Cheaha State Park Day Trip from Lake Martin: A Mountain Adventure to Add to Your Stay
- mistletoeboughband
- 1 hour ago
- 6 min read
One of the things I love most about hosting guests at Mistletoe Bough Bed & Breakfast is watching people discover how many different experiences you can have in central Alabama without ever packing up and moving locations. You can enjoy a lake morning, a historic Victorian afternoon, and—if the mood strikes—a Cheaha State Park day trip from Lake Martin that takes you straight into the mountains for jaw-dropping views, peaceful forest trails, and sunsets you’ll remember long after you’ve driven back down the ridge.
We recently spent several days camping at Cheaha, which gave me the chance to really dig into the highlights that make this such a perfect day trip for our guests. From couples planning romantic weekend getaways in Alabama, to travelers wanting a little outdoor adventure in between Lake Martin sunsets, Cheaha delivers something special every single time. And the best part? After a full day of mountain sightseeing, you can return to your room at our 1895 Victorian B&B—definitely the coziest option among Alexander City Alabama hotels.
Here’s the full rundown of what to see, what to expect, and how to make the most of your mountain adventure.
Why Cheaha Belongs on Your Lake Martin Weekend Itinerary
Cheaha State Park sits just about an hour from Alexander City, making it one of the simplest and most rewarding outdoor day trips in Alabama. Even the drive feels like part of the experience. You trade lake views for winding roads through the Talladega National Forest, and before you know it, the elevation rises, the air cools, and everything starts to look a little more wild and rugged.
Our guests—especially couples—often look for romantic getaways near Lake Martin Alabama or beyond that combine comfort with outdoor beauty. Cheaha fits that perfectly. Spend the day on the trails or at the overlooks, have your moment on Alabama’s highest point, watch the sun melt into the mountains, and then return to Alexander City for a peaceful night’s sleep. This is the part where staying at Mistletoe Bough sets you up nicely: soft beds, a quiet house, and a real breakfast waiting for you the next morning.
And now let’s talk about the three stops that should absolutely make your itinerary.
Starting at the Top: The Cheaha Overlook Tower
Standing at 2,407 feet, the Cheaha Overlook Tower (often called Bunker Tower) marks the highest point in Alabama. Built in the 1930s by the Civilian Conservation Corps, the stone tower feels like something straight out of a movie—rugged, historic, and beautifully placed on the very top of the ridge.
Inside, the displays tell the story of how the park came to life, but it’s the climb to the observation deck that steals the show. Once you reach the top, you’re greeted with a sweeping view that seems to go on forever—layer after layer of forested hills, soft blue ridgelines, and a horizon that makes you stop talking mid-sentence.
From my own trip: we watched the last beaver moon of 2025 rise from the tower. The evening was pretty hazy, so the view is obstructed somewhat. Don't let that keep you from climbing to the top, however. It's a beautiful view no matter what.
This is one of the first places I recommend for guests who want a moment that feels both grounding and unforgettable. For couples here for a romantic weekend getaway in Alabama, this is where you take that “we’re actually on top of Alabama together” photo.
Exploring the Pulpit Rock Trail
Another must do is the Pulpit Rock Trail, a moderate hike that winds through tall trees and unique rock formations. Some of these formations look like nature’s sculptures—massive stones balanced on narrow bases from thousands of years of erosion. They’re the kind of things that make you say, “Well that shouldn’t be able to stand up, but here it is anyway.”
The trail itself feels peaceful and secluded, but it opens up to several scenic overlooks that rival anything you’d find in the Appalachian foothills. The views are extraordinary in every season, but there’s something especially magical about fall sunlight hitting those rocks and trees.
By the end of the trail, you’re rewarded with an overlook that feels almost suspended above the forest. Sit for a few minutes, take photos, breathe deeply—this is the kind of moment people come to Cheaha for.
Saving the Best for Last: Sunset at Bald Rock
Now let’s talk about the crown jewel of our trip: Bald Rock.
The trail to Bald Rock is a simple boardwalk—accessible, easy, and perfect for anyone who doesn’t want to navigate uneven ground. You follow the wooden walkway for half a mile until the trees suddenly open up and reveal one of the most gorgeous views in Alabama.
If you visit soon, you’ll notice some construction happening in the lodge area. A brand-new hotel is being built, and the existing lodge is undergoing a full remodel, which means most sunset-watchers currently head for Bald Rock instead of the lodge overlook. Honestly, once you see it, you’ll understand why it’s become the go-to spot.
When we visited, the timing was perfect: the last super moon of the year rose the same night we watched the sun set. I still think about this moment. On one side of the sky, the sun was dipping behind the ridges, setting the whole horizon on fire—deep orange fading into pink and purple. On the other side, the moon lifted over the trees like a glowing gold lantern, bright and massive in the twilight although we needed to leave the end of the trail in order to be able to see the moon rise from the boardwalk.
Standing there between sunset and moonrise felt like watching the world switch over from day to night in real time. Couples around us whispered, took photos, or just stood together quietly. It was one of those rare moments where nobody rushed away afterward. Everyone stayed just to watch the light change.
If your day trip lines up with a clear evening, this is where you want to end your Cheaha adventure.
A Few More Spots Worth Seeing on your Cheaha State Park Day Trip from Lake Martin
If you have time and energy, here are a few other Cheaha favourites that round out the experience:
Cheaha Falls — A peaceful waterfall that comes alive after rain
Cheaha Lake — A calm place to rest after hiking, perfect for a lakeside picnic
But honestly, even if you only do the tower, Pedestal Rock, and Bald Rock, you’ll feel like you really saw Cheaha.
Ending the Day Back at Mistletoe Bough
After experiencing the cool mountain air, the overlooks, the trails, and that unreal sunset-super-moon combo, we drove back toward Alexander City. There’s something cozy about the drive down the mountain after a full day of exploring—the quiet, the darkness settling in, and the anticipation of returning to the warm glow of home.
That’s the beauty of pairing Cheaha with a stay at Mistletoe Bough. Instead of crawling into a tent (which I happily did for the camping trip), our guests get to return to an elegant room, plush bedding, and the charm of an 1895 Victorian mansion. It’s the best of both worlds: rustic mountain beauty by day, historic comfort by night.
And for travelers comparing Alexander City Alabama hotels, staying at a B&B like ours offers a completely different experience—personal, relaxing, and full of character.
Wake up the next morning to a homemade breakfast, share your photos over coffee, and plan your next adventure—whether it’s more mountain views or something closer to Lake Martin.
Tips for Planning Your Cheaha Day Trip
Start early — more time for trails, overlooks, and exploring
Bring water & snacks — the lodge restaurant is closed during the remodel and sometimes the camp store is slim pickins
Wear comfortable shoes — even the easy trails have rocky areas
Expect cooler temps — bring layers
Don’t skip Bald Rock — trust me on this
The Perfect Blend of Adventure and Relaxation
If you’re planning romantic weekend getaways in Alabama, looking for romantic getaways from Birmingham Alabama, or simply craving a change of scenery, this is the kind of day trip that will leave you feeling refreshed, connected, and grounded. Cheaha State Park is wild, peaceful, dramatic, and easy to explore—all in one place.
Pair it with a stay at Mistletoe Bough, and you get the full experience: outdoor beauty, historic charm, and a relaxing place to call home during your Lake Martin getaway.
Your mountain adventure is just a short, beautiful drive away.
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