
You Have To Go To Cheaha State Park! It Is The Most Romantic Spot Ever!
Hey friend! I am so excited to write this to you! I was just reading this super cool article from Travel + Leisure, and guess what? They named Cheaha State Park as the most romantic place in the whole state of Alabama! I totally agree with them. I have been there, and it is seriously like being on top of the world. You have to start planning your trip right now because you are going to love it so much!
I wanted to give you the inside scoop so you don’t miss any of the good stuff. Since we are besties, I’m going to tell you exactly what to do, what to eat, and where to take the best photos so your social media looks amazing. This isn’t just a park; it’s a giant mountain with the best views you have ever seen in your life. Seriously, get your bags packed!
Where Is This Place Anyway?
Cheaha State Park is in Delta, Alabama. It is at the very end of the Appalachian Mountains. The best part is that it is the highest point in the entire state! When you are standing at the top, you are 2,407 feet above the ocean. That might not sound like a lot if you live in the giant Rocky Mountains, but for Alabama, it is huge! The drive up the mountain is so fun because the roads twist and turn. You can see the trees changing colors if you go in the fall. Budget about $40 for gas because you’ll be driving up some big hills, and your car will work hard!
The Best Place for a Romantic Photo
If you want to get that perfect “most romantic” photo, you have to go to the Bald Rock Boardwalk. This is a long wooden path that goes through the trees. It is very easy to walk on, so you don’t even need fancy hiking boots. You can wear your cute sneakers! Walk all the way to the very end of the wooden path. There is a huge flat rock area there.
Here is the secret: stand right on the edge of the rock (but be safe!) during the “Golden Hour.” That is the hour right before the sun goes down. The light turns everything orange and gold, and it makes everyone look like a supermodel. Have your partner stand a few feet back and take a picture of you looking out over the valley. It looks so cool! It’s totally free to walk here once you pay the park entry fee, which is only $5 per person. That is a total steal for a view that good!
What Should You Eat?
Okay, let’s talk about food because you know I love to eat! You have to go to the Vista Cliffside Restaurant. It is right there in the park. The walls are made of big glass windows, so you can see the mountains while you chew your food. It is so cool!
You should definitely order the “Cheaha Burger.” It is big, juicy, and comes with a mountain of fries. It costs about $15. If you want something a bit more fancy for your romantic date, try the fried green tomatoes. They are a classic Southern snack, and they make them really crunchy there. If you are “balling out,” get the steak dinner for about $35. It is delicious! Also, they have sweet tea that is so sugary and good, you’ll want to drink a whole gallon. Budget about $25 per person for a good lunch, or $50 if you are doing a big dinner.
The Coolest Hike: Pulpit Rock
If you feel like being a little adventurous, you have to hike to Pulpit Rock. It is a bit more rocky than the boardwalk, but it is not too hard. It’s about a 20-minute walk. When you get there, the rocks stick out over the edge like a giant balcony. This is where you should stand if you want to feel like the king or queen of the world. It’s a great spot to just sit and talk. Since it is the most romantic spot, maybe bring a small bag of chocolate covered strawberries to eat while you look at the trees. It’s a low-cost way to be super romantic! A bag of fancy chocolates will cost you about $10 at the store before you head up.
Where to Sleep?
You have two choices here. You can be a “budget buddy” or a “mountain royal.” If you want to save money, you can rent a tent spot for about $25. It’s fun, but it can get chilly at night because you are so high up!
If you want to do it right, try to book one of the A-frame cabins. They look like little triangles and are so cute! They have fireplaces inside. Imagine sitting by a fire with a cup of hot cocoa while looking at the stars. Those cabins usually cost about $160 to $200 a night depending on the day. It’s worth it for the cozy vibes. If the cabins are full, the Lodge is also great. It’s like a hotel on a cliff. Rooms there are around $140.
Comparison of Costs: Budget vs. Balling Out
I made this table for you so you can see how much money to bring! You know I like to keep track of my pennies.
| Activity/Item | Budget Style (Cheap & Fun) | Balling Out Style (Fancy) |
|---|---|---|
| Where you sleep | Tent Camping ($25) | A-Frame Cabin ($190) |
| Dinner for two | PB&J Picnic ($10) | Steak & Wine at Vista ($100) |
| Park Entry | Daily Pass ($10) | Daily Pass ($10) |
| Souvenirs | A cool rock you find (Free) | Two Hoodies from Gift Shop ($90) |
| Gas & Snacks | $40 | $60 |
| Total Daily Estimate | $85 | $450 |
A Few More Tips From Your Bestie
1. **Pack a Jacket:** Even if it is hot at the bottom of the mountain, it gets cold at the top! The wind really blows up there. I forgot a jacket once and I was shaking like a leaf. Don’t be like me!
2. **Visit the Gift Shop:** They have these really cool walking sticks and magnets. Budget $15 if you want a small souvenir. The people working there are super nice and will tell you if any bears have been seen lately (don’t worry, they are usually shy!).
3. **Cell Service:** It sucks! You might not have many bars on your phone. Download your maps before you go up the mountain so you don’t get lost. But honestly, it’s kind of romantic to put the phones away and just talk to each other, right?
4. **Check out the Pool:** If you go in the summer, they have a pool that is open to people staying at the park. It’s a great way to cool off after hiking.
I really hope you go and have the best time ever. Alabama is so pretty, and Cheaha is definitely the crown jewel. You’ll come home feeling so relaxed and happy. It’s the perfect break from the boring everyday life.
I want to hear all about it when you get back! Send me all the photos! And hey, if you want more travel tips like this or want to see where else I’m going, you should totally join our group on Facebook! There are so many cool people sharing cheap travel secrets there. Here is the link: https://www.facebook.com/CheaptravelVIP.FL
Love ya! Have the best trip ever!
