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You HAVE To See The Most Romantic Spot In Alabama!
Hey bestie! Okay, I am so excited to write this to you. You know I am always looking for the next cool place for you to visit, right? Well, I just saw that Travel + Leisure (you know, that big fancy magazine?) named the most romantic place in every single state. And guess what? For Alabama, they picked Cheaha State Park! I have been there and I am telling you right now, they are 100% right. It is amazing. It is not like a normal park with just some grass and a swing set. It is way cooler than that.
I wanted to put together this giant guide for you so you don’t have to guess anything. I’ve got the spots, the food, and the prices all ready for you. If you are looking to take your boo somewhere special without spending a million dollars, this is it. Let’s dive in!
Why Cheaha is So Awesome
First off, let’s talk about why this place is even a big deal. Cheaha State Park is at the very top of Alabama. Like, literally. Mount Cheaha is 2,407 feet high. That is the highest point in the whole state! When you stand at the top, you are looking down at the Talladega National Forest. It looks like a giant green carpet of trees that goes on forever. It is so quiet up there. You don’t hear cars or people yelling. You just hear the wind blowing through the pine trees. It is so romantic because it feels like you and your partner are the only two people in the world.
The air even smells different up there. It smells like fresh pine and clean dirt. It’s also way cooler than the rest of the state. If it’s 90 degrees in Birmingham, it might only be 80 degrees up on the mountain. That makes it a great place to escape the heat and just hang out.
Where You Should Sleep
You can’t just go for an hour; you have to stay the night! There are a few ways to do this. If you want the full romantic vibe, you have to get one of the stone cabins. These were built a long time ago (back in the 1930s!) by a group called the CCC. They are made of big rocks and heavy wood. Inside, they have real fireplaces. Imagine sitting on a comfy couch with a fire crackling while you look out the window at the woods. Budget about $165 for a night in a cabin. It is totally worth it.
If you want to feel like a fancy person, you can rent a Chalet. These are bigger and they are usually tucked away on the edge of the mountain. They have huge windows and big decks. You can sit out there with your coffee in the morning and watch the fog roll over the hills. Budget $210 for a night in a Chalet.
Now, if you are trying to save your money for a ring or a big dinner, you can totally camp! They have primitive camping where you just bring your tent. You’ll be sleeping under the brightest stars you have ever seen. There is no city light to block them out. Budget $25 for a tent spot. It’s cheap and super fun if you like the outdoors.
What To Eat (And What To Order!)
Okay, let’s talk food because I know we both love to eat. There is a restaurant right there in the park called the Mountain Top Restaurant. The best part isn’t even the food—it’s the view! One whole wall is basically just giant windows looking off the side of the mountain. It’s so cool.
When you go, you have to order the Talladega Burger. It’s a huge burger with all the toppings, and it tastes like it came right off a backyard grill. It’s messy but so good. Budget $15 for that burger. If you want something that feels more like a fancy Southern dinner, get the Fried Catfish. It’s super crunchy and comes with hushpuppies (those little fried corn balls that are addictive). Budget $18 for the catfish plate. And whatever you do, do not leave without getting the Fruit Cobbler for dessert. It’s $7 and they serve it warm. It is the perfect way to end a date night.
But here is my secret pro-tip for you: Do a picnic! Before you drive all the way up the mountain, stop at the Piggly Wiggly in the little town of Lineville. Buy a loaf of fresh bread, some good ham or turkey, a big bag of those crunchy kettle chips, and some fancy sodas or sparkling water. Get a cheap tablecloth too. Budget $30 for a giant bag of supplies. Then, take your picnic to one of the overlooks at sunset. It’s way more romantic than sitting in a restaurant!
The Best Spots for Photos
You know you need those photos for your social media! This park is basically a giant photo shoot waiting to happen. Here are the three spots you cannot miss:
- Pulpit Rock: This is my favorite spot. It’s a short walk down a trail and you come out on this big, flat rock that sticks way out over the edge. If you stand on the edge (be careful, don’t fall!), it looks like you are floating over the forest. It is the best place for a “look how adventurous we are” photo.
- Bald Rock Boardwalk: This is great if you don’t want to get your shoes dirty. It’s a long wooden bridge that goes through the trees and ends at a big platform. The view is amazing. Go there about 20 minutes before the sun goes down. The sky turns pink and orange, and the light makes everyone look beautiful.
- The CCC Stone Tower: This is a big tower made of rocks that looks like a castle tower. You can actually go inside and climb up. It’s super cute and feels very old-school. It’s the perfect backdrop for a couple’s photo. Budget $5 per person for the park entry fee to get to these spots.
The Comparison Table: Budget vs. Balling Out
I know sometimes you want to save money and sometimes you want to spend it. Here is how much a weekend trip might cost you depending on your mood:
| Activity | Budget Version | Balling Out Version |
|---|---|---|
| Where You Sleep | Primitive Tent Spot ($25) | Deluxe Mountain Chalet ($210) |
| What You Eat | Picnic from Piggly Wiggly ($30) | Full Dinner at the Restaurant ($120) |
| The Fun Stuff | Hiking and Sunsets (Free!) | Souvenirs and Gem Mining ($50) |
| Park Fees | Entry for two ($10) | Entry for two ($10) |
| TOTAL FOR THE TRIP | $65 | $390 |
Fun Things To Do
Besides just looking at the view, you should check out the Walt Hibbs Maritime Museum. I know, a sea museum on top of a mountain? It’s weird but cool! They have old stuff from ships and it’s a fun way to spend an hour. Also, make sure you do some gem mining. They have a little station where you can buy a bag of dirt and wash it to find pretty rocks and crystals. It’s $15 for a big bag of “rough” dirt, and it’s actually really fun to do together.
If you like to hike, the Bald Rock Trail is the easiest. It’s basically flat. If you want a little challenge, do the Pulpit Rock Trail. It’s a bit rocky so wear your sneakers, not your cute sandals! My biggest tip is to just take it slow. Don’t try to rush through the park. The whole point is to relax and be with your person.
What To Pack
Don’t forget these things!
- A Hoodie: Even if it’s hot at the bottom of the mountain, it gets cold at the top when the sun goes down. Budget $20 to buy a cool Cheaha hoodie at the gift shop if you forget yours!
- Bug Spray: You are in the woods, bestie. The bugs are real. Budget $8 for a good bottle of spray.
- A Flashlight: If you stay at the rocks to watch the sunset, it gets dark fast. You’ll need a light to get back to your car safely.
- Good Music: The drive up the Talladega Scenic Drive is so pretty. Make a playlist before you go!
I am so excited for you to go! It’s going to be the most romantic trip ever. You’re going to love it, your boo is going to love it, and your photos are going to be amazing. Let me know when you book it!
If you want more travel tips like this or want to see where I’m heading next, you have to join our group! We share all the best cheap travel secrets there. Go here to join: https://www.facebook.com/CheaptravelVIP.FL
Love ya, bestie! Talk soon!
