14 Best Hiking Trails in Alabama!

The Heart of Dixie’s humid, subtropical temperatures make for hot summers and not-so-harsh winters, making it the ideal state to go out for a hike almost any time of year. For outdoor lovers looking for a scenic stroll by rivers and through forests, Alabama can provide you with the perfect backdrop. Here are the 14 best hiking trails in Alabama. 

Falling Rocks Falls Hike, Montevallo, AL

This short 1.5-mile hike reveals a hidden treasure. Leading to a 90-foot waterfall, the trail takes you through the beautiful greenery. See the place at its most beautiful when the sun is rising.  

DeSoto Scout Trail, Fort Payne, AL

This difficult trail is 3.1 miles in a tracked loop. Get the full experience of the great outdoors with a waterfall and river that are worth the hike. Canoeing is also possible in the river, for those looking for activities outside of the hike.  

Walls of Jericho Trail, Estillfork, AL

Walls of Jericho Trail is phenomenal. Rated as difficult, the trail is six miles and features a captivating waterfall hidden within a rock cave.

Pinhoti Trail, Talladega, AL

This trail is a 20.3-mile, moderately trafficked point-to-point trail that is home to beautiful wild flowers and forestry. Rated as difficult, the trail offers a number of activity options and is accessible year-round.

Cherokee Ridge Alpine Trail, Dadeville, AL

This 3.2-mile, lightly populated loop trail is located just outside of Dadeville. With many interesting natural features, the trail is near a lake that is perfect for swimming in during the summer.

Noccalula Falls Historic Gorge Trail, Gadsden, AL

This trail takes you to Noccalula Falls, a natural waterfall that cascades over 90 feet into the Black Creek ravine. For those looking for a camping experience, the park itself lays claim to several campsites and a pool.

McKay Hollow Trail, Brownsboro, AL

McKay Hollow is a 4.2-mile trail located near Brownsboro, Alabama. The hike features beautiful wild flowers that make the rather difficult trek worth the sweat. The trail is accessible year-round, and perfect for getting out and beating the winter blues.

Stone Cuts Trail, Huntsville, AL

Located near Huntsville, the Stone Cuts trail showcases beautiful, deep erosional clefts in a large section of limestone. Some of the clefts are safe enough for kids to climb, making the trail suitable and fun for the whole family. The terrain is also ideal for mountain climbers and spelunkers alike.

Rainbow Mountain Loop Trail, Madison, AL

Rated moderately difficult, this 1.5-mile trail has a stunning forested backdrop. The trail is primarily used for hiking, walking, and trail running and is accessible year-round. Dogs are also welcome on this trail.

Smith Mountain Fire Tower Trail, Jacksons Gap, AL

Suitable for all skill levels, this 0.8-mile trail is simply breathtaking. The trail wraps around scenic Lake Martin, and includes a tower to get an aerial view.

Bartram National Recreation Trail, Tuskegee, AL

This trail is a 15-mile lightly trafficked out and back trail located near Notasulga.  Not only is it open to foot traffic, but also to horses and mountain bike. Bartram is the true outdoors experience.  

Swayback Bridge Trail, Wetumpka, AL

An easy to moderate trail, the Swayback Bridge Trail is worth the hike. The rail features a breathtaking lake view, and is relatively uncrowded.  

Flagg Mountain Trail, Weogufka, AL

Flagg Mountain is a 6.4-mile trail with low traffic. Once you reach the top, you can see endless sites of mountains and valleys. You can also climb the Flagg Mountain Tower that provides even more spectacular views.

Oak Mountain Blue Trail, Pelham, AL

This 12.9-mile trail is relatively difficult. The trail connects to the White Trail and loops through beautiful forest scenery. With patches of flowers and man natural springs, this trail is worth the effort.

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1546 Grist Road, Selma, AL
The centerpiece of this beautiful 1,080-acre park is a 100-acre lake. Visitors enjoy the relaxing atmosphere surrounding the lake, which offers fis... Read More
200 Terrace Drive, Pelham, AL
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Oak Mountain State Park, 200 Terrace Drive, Pelham, AL
The Red Trail, also known as the Double Oak Trail, is designated as the bike trail and is 17 miles long. It is steep and rough in places. Hikers, a... Read More
Terrace Dr, Pelham, AL
The Green Trail, known as the Peavine Falls Trail, begins near the Park Office/Beach area on Terrace Drive. It is the shortest trail at 1.9 miles l... Read More
The Green Trail begins near the Park Office on Terrace Drive. The Red Trail meets Terrace Drive in several places. The Yellow Trail also ends on Te... Read More
Boulder Field Trail Head, 617 Preserve Pkwy, Birmingham, AL
A perfect balance of nature and community, Moss Rock Preserve is a beautiful 350-acre nature preserve abundant with trees and plants, rock outcropp... Read More
200 Terrace Drive, Pelham, AL
The Treetop Nature Trail is an elevated boardwalk with 6 cages that offers an educational experience. You can come see Birds of Prey up close and p... Read More
2011 Frankfurt Drive, Birmingham, AL
Red Mountain Park! To date we have opened 12 miles of hiking and biking trails, the Red Ore Zip Tour, the Hugh Kaul Beanstalk Forest, the Kaul Adve... Read More
North of Wetumpka on the shores of Lake Jordan, Wetumpka, AL
OLA's mainstay trail is the Swayback Bridge Trail north of Wetumpka on the shores of Lake Jordan. 12 Miles of Hiking/Biking enjoyment for the local... Read More
Ruffner Mountain Nature Center is a nature preserve and a Certified Wildlife Habitat. Protection of native plants and animals is of foremost import... Read More
Ruffner Mountain Nature Preserve, 1214 81st Street South, Birmingham, AL
Ruffner Mountain Nature Center is a nature preserve and a Certified Wildlife Habitat. Protection of native plants and animals is of foremost import... Read More
Boat Dock Ln, Sylacauga, AL
Lake Howard is a 150 acre water shed that is part of our city’s water supply.   Fishing is allowed by permit, there is wet storage ... Read More
6198 Watermelon Rd, Tuscaloosa, AL
Length: 10 miles Difficulty: BeginnerIntermediateAdvanced Aerobic Difficulty: Beginner to Advanced Time To Allow: 2 - 3 hours Read More
4325 Alabama Highway 128, Alexander City, AL
South of Alexander City on Alabama Highway 128 you’All find one of the largest state-owned campground in the United States, Wind Creek State ... Read More
from Piedmont to a point south of Talladega, Talladega, AL
Pinhoti National Recreation Trail offers more than 100 miles of moderate to difficult hiking opportunities. The Pinhoti winds through the Talladega... Read More
2234 Overlook Drive, Dadeville, AL
No matter if you like rugged alpine-like trails or easy wooded trails - we have it all.  Well maintained and expertly marked trails await ... Read More
13226 Lake Lurleen Road, Coker, AL
Located nine miles northwest of Tuscaloosa and Northport, this 1,625-acre park is a scenic retreat set on the banks of Lake Lurleen and offers plen... Read More
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