10 Alabama hiking trails you need to visit this summer

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Alabama is known for a lot of things: College football, bustling business cities, sweet tea—you name it. But we’re also one of the most biodiverse states in the U.S., and known globally for our freshwater biodiversity.

If you haven’t gotten the chance to explore all of Alabama’s outdoor beauty, this summer is the perfect chance to do that! We found 10 walking and hiking trails for you to try. Don’t worry, there are plenty of options for all experience levels.

First things first: Hiking safety tips

Before you head out on your Alabama hike, it’s important to be prepared! Here are a few “know before you go” checklist items that Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Alabama suggests.

• Plan ahead:  Know your route, expected weather, trail difficulty + how long you’ll be out
• Know where to go: Bring a physical map or an offline GPS
• Wear proper footwear: Trails often include slick rock, roots + uneven ground. Good hiking shoes help prevent slips + injuries.
• Watch for wildlife: Stay on marked trails, avoid tall grass + give wildlife plenty of space.
• Avoid harmful plants: Poison ivy is widespread in Alabama. Remember “leaves of three, leave it be,” and avoid touching vines climbing trees or rocks.
• Stay hydrated: Heat + humidity can dehydrate hikers quickly. Bring more water than you think!
• Protect your skin: Wear sunscreen, hats, sunglasses or protective clothing.
• Respect trail rules: Stay on marked trails, follow regulations + practice good trail etiquette
• Use reliable navigation: There are apps to help with planning + offline navigation, but it’s always good to carry a backup map

1. Pinhoti Trail

Northeast Alabama’s Pinhoti Trail serves as our state’s missing link to the Appalachian Trail in northwest Georgia. It’s Alabama’s longest hiking path, crossing through six major highways and multiple Alabama counties:

• Coosa County
• Talladega County
• Calhoun County
• Cleburne County

Plus, the Top of the World observation tower opened this March, so now you can see the whole trail across Alabama!

Find your nearest access point to the Pinhoti Trail.

2. Auburn: Louise Kreher Preserve and Nature Trail

Endowed by the Auburn University College of Forestry, Wildlife and Environment, the Louise Kreher Preserve and Nature Center serves as an outdoor classroom and discovery center to learn more about the natural environment.

You can go on hikes and nature walks through The Nature Center, and even take adult workshops, classes and wildlife study programs.

• Address: 2222 N College St, Auburn, AL 36830
• Hours: Sunrise to sunset
• More info

Want more? Check out 7 hiking and walking trails across Auburn.

3. Birmingham: King’s Chair at Oak Mountain State Park

As a Birmingham resident, Oak Mountain State Park is one of my favorite hiking spots! King’s Chair is a moderate hike with a 2-mile loop, and the gorgeous outlook is at the halfway mark.

Tip: Bring snacks to enjoy at the peak of the mountain.

• Location: 200 Terrace Dr, Pelham, AL 35124
• Hours: 7AM-7PM
• Find more Oak Mountain trails + more info

4. Cheaha: Pulpit Rock Trail

The Pulpit Rock Trail is the star of Cheaha State Park. It’s a 0.6 mile hike with an 111-foot elevation—dubbed as a moderate hike with a great view! It should only take you 30 minutes to an hour to complete.

Note: The journey takes you through some rocky sections, but it’s all part of the adventure leading up to the beautiful overlook.

• Location: 19644 Hwy. 281, Delta, AL, United States, Alabama
• Hours: 7AM-9PM
• More info

5. Fort Payne: Little River Canyon

North Alabama’s Little River Canyon National Preserve has tons of trail and hiking options for every experience level. We recommend the Eberhart Trail, a .75 mile out-and-back trail where you can venture into the canyon, down to the river and a popular swimming hole.

Tip: It’s a short trail, but it’s pretty steep. Watch your step, and bring your swimsuit to cool down in the swimming hole during your hike.

• Location: 4322 Little River Trail #100, Fort Payne, AL 35967
• More info

6. Gadsden: Black Creek Trail at Noccalulu Falls

Gadsden’s Noccalula Falls Park has The Black Creek Trail: A 1.7-mile crushed stone path with beautiful scenery as it works its way from Noccalula Falls campground to Black Creek Road.

Intersecting the main trail are over 15 miles of single-track trails great for walking, running and mountain-biking—perfect for any experience level or workout you’re seeking.

• Location: 1500 Noccalula Rd, Gadsden, AL
• Hours: 9AM-5PM
• More info

7. Huntsville: Devil’s Race Track at Wade Mountain Nature Preserve

Devil’s Race Track is a 3.4-mile moderately difficult loop trail that is mainly used for hiking and running. The path is home to a lot of wildlife, so keep your camera on hand to capture the beauty.

Plus: Devil’s Race Track is a horse trail! And of course, dogs are welcome too.

• Location: 10130 Spragins Hollow Rd NW, Huntsville, AL 35810
• Hours: 7AM-7PM

Find 6 more hiking trails in Huntsville.

8. Mobile: Longleaf Forest

Take a walk in Mobile’s Longleaf Forest and take in the scenery of Mobile Botanical Gardens. Thousands of wildflowers and pine trees line the 35-acre area.

Stop along the way to admire the lilies in bloom this summer or take a picnic with you to enjoy on the trail.

• Location: 5151 Museum Dr, Mobile, AL 36608
• Hours: Monday-Sunday, 6AM-8PM
• More info

There’s more in Mobile Bay: Check out 5 beautiful walking trails in Mobile.

9. Montgomery: Lagoon Park Trail

Lagoon Park in Montgomery covers over 400 acres, and 176 of those are full of forests, meadows, wetlands and creeks. There are six different trails to choose from.

Our pick is the Forest Road Trail, a primarily clay road that’s wide, flat, straight and shady, perfect for easy walking or cycling.

Note: Yield to turtles and squirrels crossing the road!

• Location: Gunter Park Dr E, Montgomery, AL 36109
• Hours: Sunrise to sunset

10. Tuscaloosa: Hurricane Creek Park

Hurricane Creek Park’s rushing waters are the refreshing reward along its 3.1-mile loop.

The narrow trails lined with pine trees have some inclines, making for a hefty hike. However, you can recharge on the creek bank, where there are plenty of flat rocks and sandy areas to grab a picnic and enjoy the views. 

• Location: 7005 Old Birmingham Hwy, Tuscaloosa, AL 35404
• Hours: 5AM-7PM
• More info

Check out more Tuscaloosa hiking trails we love.

Alabama is home to 22 state parks! Find one near you and support the mission to preserve Alabama’s natural areas.

Which Alabama hiking trails are you trying this summer? Tag us @thebamabuzz + let us know!

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