Generated illustration of a natural swimming setting; not a photograph of this location
This location may be clothing-optional or adjacent to adult content. We do not display adult imagery and recommend discretion. Families should verify suitability.
Falls/RiverAL

Cheaha Mountain Swimming Holes

By Hidden Swimming Holes Team · Record updated

Background: generated illustration, not a photograph of this location.

Cheaha Area: Historical Creek Access and Separate Lake Beach. Check exact entrances, current manager rules, facilities and separate camping before visiting.

Water type
Falls/River
Access
Swimming unconfirmed
Fee
Separate Cheaha Park admission $5 ages 12+, $2 ages 4-11, concessions listed; unnamed creek access not established
Best season
Use the named destination's current schedule and conditions
Nearby towns
Birmingham, Anniston, Talladega
Water body
Cheaha Creek/ High Falls Branch

Location

Map & Directions

AL
Nearby towns
Birmingham, Anniston, Talladega
Access location not verified
TALLADEGA, AL
Approximate location based on the nearest town. Confirm the exact spot and access before you go.

Sources & checks

This is a desk-researched listing. A record update or map check does not confirm current swimming permission or water conditions.

Swimming rules
Current swimming permission has not been independently confirmed for this listing. Check with the land manager before entering the water.
Access location not verified
The recorded location has no completed source check. Confirm the entrance, legal access, and parking before travelling.
Record updated
· This is a data update, not a field visit.

Found an error? Send a correction with the location and a source. How we research listings.

Cheaha Area: Historical Creek Access and Separate Lake Beach

The archive ends after a regional highway approach and does not identify two modern creek entrances. Cheaha Creek and High Falls Branch should not be replaced by Cheaha Lake just because the saved Google result names the lake.

Separate the archived creek approach from the park

Use official Cheaha directions for a separate park/lake visit. Do not assume all creek pools are behind the state-park gate or reached on short maintained park trails. Confirm the actual creek owner, parking and intended activity.

Cheaha Lake is the managed option

Alabama Parks identifies a swimming beach at Cheaha State Park. That is a separate lake option, not creek-wide permission. Current admission includes Mountain Park and Lake Recreation Area: ages 12+ $5, ages 4-11 $2; listed concessions apply.

Plan services and the return

Do not rely on the former hotel pool

Current park page lists picnic tables/grills, store and separately booked camping. The old hotel and pool were torn down; no present hotel-pool access or restaurant promised.

Choose a booked Cheaha campsite

Park offers improved, primitive and CCC lakeside camping under separate bookings. No overnight permission verified at the unnamed historical creek pools.

Check the park and beach descriptions

Cheaha State Park visitor information; Alabama Parks swimming-beach guide. This review does not certify today's water quality or depth, inspect swings or slides, or authorize jumping. Use current signs and confirm the specific entrance and activity.

Getting There

Use official Cheaha directions for a separate park/lake visit. Do not assume all creek pools are behind the state-park gate or reached on short maintained park trails. Confirm the actual creek owner, parking and intended activity.

Access Notes

Use official Cheaha directions for a separate park/lake visit. Do not assume all creek pools are behind the state-park gate or reached on short maintained park trails. Confirm the actual creek owner, parking and intended activity.

Plan Your Visit

Parking & Access

Confirm the entrance, parking arrangements, and legal access with the land manager. A map pin does not establish a public right of access. Follow posted routes and never block gates or driveways.

Regulations & Fees

Alabama Parks identifies a swimming beach at Cheaha State Park. That is a separate lake option, not creek-wide permission. Current admission includes Mountain Park and Lake Recreation Area: ages 12+ $5, ages 4-11 $2; listed concessions apply. Public park access does not necessarily include permission to swim. Respect private property and posted restrictions.

Seasonality & Flow

Water conditions can change quickly. This listing does not provide a current safety or water-quality assessment. Check official alerts and avoid entering water when conditions or permission are uncertain.

Nearby Facilities

Nearby places from saved public map data, not necessarily facilities at the swimming spot. Confirm access, hours, fees, and amenities with the operator before you drive.

Map data retrieved 2026-06-15

Cheaha Falls

Scenic spot

4.8 (300)

Lineville, AL 36266

Anniston Army Depot Campground

Campground

4.8 (11)

Eastaboga, AL 36260

Public restroomRestroomWi-Fi

Oxford Campground

Campground

4.3 (240)

20 Garrett Cir, Anniston, AL 36207

Public restroomPublic showerRestroomRunning water

Scenic Drive RV Park

Campground

4.5 (214)

24 Cheaha State Park Drive, Anniston, AL 36207

Tiki Toilets

Public bathroom

4900 Bow St, Anniston, AL 36206

Cleburne Welcome Center

Tourist information center

4.6 (1931)

213155 I-20, Heflin, AL 36264

parking near Cheaha Mountain Swimming Holes, ANNISTON, AL

Parking

Frequently Asked Questions About Cheaha Mountain Swimming Holes

Does the listing identify two current creek entrances?

No. The preserved archive gives a regional approach, then stops. It does not supply two verified present-day pools, parking areas or routes.

Is Cheaha Lake the same as the historical creek spots?

No. The saved lake match cannot identify Cheaha Creek or High Falls Branch entrances. The state-park beach is a separate managed swimming option.

Is there a managed swimming option at Cheaha?

Alabama Parks identifies Cheaha State Park's swimming beach. Check the lake's current access and signs rather than transferring that permission to creeks.

What does park admission cost?

The park page lists $5 for ages 12 and older and $2 for ages 4-11, with age and military concessions. Admission includes the mountain and lake recreation areas, not arbitrary private creek access.

Can I use the old hotel swimming pool?

The current park page says the old hotel and pool were torn down. Do not rely on old pool hours, hotel amenities or a proposed replacement as an operating facility.

Is camping allowed at the creek pools?

No creek-site camping permission is established. Cheaha's improved, primitive and CCC lakeside camping must be booked separately under park rules.

Highlights

Manager recreation scope retained
Cliff and shortcut advice withdrawn
Current access and services distinguished

Location & Area Map

Safety Information

Important Safety Tips

  • Do not jump or dive into unknown water, use uninspected swings or slides, or enter high/rising flow
  • Manager permission is not a water-quality or depth guarantee

Cultural & Historical Context

Historical Background

Historic locator information preserved separately from current visitor instructions.

Photography Guide

Photo Opportunities

No exact-site saved gallery collection approved; use lawful permitted viewpoints and avoid identifiable visitors without permission.

Conservation & Ethics

Protect This Place

Use permitted routes, pack out litter and protect banks. Follow current fire and land-use restrictions.

Explore More Nearby Swimming Guides

You Might Also Like

At a Glance

Best Time to Visit
Use the named destination's current schedule and conditions; no generic summer safety guarantee.
Difficulty Level
Trail or overlook difficulty is separate from verified water entry; confirm intended route and mobility requirements.
Fee
Separate Cheaha Park admission $5 ages 12+, $2 ages 4-11, concessions listed; unnamed creek access not established
Facilities
Current park page lists picnic tables/grills, store and separately booked camping. The old hotel and pool were torn down; no present hotel-pool access or restaurant promised.
Activities
Documented hiking/picnicking context; historical creek swimming entrance unverified
Phone
256-488-5111 (Cheaha Park)

Safety & Access Notice

This information is for general planning only and may be incomplete, outdated, or inaccurate. Access rules, closures, water levels, currents, hazards, and legal restrictions can change at any time. Always verify current rules with the land manager or official source before visiting.

You are responsible for your own safety and for following all posted signs, laws, and local regulations. Read the full disclaimer.

Camping Information

Park offers improved, primitive and CCC lakeside camping under separate bookings. No overnight permission verified at the unnamed historical creek pools.

Loading weather data…

Safety & Access Notice

This information is for general planning only and may be incomplete, outdated, or inaccurate. Access rules, closures, water levels, currents, hazards, and legal restrictions can change at any time. Always verify current rules with the land manager or official source before visiting.

  • Do not swim where swimming is prohibited, unsafe, or not clearly allowed.
  • Follow posted signs, local regulations, closures, and private-property boundaries.
  • Assess conditions on site. Water flow, depth, temperature, and underwater hazards change quickly.
  • Never jump or dive without personally confirming depth and underwater obstacles.
  • Swim with a buddy and consider flotation for weak or non-swimmers.
  • Pack out all trash; respect wildlife and fragile environments.

You are responsible for your own safety and for following all posted signs, laws, and local regulations. Read the full disclaimer.

J
Joshua Havens
Founder & Editor, Hidden Swimming Holes

Joshua Havens created Hidden Swimming Holes to make it easier for people to find — and safely visit — natural freshwater swimming destinations across the United States. He researches access conditions, water quality resources, and land management rules so you don't have to start from scratch. He holds a strong belief that good outdoor recreation information should be accurate, honest about its limitations, and freely available.

Explore More Swimming Holes

Discover other amazing natural swimming destinations across America