Central Alabama - Seek Alabama

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Discover the outdoors in Central Alabama.

Tannehill Ironworks Historical State Park

McCalla, AL

Found just south of Birmingham is Tannehill Ironworks Historical State Park, a 1,500-acre park with plenty of hiking and biking trails and outdoor opportunities. Thanks to Birmingham Urban Mountain Pedalers (BUMP), the park boasts a number of adaptive mountain biking trails. Visitors can enjoy various history-related events and activities at this historic site.

Ruffner Mountain

Birmingham, AL

One of Birmingham’s independent nature preserves is a 1,038-acre urban ecosystem in northeast Jefferson County. Community members created the preserve after rallying to stop the development of an apartment complex on-site. Today, visitors can enjoy hiking, walking, trail running, birding and on-leash dog-walking.

Lake Purdy

Birmingham, AL

Lake Purdy is a large reservoir on the Little Cahaba River in Birmingham that provides drinking water for the City of Birmingham. It is also a great destination for fishing and birdwatching.

Cheaha State Park

Delta, AL

Home to the highest point in Alabama, Cheaha State Park is within Talladega National Forest. Cheaha is the oldest park in Alabama and boasts numerous outdoor opportunities, like hiking, mountain biking and fishing.

Coosa River

Central Alabama

The Coosa River is one of the state’s most prized waterways, birthing six large lakes: Weiss, Neely Henry, Logan Martin, Lay, Mitchell and Jordan. The river stretches from Lookout Mountain in Northeast Alabama to Talladega National Forest. Along the river are countless boat ramps, fisheries, outfitters and destinations.

Turkey Creek Nature Preserve

Pinson, AL

Hidden in North Jefferson County is Turkey Creek Nature Preserve, a hub for aquatic and forest life. The preserve is a great place for hiking and biking. It is also a popular stop on the Alabama Birding Trail—a place for seeing birds and other wildlife.

Rickwood Caverns State Park

Warrior, AL

Explore the wonder of 260-million-year-old formations at Rickwood Caverns. With activities including picnicking, camping, exploration, a playground, an Olympic-sized swimming pool and more, this state park is the perfect place for the whole family.

Cahaba River Park

Helena, AL

Established by the Alabama Forever Wild Land Trust and Shelby County, Cahaba River Park is 1,505 acres (about twice the area of Central Park in New York) of land ready for outdoor exploration. Within the park, guests can enjoy activities like hiking, mountain biking and trail running.

Avondale Park

Avondale, AL

In the heart of Avondale lies Avondale Park. Wherever you find yourself in the area, the park is a great place to walk, play sports and spend quality time with friends and family. The surrounding area of Avondale is also a great place to explore on foot or grab a bite to eat.

Spectacular autumn day in the Oak Mountain State Park

Top Trails

Head out on one of our favorite trails in Central Alabama.

Slingshot Trail, Oak Mountain State Park

Pelham, AL

Slingshot through Oak Mountain on one of the state park’s newest trails. Enjoy three miles of intermediate mountain biking trail—perfect for both beginning and advanced bikers.

Iron Runner Loop, Tannehill State Park

McCalla, AL

The Iron Runner Loop is a popular, three-mile, moderately difficult adaptive mountain biking trail at Tannehill State Park, welcoming riders of all abilities.

Pinhoti Trail

East-Central Alabama

Connecting to the Appalachian trail is the 335-mile Pinhoti trail. The trail runs through northern Georgia and into Alabama, ending near Weogufka. This is a great long-distance trail to section- or thru-hike, though hikers should remain vigilant and follow safe hiking etiquette, as the Pinhoti travels mostly through the wilderness.

Chief Ladiga Trail

Anniston, AL

If you’re into biking in Central Alabama, look no further than the Chief Ladiga Trail. Explore 33 miles through eastern Alabama on the smooth asphalt, point-to-point trail. Ride through Anniston, Weaver, Jacksonville and Piedmont and finish on the Alabama-Georgia line.

Red Mountain Park

Birmingham, AL

Whether you’re into walking, hiking, biking or relaxing, Birmingham’s Red Mountain Park has it all. Discover more than 16 miles of multi-use trails, two overlooks, three treehouses and an off-leash dog park for your furry friends to run around—and so much more.

Shades Creek Greenway (Lakeshore Trail)

Homewood, AL

The Lakeshore Trail is a three-mile-long multi-use trail that runs alongside Lakeshore Parkway in Homewood. This paved, flat trail is great for runners, walkers and bikers.

Blue Trail to King’s Chair Overlook, Oak Mountain State Park

Pelham, AL

Hop on the blue trail at the North Trailhead and hike to one of Central Alabama’s favorite overlooks at King’s Chair in Oak Mountain State Park. This moderate, 4.8-mile loop trail is perfect for beginners and experienced hikers to explore and take in a breathtaking view.

Montevallo Greenway Trail

Montevallo, AL

The small Alabama town of Montevallo is home to a greenway perfect for walking and biking. Whether you’re a student at the local university, a local or find yourself visiting, the 2-mile-long asphalt trail is a great place to spend some quality time outdoors.

Coldwater Mountain (Biking Trails)

Anniston, AL

With 35 miles of a diverse range of biking trails and two miles of gravity trails, Coldwater Mountain is the place where bikers of all skill levels go to ride. Don’t feel like biking? That’s alright. Hikers can use the trails also, but only in a counterclockwise direction.

For the Family

Find the best family friendly adventures in Central Alabama.

Birmingham Botanical Gardens

Birmingham, AL

Step outside into Central Alabama’s illustrious gardens and plenty of natural beauty at the Birmingham Botanical Gardens. This free park is a great place to connect with the outdoors, make family memories and admire a diverse range of botanical species.

Kiwanis Vulcan Trail

Birmingham, AL

This two-mile walking and biking trail in Birmingham connects Vulcan Park—home to the city’s iconic cast iron statue—to Green Springs Highway. Part of the Red Rocks Trail System, locals and visitors can participate in a number of activities, enjoy time outdoors and connect with the community.

Birmingham Rotary Trail

Birmingham, AL

Established as the Rotary Club’s 100th anniversary gift to the local community, the Birmingham Rotary Trail is a part of the greater Red Rock Trail System—an initiative that drives connection within the city. Running right through the heart of downtown, the trail is a perfect four-block walking, running and biking trail—especially for those who live or work near the area.

Cahaba River

Central Alabama

Alabama’s longest free-flowing river runs through Central Alabama. Perfect for fishing and watersports, the Cahaba is truly a treasure to behold for the entire family. From the famous lilies to the peaceful waters, there’s something for every family at the Cahaba River.

Wind Creek State Park

Alexander City, AL

Take the family out and discover some of the nation’s largest state-owned campgrounds at the breathtaking Wind Creek State Park. Located along Lake Martin, the park offers waterfront campsites, trails for hiking and biking and so much more.

What’s Popular

Here’s what’s popular around Central Alabama.

Lake Martin

Central Alabama

One of the largest man-made lakes in the United States is located right here in Alabama. With endless attractions, like camping, fishing, boating and sightseeing, the lake is a popular destination among tourists, vacationers and locals alike.

Peavine Falls at Oak Mountain State Park

Pelham, AL

Everyone loves a waterfall, right? Well, Pelham’s Oak Mountain has one, and it is a hidden gem and popular spot for everyone. Hikers can access the 65-foot waterfall through a number of trails, including the white and blue trails. Be sure to use your trail map to locate the best route. And don’t forget to bring a swimsuit!

Railroad Park

Birmingham, AL

Birmingham’s Railroad Park is home to concerts, events and plenty of relaxation. The 19-acre green space is in the heart of downtown along 1st Ave S between 14th and 18th Streets. Whether you want to picnic, walk or take the family to release some energy, the park is a great place to do it.

Oak Mountain BMX

Pelham, AL

Speed race on Oak Mountain’s BMX tracks—a great place to go for a spin. Whether you or your child is heading out for a beginning or an advanced ride, Oak Mountain BMX is a great place to ride.