Located in the heart of Alabama's Deep South, the highest point in this state may not be known by many outside its borders. However, its majesty is one that you can feel when you hike it.

Cheaha Mountain, at 2,407 feet above sea level, is not only the highest point in Alabama but also the centerpiece of an acclaimed state park. The 2,799-acre retreat straddles the border between Clay and Cleburne counties and is surrounded by Talladega National Forest in the foothills of the Appalachian Mountains.

The park is home to a 30-unit resort inn, restaurant, vacation cottages, chalets, a modern campground, picnic areas and pavilions, hiking and biking trails, and play areas. The summit, capped by a historic stone tower, offers stunning 360-degree views of the surrounding countryside.

With breathtaking scenery and daring recreational activities, the high point is a favorite destination for highpointers from all over the country.

In the past, the picturesque summit was almost wiped out by extensive logging. But, through the park system's preservation efforts, this mountain, fittingly named after a Creek Indian word for "high place," is now a beloved and cherished state landmark.

Surrounded by the forest, it is an important habitat for a wide variety of wildlife, including black bears, coyotes, deer, wild turkeys and the endangered gopher tortoise.

Its scenic beauty is a gift to the soul and a calming refuge from the hustle and bustle of everyday life. Hiking, camping, bicycling, and horseback riding are just a few of the ways that you can explore this beautiful spot.