Just at dawn, before the sun peeks through the canopy above, wayfarers and travelers are hitting the trails at Oak Mountain State Park. Trees dance in the wind. Rushing waters set a cathartic rhythm. And birds sing a peaceful melody—a refreshing refrain. All is calm. All is still. No one is an outsider.
Oak Mountain is one of the 21 state parks managed by the Alabama State Parks Division. Nestled just south of Birmingham, the nearly 12,000-acre park offers many activities for outdoor enthusiasts, including hiking, mountain biking and horseback riding. Known for its serene atmosphere and breathtaking views, Oak Mountain is a great place to lose yourself in miles of trails as you find yourself in awe of Alabama’s natural beauty.
Choosing Your Path
With more than 100 miles of trails, choosing just one to fall in love with isn’t easy. Varying trail lengths and difficulties can be found throughout the park, meaning hikers of all types and skill levels can find the path that suits them. For an easy-to-use navigation app, many utilize AllTrails—a tool that prepares hikers for the route and keeps them on the marked trail.
Hikers have three trailhead options at the park. One on the northern end of the park, another on the southern end and one at Peavine Falls, the park’s 65 foot waterfall. All three give hikers full access to the trail system. But since the park is large, consider which trailhead would be best for your hike—especially if you are heading out to see the Kings Chair Overlook or the Falls and want to avoid long treks.
Seeker Tip: Keep in mind that Alabama state parks do charge for entry. While the cost is not substantial, you will want to make sure that you have cash or a card with you before you head out the door.
Hiking the Trails
Many hikers, both beginners and experienced, find themselves on the blue trail, even if only for a short period of time. This trail is one of the more active in the park, as it runs for 6.7 miles and has a very minimal grade. The blue trail’s claim to fame is its access to multiple overlooks, with the Kings Chair Overlook being the most awe-inspiring.
Other trails in the park include the white, green and yellow hiking trails. The white trail travels along the Peavine Branch River, a peaceful soundscape as you ascend to Shackleford Point, the mountain’s 1260 ft. high point. The green trail will give you a climb, as it is the shortest and steepest trail in the park. Finally, the yellow reaches Maggie’s Glen and treks past two lakes, Double Oak Lake and Lake Tranquility—a great place to rest, snack and recharge.
There are a few trails for biking and equestrian use that hikers may also use: the red trail system for biking and the orange trail for equestrian use. Hikers who find themselves on one of these trails should keep an eye and ear out for other travelers. In the backcountry, bikers yield to hikers, and hikers and bikers yield to horseback riders.
Finding a Destination
Kings Chair Overlook
1.67 miles from the North Trailhead on Blue to Kings Chair Overlook Trail
Eagles Nest Overlook
0.2 miles from the Peavine Falls Trailhead on the Peavine Falls Trail
Scenic Creek Overlook
0.58 miles from the North Trailhead on Blue to Scenic Creek Overlook Trail
Peavine Falls
0.2 miles from the Peavine Falls Trailhead on the Peavine Falls Trail
Lake Tranquility
1.8 miles from the North Trailhead on Yellow
Double Oak Lake
0.1 miles from the South Trailhead parking lot
Treetop Nature Trail
0.45 miles from the South Trailhead on Green-Yellow to Treetop Nature Trail
Maggie’s Glen
1 mile from the North Trailhead on Yellow
Local Tip: While all of Oak Mountain’s destinations can all be accessed by just a short hike into the park, incorporating them in with a longer hike is a fantastic option as well. One way to do this with the Kings Chair Overlook is to continue southwest on the Blue trail from the overlook and loop back up to the trailhead on the Red Trail, like this AllTrails route has planned.
Regardless of what you set out to see, Oak Mountain has so many destinations waiting for you within its park. It’s a perfect place to be present in nature, hiking through the beauty of the outdoors. And, if it’s not hiking, that’s okay. There’s a world of adventure on the property of Alabama’s largest state park. Watersports. Fishing. Camping. Biking. Golfing. Horseback riding and so much more. Whatever you’re looking for, it’s all waiting for you right here in Alabama the beautiful.
