Appalachian Highlands | Cleburne | Best Seasons: Fall | Spring | Winter
The Doug Ghee Accessible Trail to Bald Rock is easily reached from the main road in the heart of Cheaha State Park. The elevated boardwalk is handicap accessible, with plenty of benches along the 1,520 ft. walkway. Multiple side trails are available just off of the boardwalk. Some of these trails parallel the elevated boardwalk, while others lead off into the wilder sections of the park.
The birds along the trail are those typical of mature, open mixed pine-oak-hickory woods. This is a prime spot for Scarlet and Summer tanagers; the former is often seen in and near the Chestnut Oaks. Woodpeckers (most notably Pileated and Hairy) are often visible, along with Pine Warblers and Brown-headed Nuthatches. The boardwalk offers a great perspective to view winter feeding flocks, such as Purple Finches, Pine Siskins, Golden-crowned and Ruby-crowned Kinglets, Brown Creepers, and Red-breasted Nuthatches. Winter Wrens are most often seen around the root balls of fallen trees.
The 1/4 mile boardwalk ends atop the highest point in Alabama, providing a sweeping 180-degree view from the observation platform. The platform is an ideal place to hawk-watch, particularly during migration from mid-September through mid-November.
While you’re on the mountain, be sure to explore the Cheaha Wilderness Trail, which is accessed from the main road nearby.Views from the Talladega Scenic Byway found along the drive up the mountain are spectacular anytime of the year, but especially so during peak fall leaf color. Hawk migration usually happens in the same time frame, so keep your eyes open both for beautiful fall color and migratory hawks!
GPS: 33.491903 -85.810893
Cheaha State Park
19644 HWY 281
Delta, AL 36258
Phone: (256) 488-5111 or
1-800-610-5801 Press 1 for reservations
1-800-ALA-PARK (Option 1 for Cheaha State Park. Then, Option 2 For Campground)
Fax: (256) 488-5885
Site Accessibility
Bald Rock Trail has a boardwalk that is wheelchair accessible. Guests with young children find this stroller accessible trail fun for the whole family. This trail is a 1/4 mile long, and ends in a picturesque overlook with views that stretch for miles. The overlook provides views and is accessible as well as the trail leading there. Inquire at the park headquarters as the boardwalk does require maintenance from time to time.
From I-20, east of Anniston, take exit 191 and merge onto US 431 S. Follow US 431 for 3.8 miles and turn right onto CR 131. In .6 mile, turn left onto AL 281 S, the Skyway Motorway, also known as the Talladega Scenic Byway. Follow AL 281 for 12.5 miles and turn right into Cheaha State Park and onto Bunker Loop. In 1.1 miles Balk Rock Lodge will be on the right and immediately afterward, the parking lot for the Bald Rock/Doug Ghee Boardwalk and Trail.
Amenities Available: Picnic Tables, Restrooms, Wheelchair Accessible
Nearby Sites
Cahulga Creek Park and Watershed
This 176 acre park features a large watershed lake bordering Talladega National Forest. Red-bellied Woodpeckers and Kingfishers are among the year-round birds. Northern Parula, Indigo Buntings and many other migrants can be seen here each spring and …
Cheaha State Park
Mount Cheaha is Alabama’s highest point, and it is one of the southernmost locations to find a number of the state’s more interesting breeding birds, such as Blue-headed Vireos, Cedar Waxwings, and Sharp-shinned Hawks. Additionally, Cheaha State Park …
Coleman Lake: Talladega National Forest, Shoal Creek
One of the most significant birding sites in Alabama, Coleman Lake is at present the only reliable location in the state for Red Crossbills, and boasts roadside looks at endangered Red-cockaded Woodpeckers. This is a good location for Bachman’s Sparr …