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- calendar_today October 20, 2026
Ribbon-Cutting Ceremony Celebrates New Cheaha State Park Lodge
Alabama State Parks held a ribbon-cutting ceremony on October 16, 2026, to mark the official opening of the new Lodge at Cheaha State Park. State and local leaders gathered atop Cheaha Mountain, Alabama’s highest point, to introduce the latest addition to the state park system's accommodations. Reservations for the lodge are expected to open in late November, giving visitors an opportunity to experience the new mountaintop retreat just in time for upcoming seasons.
New Lodge Offers Sweeping Views and Modern Amenities
The 32-room Cheaha State Park Lodge sits atop the mountain and offers stunning vistas of the surrounding Talladega National Forest. Every guest room is outfitted with a private balcony, ensuring that visitors can enjoy the scenery and sunset from the comfort of their rooms. Additionally, the lodge features a rooftop bistro where both guests and park visitors can take in panoramic mountain views and the night sky.
Design Emphasizes Rustic Style and Local Materials
The new four-story lodge blends rustic materials with modern architectural design, showcasing mass timber construction made with Alabama-sourced southern yellow pine. In addition to the guest rooms and bistro, the lodge includes a bluffside observation pavilion and sits beside the Vista Cliffside Events Center. These amenities provide a versatile setting for a variety of occasions, from weekend getaways and family trips to weddings and corporate gatherings.
Continuing a Tradition at Alabama’s Oldest State Park
Established in 1933, Cheaha State Park is Alabama’s oldest continuously operating state park, with many of its historic buildings originally constructed by the Civilian Conservation Corps. The new lodge replaces the previous facility built in 1973, aiming to preserve the park’s rich history while offering visitors enhanced, modern accommodations. The addition reflects Alabama State Parks’ ongoing commitment to providing high-quality experiences at all 21 park locations across the state.
Outdoor Activities and Park Attractions
Guests staying at the Cheaha State Park Lodge can access an array of outdoor activities. The park offers an accessible boardwalk at Bald Rock, hiking trails to destinations like Pulpit Rock, and opportunities to explore historic Bunker Tower. There are also spaces for swimming, fishing, and picnicking at Lake Cheaha, allowing visitors to engage with the natural beauty before returning to the comfort of the lodge.
Project Backed by Major State Park Investments
The new lodge was made possible by a $28 million investment, part of an $85 million bond issue approved by Alabama voters in 2022. This funding supports improvements across several Alabama State Parks, including projects at Gulf State Park, Lake Lurleen State Park, Rickwood Caverns, Chewacla State Park, and Oak Mountain State Park. HPM provided construction management, Murray Construction served as general contractor, and Chambless King Architects handled architectural design, incorporating the distinctive southern yellow pine elements.
Lodge Management and Reservation Information
Guest Services Inc., which also manages hospitality at Lake Guntersville State Park, will oversee operations at the new Cheaha lodge. Prospective guests can find reservation updates and additional details at thelodgeatcheaha.com. Lodge reservations are scheduled to open in late November, welcoming visitors to experience this latest addition to Alabama's state park accommodations.
Source: alreporter.com.
