Birmingham is located at the foothills of the Appalachian Mountains, providing adventuring souls with hundreds of acres of trails to explore. Whether you want a short, easy walk or a steep climb, there is a hiking trail just for you.
Oak Moutain State Park
What to do: hiking, biking, geocaching, boating, fishing
Best Hiking Trails: Peavine Falls
Location: 200 Terrace Drive, Pelham, AL 35124
Hours: 7 AM – 7 PM
Admission: $4/person
Ruffner Mountain Nature Preserve
What to do: hiking, Visitors’ Center exhibits
Best Hiking Trails: Crusher Trail, Overlook Trail
Location: 1214 81st Street South, Birmingham, AL 35206
Hours:9 AM – 5 PM
Admission: Free
Things to know: No exit after 5 PM, closed on Mondays, opens at 1 PM on Sundays
Tech tip: Go to Ruffner’s website to access a trail map that can track your current location
Moss Rock Preserve
What to do: Hiking, bouldering
Best Hiking Trails: Orange Trail
Location: 617 Preserve Way, Hoover, AL 35226
Hours: Daylight
Admission: Free
Note: Be sure to go to the boulder fields!
Red Mountain Park
What to do: hiking, biking, zip line, geocaching, dog park
Best Hiking Trails: SkyHy Treehouse (via Smythe)
Overlooks: Ishkooda Overlook, Grace’s Gap Overlook
Location: 2011 Frankfurt Drive, Birmingham, AL 35211
Hours: 7 AM – 7 PM
Admission: Free
Jemison Park
What to do: Walking/Running, Picnicking
Location: Shades Creek Parkway/Lakeshore Drive near Mountain Brook
Hours: Daylight
Admission: Free