One fine day in December, me and my hubby finally decided to visit Cheaha State Park having some available time off from work together. Our initial plan was to pitch a tent or camp in our SUV but being that it was December, we knew it was going to be cold and uncomfortable so he went ahead and booked a night of glamping through Timberline Glamping. They had a few availabilities online and we only wanted to experience it for a night so he went ahead and booked their Glamping tent #10 in Cheaha state park, upper campgrounds. Tent #10 has two queen size beds which can comfortably sleep 4 if needed. This tent also came with a fridge and a Keurig machine with 4 complimentary k-cups. Aside from the AC unit, it also had a ceiling fan and a portable heater. Outside you can enjoy sitting on the patio with two patio chairs, there is also a hammock if you wish to relax. Out back there is a picnic table and a fire pit. Some string lights up front made the experience even more amazing. An oil diffuser which kept the inside smelling fresh and good. My husband was able to book it for $119 for a night. Check in time is at 4pm and check out time is at 11am.
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| Timberline glamping in Cheaha state park |
Because we knew it was going to be cold during our visit, we left home early and arrived at the park around 8am. Our main plan was to explore everything we can in the area so come check in time we can just enjoy grilling and relaxing in the tent knowing it would be too cold to do some exploring in the late afternoon. First stop was at the mountain store to check in and ask for a map of the area so we don't get lost. We initially read that cell service is zero to none in this area and we were expecting that but we were glad that we actually had some good phone service while there.
We then drove to the camp site so we don't waste time later on searching for where we are going to camp at. We then went to the restaurant area but come to find out it wasn't open for the day. We didn't expect that, we only prepared food for our dinner but our plan was to have breakfast and lunch at the restaurant. Quick thinking back up plan, we headed back to the mountain store and bought a sandwich and a cream cheese danish for brunch. Second stop of the day was at the Bald rock. The trail was 1/4 mile and it is wheel chair and stroller friendly via Doug Ghee trail . We took about give or take 10 minutes to get to the end. The end of the trail is 2,100 above sea level, has a beautiful scenic overlook of cities and towns of Talladega, Lincoln, Munford, Oxford and Anniston. You can also see the 210,000- acre Talladega National Forest, halfway to Birmingham on a sunny clear weather and mountains like Dugger, Coldwater, and Choccoloco.
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| Bald rock |
Next on our list to visit was High Falls waterfall, about a 20-25 minute drive from Cheaha state park. Getting there, we walked the trail as far as we can go but the terrain looked a lot challenging in one part so we decided to save this for next time. Off to our next destination which was Devil's den falls and Cheaha falls in Cheaha state park. Come to find out that the trail is closed during winter and reopens in March. Bummer. Oh well. Along the way back to the park we passed by Cheaha lake and stopped to take a few pictures. We were the only ones there. This area has a playground for kids and of course the lake for fun in the water. You can view the Cheaha Mountain from this area which is Alabama's highest natural point.
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| Lake Cheaha |
After killing some time to get us to check-in time, we headed back to the State park and went to the Bunker tower, this is an observation tower on the peak of Cheaha Mountain. It is a large stone building completed in the 1930's by the civilian conservation corps. Walking up the tower was a breeze, with steel steps to get you to the top. At the top of the tower you can enjoy a 360 view of the area. Windows on all four sides lets you view the surrounding area. Since the tower is located on the highest natural point in Alabama, The bunker tower is the highest point.
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| Bunker Tower |
Around 2pm, we went to the Pulpit rock trail knowing that taking this trail will get us closer to check in time. This trail is about 0.6 miles long out and back, short and scenic. The first part of it was a little bit of a challenge because of how steep the area is and we struggled to find the best way to hike down. After that though it's a easy walk to Pulpit Rock. This was the best "hike" I have done and getting to the end was tremendously satisfying because of the views. From this vantage point you'll be able to take in the beauty of the Talladega National forest which covers about 400,000 acres. Pictures won't really do justice on how breathtaking it is. You really have to be there to enjoy it, reason why a lot of hikers visit this trail. On our hike back to our vehicle, me and hubby were debating on which was harder, the trek out or the trek back, I would say both. Going out because of footing, and coming back mainly because of steep incline.
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| Pulpit rock |
After the hike and building up our appetite, we immediately went to our campsite to check in. I immediately started cooking our dinner and all I can say is it was the best steak dinner ever, I guess because we were so hungry because of the walking we done all day, or maybe it was because of how I cooked it, either way we ate it all!
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The best steak ever!
Cold December night |
All in all, I believe you can explore mostly everything worth checking within a day, though we opted to stay for the night to relax before the 4 1/2 drive home and of course to experience glamping. I would say this trip was worth it, would have been much more enjoyable if we went a few months earlier so it wasn't that cold plus the peak of fall season most definitely would have make the long winding roads more breathtaking.
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| Picturesque drive! |
Until next adventure,
Lovely
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