucker for a great sunset, you’ll have a front-row seat to watch the sky change from blue to orange from the deck of the former Vista Cliffside Restaurant which is only a few minute drive away from the Upper Campground and less than 10 from the Lower Campground.
The back deck provides limited seating, but lots of standing room facing the Talladega National Forest.
The sky was overcast during our visit but I still thought the views of the forest and valley below were beautiful and reminded both me and my husband of a smaller version of the Smokies.
3. Trails for Every Hiker
Whether you’re an amateur or an experienced hiker, Cheaha State Park has trails for everyone, including an accessible trail that allows people of all abilities to enjoy nature’s beauty.
Bald Rock Boardwalk is an easy trail that is less than a mile long and is wheelchair and stroller-friendly. The wooden walkway leads straight to the overlook at Bald Rock.
There are steps along the boardwalk that allow you to step off the boardwalk and onto the dirt path at several points. On a clear (or even slightly overcast day), the view is stunning.
You’ll find restrooms near the trailhead in the parking lot and benches along the way if you need a rest or just want to sit back and bathe in nature.
Judging from the photos I’ve seen shared on Instagram, Pulpit Rock is another trail that you won’t want to miss.
Unfortunately, I visited with a torn meniscus so even though the trail is rated as easy on AllTrails, after speaking with the staff in the store, who shared the trail has some really steep spots, I decided I’d save that hike until my injury is healed. This trail is at the top of my list for my next trip to Cheaha.
The Leave No Trace Bigfoot Trail and Tim Haney Sensory Trail both start at the lodge motel and end at the Bunker Observation Tower, the highest point in the park at 2,407 feet.
Along the half-mile trail, you’ll have opportunities to “spot” Bigfoot while learning the seven principles of Leave No Trace. Hikers on this trail will “meet” Bigfoot at the top of the trail.
My husband and I did walk part of this and I’d consider it easy but due to my injury I had to be especially careful and watch my footing due to roots and rocks to avoid twisting my knee.
There are many other hikes at Cheaha including one that leads to the lake located in the park and trails that lead to waterfalls. Again, we’ll save those for a time when I don’t need to worry about adding insult to injury.
You can learn more about these trails and several others in the park at this Cheaha State Park hiking page.
Grab the park guide before you arrive to help you plan your trip.
4. History is Everywhere
If you’re a history enthusiast, Cheaha has you covered.
Inside the C.C.C. Museum, you’ll find a collection of items used by the Civilian Conservation Corps, find out how the CCC began, and learn how the Cheaha State Park came into existence.
The museum is located in Bunker Tower. Simply walk outside and next door and you’ll find the steps to the observation tower and the park’s highest spot.
You’ll climb several flights of stairs to the top for a bird’s eye view of the park.
A TV station erected a tower right beside Bunker Tower so when you climb to the top you will get a panoramic view that is unfortunately a bit obstructed.
The view is still well worth the climb.
There is a CCC Driving Tour that starts at the Cheaha Mountain Store. You can pick up a map at the store that highlights notable CCC stops in the park. Once you’ve driven, or walked, to that location you can read the signage to learn more about that site or structure.
In addition to the CCC history in the park, you’ll also find a lot of native American history.
Visit the Walter Farr Native American Relic Museum just inside the park to learn more about the original inhabitants of the park and see tons of artifacts that include arrowheads, pottery, and more. Please note the hours of each museum so you can plan accordingly.
5. Quirky Delights
In addition to “spotting” Bigfoot, you can press pennies in the store, and take a quiet morning stroll through the Enchanted Garden by the lodge.
The fairy garden is a fun surprise that I imagine would be especially appealing to younger visitors to the park. Not only can you walk through and “find” fairies, but visitors are encouraged to leave behind a treasure for the fairies to find.
As I walked through I couldn’t help but think of how much my granddaughter would enjoy finding the fairies and seeing their homes. I hope to visit again and show her the garden.
6. Pet Friendly
Pet owners will be happy to know that not only does the park permit dogs, but you’ll even find a dog park for some off-the-leash playtime with your furry friends and there are also glampsites that permit dogs too!
7. Amenities
While you’re enjoying your unplugged time in the outdoors, you’ll find essentials you may need just a short hike or drive away. You can access Wi-Fi, stock up on snacks, buy souvenirs, or learn more about the park at the Cheaha Mountain Store which you’ll see as soon as you pull into the park.
There wasn’t an on-site dining option during our visit, but there was a special appearance by a food truck the day we checked out.
Before your visit, you can take a look at the park’s Facebook page for upcoming events and food truck arrivals. Once in the park, you can find info at the store.
While the park’s natural beauty is its main draw, Cheaha offers plenty of other attractions. If you’re glamping with the family, the fairy garden is sure to be a hit with the kids. Meanwhile, the dog park ensures furry friends aren’t left out.
Add to this a playground both on the mountain and by the lake, and you have a destination that promises to be fun for all ages.
One visit is all it will take to ensure you’re hooked on this Alabama State Park. My husband and I are already looking forward to a second visit.
Conclusion
I can’t recommend a visit to Cheaha State Park enough and glamping with Cheaha Timberline made a wonderful visit even more memorable. I would love to return with not only my husband, but my entire family. My kids, grandbabies and granddogs could all be accommodated in the glamping tents. Family + glamping + Alabama. I can’t think of anything that would make me happier, IYKYK. And I’m sure you’d love it too!
The location and attention to detail have made staying with Cheaha Timberline one of my all-time favorite experiences. Whether you’re looking to get away from everyone, a couples getaway or a family trip, you’ll find several tent configurations to accommodate most. There are also fun add-ons that you can purchase to enhance your stay and make packing easy. These include camp games, chairs, S’mores kits, charcuterie boxes like we enjoyed and more.
To book your glamping getaway and fall in love with Alabama, check out Glamping at Cheaha and start planning today.
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