Biking
Let your wheels take you where you want to go. Our nearly 580 miles of riding and multi-use trails give you plenty of space for your biking adventures, whether on a road, trail or track. Spend time in nature, connect with others and elevate your heart rate, all while having fun. From beginners to experts and everyone in between, we have a trail for everyone.
Seasonality: Year-round
Optimal Skill Level: Beginner to expert
Photo Location: Little River Canyon
Hit the Trails
Mountain Biking
Sitting at the foothills of the Appalachians, Alabama has the perfect terrain for mountain biking. Even outside of the mountainous north, challenging trails are in practically every part of the state from the plains to the Gulf Coast. No matter where you find yourself, you won’t have to go far for the perfect trail to fit your skill level.
It’s time to ride. Start with these trails across our beautiful state.
Slingshot Trail
Pelham, AL
3.1 miles | Intermediate
The Slingshot, one of Oak Mountain State Park’s newest trails, awaits some action. This three-mile intermediate trail welcomes all skill levels, with options for beginning bikers and more advanced options for experienced bikers.
Black Creek Trail
Gadsden, AL
1.7 miles | Easy
Ride along the Black Creek Gorge on this accessible multi-use gravel trail as you take in Noccalula Falls, Black Creek and Cascade Creek. And you don’t have to go alone. Take the whole family as cyclists, runners and walkers of all skill levels frequent this trail.
Coldwater Mountain Biking Trails
Anniston, AL
35 miles | Easy to Difficult
Coldwater Mountain boasts 35 miles of biking trails and two miles of gravity trails. All levels can ride the mountains, as trail options exist for beginning and experienced bikers. Hikers can also use the trails. However, the land trust recommends they use them in a counterclockwise direction.
Big Levee Trail
Dothan, AL
2.8 miles | Easy
Take in the sights of lower Alabama on the Big Levee trail in Dothan. This trail features 2.8 miles of singletrack exploration with many options to twist, turn and jump.
Family Bike Trail
Huntsville, AL
4.5 miles | Easy
Bikers looking for an entry trail should explore Monte Sano Mountain’s Family Bike Trail. This 4.5-mile loop features a stunning overlook over the western plateau at O’Shaughnessy Point. Wherever you are in your mountain biking journey, find the perfect destination for your next adventure at the Family Bike Trail.
*The state of Alabama requires helmets for riders 16 and under by law and recommends them for all others.
Hit the Roads
Road Cycling
Take in the sights and scenery of Alabama as you bike on our roads and paved paths. Ride with others or ride alone. Head out on a quick weekday ride or venture out to an unexplored place on a long weekend trip. With challenging climbs and neighborhood routes, we have options that will keep you challenged and coming back for more.
Start your road cycling journey with these five Alabama trails and routes.
Hugh S. Branyon Backcountry Trail
Baldwin County, AL
12.2 miles | Easy
This multi-use paved asphalt trail runs through Gulf Shores State Park along the Gulf of Mexico. Boasting the title as one of the top recreational trails in the country, the Hugh S. Branyon Backcountry Trail has a 12.2-mile loop with a gentle, fun ride for a variety of backgrounds and experience levels.
Chief Ladiga Trail
Anniston, AL
33 miles | Intermediate to Difficult
Ride through eastern Alabama on the 33-mile-long point-to-point Chief Ladiga Trail. Wind through the countryside in Anniston, Weaver, Jacksonville and Piedmont and finish your route on the Alabama-Georgia line. This smooth asphalt trail also has many opportunities to rest and use bathrooms along its route.
Big Spring Park Huntsville Loop
Huntsville, AL
27.9 miles | Intermediate
Explore the beauty of Huntsville as you ride through the city. Circle Monte Sano Mountain, ride down to Bailey Cove and loop back to the start at Big Spring Park in downtown Huntsville. This route, while intermediate, has well-paved surfaces that are accessible by most skill levels.
Tuscaloosa Riverwalk
Tuscaloosa, AL
2.4 miles | Easy
The Tuscaloosa Riverwalk asphalt trail runs along the southern side of the Black Warrior River. This nearly 5-mile out-and-back makes for a perfect place to ride. If you want to extend your route, head off trail and ride downtown or on the campus of The University of Alabama.
Vulcan to Stratford Overlook Birmingham Loop
Birmingham, AL
33.9 miles | Intermediate to Difficult
This loop route in Birmingham takes you from the Vulcan, up past Irondale and brings you back down to the Vulcan. Along the route, you can catch a glimpse of downtown Birmingham from the Stratford Vista Overlook. While mostly accessible, this route might have some unpaved portions or difficult-to-ride areas.
*The state of Alabama requires helmets for riders 16 and under by law and recommends them for all others.
Ready. Set. Ride.
BMX
Experience the thrill of riding as you twist, turn, jump and ride through the challenging tracks in our state. Jump on the oldest continually running track in Alabama at Oak Mountain near Birmingham or head down to one of our fastest tracks in Dothan. Whatever you’re looking for in a ride, Alabama has the perfect places to explore your wild side.
Whether you’re a beginner or a seasoned rider, check out Alabama’s BMX options.
Oak Mountain BMX
Pelham, AL
Race the BMX tracks at Pelham’s Oak Mountain State Park. For those just starting out, take a practice spin on the track anytime throughout the week—so long as no race is on the schedule. Whether you or your little one is a new rider or an experienced one, Oak Mountain BMX is a great place to ride.
Circle City BMX
Dothan, AL
Circle City BMX in Dothan has one of the fastest tracks in the state of Alabama. Sanctioned by USA BMX, this red-clay track features a wide, 1,147-foot-long downhill track with paved turns. Circle City BMX covers its tracks when not in use, so be sure to check their website for more information on practicing and racing days.
Fountain City BMX
Prattville, AL
Found just north of Montgomery, this USA BMX sanctioned racing track has great features for riders of all skill levels and ages. Fountain City BMX closes its tracks when not in use, so be sure to check their website for more information on practicing and racing days.
*The state of Alabama requires helmets for riders 16 and under by law and recommends them for all others.
As you explore, follow leave no trace principles, stay on marked trails and help keep Alabama beautiful.
Explore Alabama’s Natural Resources
Find the best biking trails for you, all on one map.
- Ride on the nearly 580 miles of dedicated mountain biking trails across Alabama.
- Experience the thrill of BMX riding at one of Alabama’s tracks.
- Tour through Alabama on our road biking routes.
- Mountain bike the rough terrain of Alabama’s mountainous landscape.
Activities
Find yourself in one of Alabama’s outdoor activities. Whether relaxing on white sandy beaches or hiking up a mountainside, discover your next adventure in Alabama.