Bunker Tower

Cheaha Mountain rises above the surrounding countryside as the highest point in Alabama, and Bunker Tower sits right at its summit. Though modest by the standards of the great Appalachian peaks to the north, Cheaha is the crown of the state, and standing atop the tower puts you higher than anywhere else in Alabama.

The name Cheaha comes from a Muscogee (Creek) word often translated as high place, a fitting name for the summit of the state. This ridge country was long part of the homelands of the Muscogee people before their forced removal west, and the mountain's name is a lasting trace of that heritage on the modern map.

Bunker Tower and much of Cheaha State Park were built in the 1930s by the Civilian Conservation Corps, the New Deal program that put young men to work on public lands during the Great Depression. Using local stone, the crews raised the tower, a lodge, cabins, and trails, all in the rugged, handcrafted style that still gives the park its character.

The tower's thick stone walls and sturdy construction have let it stand for the better part of a century, weathering storms atop an exposed summit. It remains one of the most tangible legacies of the CCC's work in Alabama, a piece of Depression-era craftsmanship that thousands of visitors still climb every year for the view.

The whole point of a lookout tower is the view, and Bunker Tower delivers. From its platform, the southern Appalachians spread out in overlapping ridges and wooded valleys, and on a clear day the sight stretches for many miles. Autumn, when the hardwood forests turn color, is an especially spectacular time to make the climb.

The tower is one stop in Cheaha State Park, which is laced with trails ranging from short summit strolls to steep, rocky routes down the mountainside, along with other overlooks like Bald Rock and Pulpit Rock. Hikers can link the tower to these viewpoints for a fuller day on the ridge.

Bunker Tower sits within Cheaha State Park, which charges a small day-use fee and offers a historic stone lodge, cabins, a campground, and a restaurant with valley views, making it a base as well as a viewpoint. The park is surrounded by the Talladega National Forest, so its trails connect to a much larger network of backcountry.

Being high on the ridge, the summit is noticeably cooler than the lowlands, a welcome escape in the Alabama heat, and it can be windy and chilly in the colder months. Between the tower, the overlooks, the lodge, and the surrounding forest, the mountaintop is one of the most rewarding outdoor destinations in the state.

The closest Boutel™ stays, so you can turn this stop into an overnight. Each is a place we chose through independent editorial review, never a paid placement.

Bunker Tower, atop Cheaha Mountain in Cheaha State Park in eastern Alabama, is a historic stone observation tower crowning the highest natural point in the state. Built of native stone in the 1930s, the rustic tower stands at the summit of Cheaha Mountain, and visitors can climb it for sweeping panoramic views across the surrounding Talladega National Forest and Appalachian foothills. As the highest point in Alabama, the site offers unrivaled views, especially at sunrise, sunset, and during fall color. A beloved landmark marking the top of the state, Bunker Tower offers a scenic destination in Alabama.

You can climb the historic stone tower to its observation level for sweeping panoramic views across the Talladega National Forest and the surrounding mountains from the highest point in Alabama, explore the summit area, and enjoy the trails, overlooks, and facilities of surrounding Cheaha State Park. The panoramic summit views, the historic tower, and the mountain-top setting are the draws, offering one of the finest vistas in the state. Sunrise, sunset, and fall color are especially spectacular. With its tower and summit views, Bunker Tower offers a memorable experience in Alabama.

Bunker Tower sits within Cheaha State Park, so a park admission may apply, and the summit is reached by road, making the high point accessible. Climbing the historic stone tower involves stairs, and the observation area is high, so watching children and using care are wise. As the highest point in the state, the summit can be cooler and windier than the lowlands, so bringing a layer is smart. Checking current park hours before you go is helpful. Coming prepared ensures a rewarding visit to Bunker Tower at Cheaha State Park in Alabama.

The summit is scenic year-round, with clear days offering the farthest views, and fall especially spectacular when brilliant autumn color blankets the surrounding mountains and forest, a favorite season, while sunrise and sunset are magical any clear day. Spring brings greenery and blooms. The high summit can be cool and windy, so dressing in layers helps. For the best views with fall color aim for autumn, or visit at sunrise or sunset any clear season, at Bunker Tower atop Cheaha Mountain, Alabama.

Bunker Tower is atop Cheaha Mountain in Cheaha State Park in eastern Alabama, surrounded by the Talladega National Forest with its trails and overlooks, within reach of Anniston with its museums, the Talladega area, and the northeastern Alabama mountains. That makes Bunker Tower a scenic stop to combine with Cheaha State Park, the Anniston museums, and the other attractions of eastern Alabama on a visit to the state.