Alabama will add a marquee mountain destination in early 2026: A new three-tower hotel and meeting center at Cheaha State Park, perched at the state’s highest point and built to anchor year-round outdoor tourism.

State Sen. Randy Price (R-Opelika), Chairman of the Senate Tourism Committee, announced on Tuesday that Alabamians will soon have another popular tourist destination and economic generator with the early 2026 opening of the new Cheaha State Park Hotel and Meeting Center, a project he has championed from the idea phase to its final completion. 

Located within Price’s Senate District 13, the hotel will feature three towers, each with its own balcony that offers breathtaking panoramic views, and a cliffside event space for meetings, weddings, and other events. 

“I have worked hand-in-glove with the parks division of the Alabama Department of Conservation and Natural Resources to bring this project from conception to construction to its approaching completion,” Price said.

“We took great care to place an emphasis on Alabama’s forestry industry during the design process, so in addition to providing a destination point for visitors from throughout the United States to enjoy our natural beauty, it will highlight, acknowledge, and promote the economic importance of our state’s timber industry.” 

During the 2025 regular legislative session, Price also secured the construction of a new fire department within Cheaha State Park that will be managed and equipped by two local volunteer fire departments serving the region.   

“It is essential for these dedicated volunteers to have adequate working facilities to provide fire protection and also assist with any necessary rescue efforts with the anticipated additional tourists to Cheaha throughout the year,” Price said. 

Alabama Senate President Pro Tem Garlan Gudger (R-Cullman) praised Price for his efforts, which will attract new tourists to his district while boosting the entire state’s economy during their travels across the Yellowhammer State.

“Every senator works hard to make our districts better places to live, work, and play, and Sen. Price has checked all three of those boxes with this hotel project,” Gudger said.

“His dedication and devotion to his district and the constituents he serves is on constant display in the committee rooms and chambers of the Alabama State House.”

Grayson Everett is the editor in chief of Yellowhammer News. You can follow him on X @Grayson270.