I’ll be the first to admit that after living the first 22 years of my life mostly in Alabama, I didn’t really appreciate it until I left.
I grew up in Birmingham, Alabama, and often felt like there wasn’t really much to do in and around the city. As a result, I spent so much of my free time and weekends exploring hikes and all nature has to offer around the area!
While Alabama may not have striking mountains, the nature is underrated! After exploring practically every park in the vicinity of downtown, and hitting as many trails as possible, I have a pretty good grasp on the Birmingham hiking scene.
I’ve compiled a list of the 14 most scenic hikes within an hour of Birmingham, and if none of these stand out to you, or if you’re already done them all, don’t worry! The parks mentioned in the lists have plenty of other trail options to explore!
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1. Vulcan Trail
- Park: Lane Park
- Distance: 4 Miles
- Trail Type: Out and Back
- Difficulty: Easy
- Elevation Gain: 150 Feet
- Dog Friendly: Yes
- Distance from Downtown: 10 Minutes
This is actually the least “hikey” trail on this list of Birmingham hikes, but is practically downtown! However, it is paved, which I think makes it more of a walk than a hike.
The Vulcan Trail is located right behind the Vulcan State that overlooks the city, so after walking around the grounds there, and maybe even going to the top of the statue, you can start your walk! There is parking at the trailhead though, so you don’t have to park at the main Vulcan lot.
This trail is relatively flat, it only has about 150 feet of elevation gain! You’ll be walking with trees on both sides of you, and rock walls at some points. On the side opposite the wall, while you’ll pass the occasional house or apartment, you can get some great views of downtown!
This trail is incredibly green during the summer time, and remains relatively shaded during the season because of the canopy of leaves.
2. Grace’s Gap Overlook
- Park: Red Mountain Park
- Distance: 4 Miles
- Trail Type: Out and Back
- Difficulty: Moderate
- Elevation Gain: 410 Feet
- Dog Friendly: Yes
- Distance from Downtown: 15 Minutes
Red Mountain Park is probably one of my most frequently visited park on this list. It’s well maintained, has plenty of parking, has great trails, what’s not to love!
One of the best Birmingham hikes in this park is Grace’s Gap. This hike ends in a viewing platform with views of downtown and the hills around the area.
Shortly after you start your hike – like around 5 minutes in – you’ll come to a branch in the trail. Turn right, and it’s mostly a straight shot from this point!
You’ll of course be hiking through the forest, as in all of these hikes. But what’s cool about this hike is the old structures you’ll pass. Birmingham used to be a mining town, and you’ll pass some old mines and buildings!
Then, as you’re basically right by Grace’s Gap, there’s a tiny little treehouse and rope bridge you can go on before you finish the out section of your hike!
Once you’ve done that, then you’ll arrive at the viewing platform! Enjoy the views!
Consider wearing shoes you don’t mind getting dirty! This park is called Red Mountain for a reason; it was named this because of the color of the iron ore in the area, and the trails are still pretty red! Whether it’s because of this or something else, I’m not sure, but I always leave this park a bit dirtier than usual.
I’ve had directions take me to a weird, incorrect parking lot once, so whenever I hike here, I make sure to put Remy’s Dog Park in my GPS, and it’ll take you to the right place. This is the dog park inside the park near the main entrance, so if your dog is like mine and will still probably have energy after this hike, let them run around here.
3. Overlook Trail via Quarry Trail
- Park: Ruffner Mountain Park
- Distance: 2.7 Miles
- Trail Type: Out and Back
- Difficulty: Easy
- Elevation Gain: 410 Feet
- Dog Friendly: Yes
- Distance from Downtown: 15 Minutes
Another ode to Birmingham’s mining history with this hike! The Overlook Trail via Quarry Trail is another hike that will give you beautiful views of the limestone quarry and nature surrounding it!
This hike starts in next to the nature center parking lot, so you can park here and head to the cute “trails” sign. This parking is $5 a car, though.
This peaceful trail is very well maintained, and trees surround you as you head to the overlook. I went during the summer, and of course it was hot, because, you know, summer in Alabama, but it wasn’t miserable because of how much tree cover there was. The lush and green leaves were so pretty, and some trees even had flowers on them!
Once you reach the Cambrian Overlook, it’s even cooler! You can see down into the quarry and the trails below you, and you can see past way in the distance. It’s a great overlook!
4. Wenonah Connector to EBSCO Overlook
- Park: Red Mountain Park
- Distance: 3.4 Miles
- Trail Type: Out and Back
- Difficulty: Easy
- Elevation Gain: 216 Feet
- Dog Friendly: Yes
- Distance from Downtown: 15 Minutes
Can you tell I like overlooks yet?
Another trail in Red Mountain Park, the Wenonah Connector to EBSCO Overlook trail is an overlooked trail in the park and deserves some love!
This trail also goes through the woods and passes some different old mines as this hike and Grace’s Gap don’t overlap, but the highlight is the EBSCO overlook rather than the connector trail.
The overlook is pretty, with an elevated views of the greenery and what looks like ivy (don’t quote me on this though, I don’t know my plant species).
What makes the overlook even more fun is the places you can observe it from. There are two giant wooden chairs to sit in, or perhaps you’d prefer the human sized swing bench. Either way, something about these adds to the vibe.
5. Irondale Furnace Trail
- Park: No Park, Located in Birmingham
- Distance: 1.2 Miles
- Trail Type: Out and Back
- Difficulty: Easy
- Elevation Gain: 65 Feet
- Dog Friendly: Yes
- Distance from Downtown: 15 Minutes
The Irondale Furnace Trail is a lesser known Birmingham hike, but is a pretty hidden gem!
This easy, flat trail lakes you through the woods, along a creek, and past some old furnaces dating back to the Civil War! It’s a peaceful stroll, and the water adds a nice serene feeling.
You start right by the creek, perhaps the most open part of it. You’ll follow along it for practically the whole trail though.
The further you get, the more woodsy it gets too. Near the end, you’ll pass the main large furnace, it’s hard to miss!
It’s not too busy, which is good, because the parking lot is fairly small.
6. Tannehill Ironworks Trail
- Park: Tannehill Ironworks Historic State Park
- Distance: 4 Miles
- Trail Type: Loop
- Difficulty: Easy
- Elevation Gain: 374 Feet
- Dog Friendly: Yes
- Distance from Downtown: 20 Minutes
I always thought this park was so cool as a kid since there are so many structures from Birmingham’s mining era still intact here.
Not only is there great hiking, but there’s also a museum, old cabins (these were my favorite), on old mill, and more historic things! You should definitely spend some time checking these out in addition to your hike.
The Tannehill Ironworks Trail is a loop through the park that takes you past some of these historic sites, as well as through the woods and past a river you’ll get to cross (on a bridge, don’t worry)!
One of the coolest thing this trail takes you past is a what looks like an old mill made of stone and wood. It’s super cool!
To enter the park, it’s $5 for adults, $4 for seniors, $3 for kids aged 6-11 years old, and free for children younger than that.
7. High Falls
- Park: Moss Rock Preserve
- Distance: 3.5 Miles
- Trail Type: Loop
- Difficulty: Moderate
- Elevation Gain: 462 Feet
- Dog Friendly: Yes
- Distance from Downtown: 20 Minutes
This Birmingham hikes holds a special place in my heart.
I’ve been visiting High Falls at Moss Rock Preserve since I was a kid, and I remember the first time I went with my family and our childhood dogs, and the pups having the time of their life swimming in the swimming hole under the falls.
This is one of my favorite hikes, too. You’ll be walking in the forest for the whole thing, and even in winter, you wouldn’t be able to tell how close to road and town you are.
Through the walk in your woods, you’ll pass creeks and plenty of boulders. While the path is well maintained, it isn’t very well marked, so having a map is a good idea.
Eventually, you’ll reach high falls! If you’re not careful though, you may miss it. As you near the falls, you have an option to go straight and up, or turn left and down. While you should definitely go straight too, as it’ll lead you to the top of the falls and that’s a fun view, to get to the base, turn left.
Once you struggle your way down – it’s a bit steep – you’ll reach the base of the falls and the swimming hole! If you go during the right time, you may even have it all to yourself. Go for a quick swim before resuming your hike!
Some advice for this hike. If you just plug in “Moss Rock Preserve” on your maps, it may not take you to the correct trailhead. While you can start at the main park parking lot, it’ll just add a decent bit to your hike. You’re going to want to park at the Simmons Middle School trailhead.
8. Moss Rock Preserve Trail
- Park: Moss Rock Preserve
- Distance: 3.3 Miles
- Trail Type: Loop
- Difficulty: Moderate
- Elevation Gain: 364 Feet
- Dog Friendly: Yes
- Distance from Downtown: 20 Minutes
High Falls isn’t the only Birmingham hike on this located at Moss Rock Preserve. The Moss Preserve Trail takes you through the opposite section of the park, and it’s a fairly different experience!
You can start this hike at the Simmons trailhead mentioned above, the main trailhead, or the sulfur springs trailhead. The trail basically goes in a giant loop around the park, so you can find a starting point along any of these parking lots.
While you still get a stroll through the woods, a bonus of this hike is the towering rock walls. You may have to venture a little bit off this trail onto another one to catch a glimpse of them, but they’re a perfect place for climbing and bouldering.
I’ve gone bouldering here a few times, and if you’re into that, 10/10 would recommend it here. But if not, it’s fun to watch people do it, too! A cool spot on this hike that is an easy “climb” is the Hole in the Rock, which is exactly what is sounds like. Fun photo op!
You’ll also pass more water features, like a stream cascading over some rocks! Speaking of rocks, there are more cool rock formations, like Turtle Rock. The names may not be creative, but they’re true to their word.
The only downside to this hike is it can get pretty crowded during the weekend. Go early, or perhaps on a week day.
9. Kings Chair
- Park: Oak Mountain State Park
- Distance: 4.3 Miles
- Trail Type: Loop
- Difficulty: Moderate
- Elevation Gain: 751 Feet
- Dog Friendly: Yes
- Distance from Downtown: 30 Minutes
This a pretty popular Birmingham area hike, and with the views at the top, it’s easy to see why. King’s Chair summits with beautiful views at the top, and it’s a view well earned.
That being said, the hike to the viewpoint is a bit challenging! Especially if you try to do it during the dark to do it at sunrise and you’re half asleep… Definitely not speaking from personal experience here…
The hike starts at the North trailhead as part of the blue trail, and your ascent starts fairly quickly. This is a hike you’re going to want to wear good hiking boots for! While the trail is well maintained, it can be a bit rocky at sections, and hiking uphill has its own challenges.
Especially since it can be steep along this hike! Most of this trail is just an uphill trek through the forest. But once you reach the top at the overlook, it’s all worth it. The breathtaking views make it for a perfect place to stop your hike for a picnic, or just a long break.
While this hike is 100% worth it in my opinion, there is a fee to enter the park. It cost $5 per person aged 12-61, $2 for people aged 4-11 and older than 61, and is free for anyone younger than 4.
10. Veterans Park Trail
- Park: Veterans Park
- Distance: 2.6 Miles
- Trail Type: Loop
- Difficulty: Easy
- Elevation Gain: 157
- Dog Friendly: Yes
- Distance from Downtown: 20 Minutes
Oh, the memories I have with this trail. This was a frequent high school cross country race course for me, so I never fully appreciated the beauty of this Birmingham hike until after I graduated.
Two smaller loops make up the big loop that is the Veterans Park Trail.
The highlight of one of the loops is the large lake it takes you around. This loop is more open compared to the other one, as there is less tree cover; you’re less in the woods on this one. It’s mainly just open field with the lake in the middle.
Then, you’ll take the connector tunnel to the other mini loop of the trail, and this feels like more of hike experience and less of a park stroll experience (the lake park stroll is still beautiful, of course).
Enter the serene hike through the woods. The trail is well maintained and easy to follow. The only downside is there is one pretty big hill. Okay, maybe it’s not terrible, but I’m scarred from sprinting up it during cross country meets.
After your hike, this is the perfect park to just relax at. There’s plenty of picnic tables, pavilions, a few sand volleyball courts, a playground, and a bathroom.
11. Narrows Ridge Trail
- Park: Turkey Creek Nature Preserve
- Distance: 2.6 Miles
- Trail Type: Loop
- Difficulty: Easy
- Elevation Gain: 347 Feet
- Dog Friendly: Yes
- Distance from Downtown: 25 Minutes
Turkey Creek Nature Preserve is a great place to swim in the summer, and of course, a great place to hike!
I’ll admit, this is the only hike I haven’t done on this list, but it’s on my bucket list! I’ve swam in some of the swimming holes here, and I can only imagine how pretty the hikes are.
The Narrows Ridge Trail is a beautiful forested trail that takes you along the creek, and you get to see a small waterfall!
The majority of this hike is through the dense woods, but the section along the waterfall looks beautiful.
12. Peavine Falls
- Park: Oak Mountain State Park
- Distance: 1.2 Miles
- Trail Type: Loop
- Difficulty: Moderate
- Elevation Gain: 298 Feet
- Dog Friendly: Yes
- Distance from Downtown: 40 Minutes
Another hike in Oak Mountain State Park, Peavine Falls is a great waterfall hike, especially if you go during the right season! One time when I went it was a mere trickle, but the other time it was flowing a lot.
The hike to the falls and the small swimming hole under it is on a well maintained trail through the forest.
Once you get to the falls, even if it isn’t flowing very strongly, it’s still a cool feature! It’s like almost a cave under it the way the rocks slope. It’s a cool rock formation even if there isn’t water.
If there is a good flow, there’s a good chance you’ll be able to swim under the falls!
Again, there is a fee to enter the park. It cost $5 per person aged 12-61, $2 for people aged 4-11 and older than 61, and is free for anyone younger than 4.
13. Falling Rock Falls
- Park: No Park, Located in Montevallo
- Distance: 1.8 Miles
- Trail Type: Out and Back
- Difficulty: Moderate
- Elevation Gain: 393 Feet
- Dog Friendly: Yes
- Distance from Downtown: 40 Minutes
This trail is a true hidden gem if there ever was one. You’d never know the trail for Falling Rock Falls was there if you weren’t actively looking for it.
This Birmingham hike doesn’t really have a true trailhead. Instead, it has a gate out front and a gravel road. There’s no parking lot, so you’ll have to park off the road. Make sure you’re not blocking the gate.
I’ll admit, it feels a bit strange walking behind the closed gate to begin a hike. It feels a bit sketchy at first, especially since the first stretch of the walk is on an open gravel path, some of the trees around you are cut down, and we passed what I believed to be drilling rigs.
This will change soon, though! However, it may be a good idea to consider wearing bright orange as I believe hunting is permitted here.
As you follow the gravel path, you’ll start to inch closer to the dense forest, and soon you’ll spot a small opening in the woods where the trail turns left. If you reach a drilling rig looking thing, you missed the turn. Go back and maybe see if there’s anyone you can follow in.
Once you’re in the woods, this is where the real fun begins! It finally feels like a real hike and not like trespassing. From here, it’s mostly a straight shot. You’ll cross a creek, and soon the falls will come into view!
However, getting to the base of the falls it a bit challenging. Channel your inner mountain goat, because it may be a bit of scrambling. Be careful!
Then, hooray! You’ve made it! Isn’t she beautiful. Falling Rock Falls is a gorgeous 90 foot tall waterfall, and you can even go behind it to see it from there! Please, don’t add to the graffiti though. Leave no trace.
Let me let you in on a little secret.. this isn’t the only waterfall on this hike! There’s a second one a bit farther than we found by accident, and it was a pleasant surprise.
If you go straight following the creek and its natural curvature, you’ll come across it! Smaller, but similar in style. Enjoy!
14. Noccalula Falls and Historic Gorge via Black Creek Trail
- Park: Noccalula Falls
- Distance: 2.9 Miles
- Trail Type: Loop
- Difficulty: Moderate
- Elevation Gain: 370 Feet
- Dog Friendly: Yes
- Distance from Downtown: 1 Hour
This may be the furthest hike on this list, but it’s still worth a visit if you have time. Noccalula Falls is a stunning 90 foot waterfall, and the Noccalula Falls and Historic Gorge via Black Creek Trail take you to the base of it.
This trail is a fun one, yet a challenging one. The ground is a bit rocky at points, but the trail is pretty to easy to follow.
This trail has a lot of rock wall faces along it, which are fun to step off the trail and boulder for a bit on. It makes it a bit more interesting!
As you get closer to the falls, you’ll start walking along the creek, and there’s plenty of places to rock hop along here, too.
Then, once you get to the falls, you can even walk behind it! It’s a bit rocky, so watch your step, but so cool! There’s even a little beach area forming where the falls flows into.
While this park is fun to visit, there’s a sad Native American legend about this falls. I won’t go into detail about it here, but I’ve linked the park’s article about it if you’re interested.
To enter the park, it’s $8 per adult, $6 per seniors and children aged 4-12, and free for children under that age. Also note that the park is closed during January.
What to bring?
Of course, bring plenty of water, especially if you’re going during the summer! Alabama heat is no joke. But even if you’re not going during the summer, still bring it. Some of the hills will take it out of you.
If you’re bringing your pup with you, make sure to bring a portable bowl for them. Trust me, they’ll get thirsty, too! Don’t forget their poop bags, either. I like to carry some treats with me as well.
As far as hiking shoes go, I highly suggest hiking boots with ankle protection. I’ll be the first to admit I’m clumsy and easily trip over my own feet, but some of these hikes have roots just waiting to grab ya.
Wear your sunscreen, and bring some bug spray! I often decide on the trail if I need it, but better to have it on hand and not use it than to be swarmed with bugs and not have it.
Not to be a downer on this last one, but especially for my solo hikers, bring some mace. I’m an advocate for solo hiking, I often just have my dog with me. But I understand this comes with a certain level of risk, and I’d highly, highly suggest bringing along this for protection. Check out my blog post for tips on how to safe while solo hiking. These tips are good practices even if you’re not alone!
Finally, follow the 7 principles of Leave No Trace, meaning:
- Plan ahead and prepare
- Travel and camp on durable surfaces
- Dispose of waste properly
- Leave what you find
- Minimize campfire impacts
- Respect wildlife
- Be considerate of others
Things to Remember
Some of these hikes may be a bit confusing to follow along your first time hiking them. Something I do whether it’s my first or tenth time on the trail is use the AllTrails Navigate feature. It’s super helpful if you’re directionally challenged like me, as it shows you exactly where on the trail you are – or not on the trail, if you’ve wandered off of it without realizing.
Also, remember some of these hikes have a fee to enter the park! I believe most of them take card, but bringing cash isn’t a bad idea.
You should be all set to explore these Birmingham hikes! Happy hiking!
