Alabama State Parks celebrated the dedication of the new Lodge at Cheaha State Park with a ribbon-cutting ceremony on Friday, October 16.
During the event, state and local leaders introduced the park system’s newest lodging experience at one of Alabama’s most scenic destinations atop Cheaha Mountain. Reservations are expected to open in late November, giving visitors the opportunity to be among the first guests to stay at the new mountaintop lodge.
Alabama Department of Conservation and Natural Resources Commissioner Ben C. Stimpson Jr. welcomed visitors to the dedication.
“The new Lodge at Cheaha State Park ensures our state parks remain destinations people want to visit for generations to come and honors Cheaha’s rich history, allowing more visitors to experience the beauty of Alabama’s highest point,” Stimpson said. “We’re grateful to the voters who made these investments possible and proud to see their support translated into meaningful improvements for our parks and the communities they serve.”
The 32-room Lodge at Cheaha State Park offers a new way to enjoy the mountain, whether it’s a weekend getaway, a family trip or an opportunity to spend a little more time outdoors. Every guest room features a private balcony with views of the surrounding Talladega National Forest. Lodge guests and park visitors can also enjoy the mountain scenery and the night sky from the lodge’s rooftop bistro.
“We’re excited to welcome guests to the new lodge,” Alabama State Parks Director Matthew Capps said. “Cheaha has always been a special place, and this gives people another reason to come and stay awhile. You can spend the day hiking, exploring the park and taking in the views, then relax on your balcony and watch the sun set over the mountains. We can’t wait for people to experience it for themselves.”
The four-story lodge blends rustic materials with modern design and features mass timber construction made with Alabama-sourced southern yellow pine. Located alongside the Vista Cliffside Events Center, the lodge also features a bluffside observation pavilion and provides a setting for weekend getaways, family trips, weddings and corporate gatherings.
Visitors can walk the accessible boardwalk at Bald Rock, hike to Pulpit Rock, climb historic Bunker Tower or spend time swimming, fishing and picnicking at Lake Cheaha. After a day outdoors, guests can return to the lodge and enjoy the mountain setting.
Established in 1933, Cheaha is Alabama’s oldest continuously operating state park. The Civilian Conservation Corps built many of its historic structures, and the new lodge continues the park’s tradition of welcoming visitors to experience the mountain while bringing modern accommodations to the mountaintop.
The $28 million lodge replaces the previous facility, built in 1973, and is one of several major investments in Alabama State Parks made possible by the $85 million bond issue approved by Alabama voters in 2022.
“We have a longstanding commitment to make sure every visitor enjoys a first-class experience at all of our 21 Alabama State Parks,” former conservation Commissioner Chris Blankenship said. Blankenship retired last month and returned for the dedication. “Voters gave us a vote of confidence in 2022, and this lodge is an example of that investment. Whether visitors come for a weekend getaway, a family trip or a wedding, this facility will give them another reason to enjoy Cheaha State Park.”
Other projects supported by the bond funding include the RV Resort at Gulf State Park, the renovation of Lake Lurleen State Park, improvements at Rickwood Caverns State Park, the new event center at Chewacla State Park and campground renovations at Oak Mountain State Park.
HPM provided construction management services for the project, and Murray Construction served as general contractor. Chambless King Architects oversaw the architectural design. The project team incorporated Alabama-sourced southern yellow pine into the lodge’s design.
Guest Services Inc., which also manages lodging and hospitality operations at Lake Guntersville State Park, will manage the new lodge. Reservations for the Lodge at Cheaha State Park are expected to open in late November. Visitors can find more information and updates on reservation availability at thelodgeatcheaha.com.
