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Hike to Pulpit Rock

Delta, Alabama

5.0/5
based on 6 reviews

Details

Distance

2 miles

Elevation Gain

100 ft

Route Type

Out-and-Back

Description

Added by Lisa Sarver

A one mile hike down some mildly steep terrain will reward you with sweeping vistas of Talladega National Forest and the surrounding countryside.

Atop a rocky perch on the side of Mt. Cheaha (the highest point in Alabama), you'll have a breathtaking view and ample opportunities for photography. The trail to Pulpit Rock in Cheaha State Park, near Anniston, AL is a mere mile. The terrain is not too challenging, but it is a bit steep on the way back to the parking area.

Several waterfalls are within the park, as well as numerous trails of varying distances & degrees of difficulty. Make sure you stop at the Store near the entrance to the park and grab a trail map. A wonderful adventure awaits you!

The park has a buffet-style restaurant with amazing views. They serve ber & wine, decent food for a reasonable price and folks are welcome in their hiking gear. Patio outside also.

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Features

Photography
Hiking
Bathrooms
Dog Friendly
Easy Parking
Family Friendly
Food Nearby
Forest
Groups
Scenic
Waterfall
Wildflowers
Wildlife

Reviews

Pulpit Rock is an epic destination for anyone traveling through central Alabama. Cheaha is a state park within the Talladega National Forrest. There is a $5 daily entry fee and you should know that entry to the park closes at sunset unless you are a registered camper, (additional fee for a variety of campsites, including cabins). It truly has, as you can see from the original post, a beautiful vista. The view faces west and provides amazing sunsets, (I have added several photos). If you are not a registered camper, you will have to leave just before sunset to avoid the park closing at sunset. The Trail itself has some unusual tree formations from an ice storm several years ago.

Cheaha Mountain is the highest point in Alabama at 2,407 feet above sea level. Hiking the Pulpuit Rock Trail in Cheaha Resort State Park is steep at times, but otherwise, it is a very easy and short hike. We spent quite some time just taking in the fall colors and taking pictures by the rocks. We attempted to go on one of the other trails nearby, but the trail was not easy to find as I'm sure the weather took its toll on the path. Overall, it was a very relaxing, romantic, and scenic view.

This is an awesome place for rappelling. Some nice top rope options as well. If you're at Cheaha, this quick hike to a great view is definitely worth it!

2 miles is a stretch. Maybe 1 mile total. Super easy hike. Views are fantastic. Bolts for rappelling. Catch the sunset, you won't regret it.

The hike is closer to 1/2 mile, from the trailhead sign on the road to the outlook on top of Pulpit Rock. Definitely a must do if you're even close to Talladega National Forest!

I've gone many times and it's a simple hike for most anyone. We start at parking lot and from there you have several steep spots before reaching top. Going down other side is slightly steep.

Leave No Trace

Always practice Leave No Trace ethics on your adventures and follow local regulations. Please explore responsibly!

Nearby

Take in the View from Bald Rock in Cheaha State Park

McDill Point via Cheaha Trailhead

Cave Creek/Pinhoti Trail Loop

Hike Lake Chinnabee to Devil's Den Falls

Hike the Pin-Chin-Sky Loop Trail

Chinnabee Silent Trail to Cheaha Falls