There’s nothing like bringing together the best parts of hiking and the best parts of running. No matter what experience trail running you have, the state of Alabama has countless opportunities to get you started on our endless trails.
Here are a handful of great places to go on a trail run in each region of our state.
North Alabama
North Alabama is home to one of the state’s fastest growing cities: Huntsville. Whether you’re involved in the tech scene—like Larry Donelson, a local tech CEO—or getting your company off the ground, the beauty in the northernmost part of the state is unmatched.
Monte Sano State Park
Northeast Alabama’s notorious destination for hiking and all things outdoors is Monte Sano State Park in Huntsville. Its variety of trail gradations make this a great place for beginning trail runners and those who are more advanced. If you’re starting out, give the North Plateau Loop or the Bocca Family Trail a try.
DeSoto State Park
With an expansive view of Northeast Alabama, DeSoto State Park sits atop Lookout Mountain, welcoming all to its grand views. While it’s a great place to unwind, it’s also a great place to hit the trails for a good run. Whatever your skill level, there are a vast assortment of trails with various difficulties. For something with minimal elevation gain, try Never Never Land Loop.
Bankhead National Forest
Northwest Alabama’s Bankhead National Forest is a great place to launch out on a run. The area boasts countless winding trails and numerous sights, making for a scenic venture. If you’re looking for something wild, try a trail in the Sipsey Wilderness—like the Borden Creek Hiking Trail, which is a five mile out-and-back trail with minimal grade.
Monte Sano State Park
The Hays Nature Preserve in Huntsville has over ten miles of trails that are perfect for a run. Open year round, you’ll be able to head out no matter the season. The preserve is also part of the North Alabama Birding Trail, meaning a lovely symphony and natural soundscape can accompany you on your run.
Shoal Creek Preserve
This Northwest Alabama preserve is part of the Alabama Forever Wild Land Trust and boasts many acres of wildlife exploration. It also has trails totaling around four and a half miles. Take this trail and run alongside the beauty of the preserve and various waterways, like Indian Camp Creek and Shoal Creek.
Central Alabama
Home to this historic Birmingham, Central Alabama is one of the state’s regions with the highest concentration of trails and mountainous landscapes. Wherever you find yourself, the wildlands are right outside. While there are so many more wonderful places to head out on a trail run, here are some great options to get you started.
Oak Mountain State Park
Located in Pelham, Oak Mountain State Park offers miles of trails with a diverse range of difficulty levels. These trails are well-frequented by trail runners and hikers alike, making it a great choice for those who want to try something new. If you plan things right, you could even run a few miles to the King’s Chair Overlook and take a breather admiring the beauty of Birmingham.
Moss Rock Preserve
Birmingham’s Moss Rock Preserve is a 349-acre preserve known for its impressive boulder field for rock climbers. However, hiking and trail running are popular activities here too. With a minimal elevation gain and at a little over three miles, the trail at Moss Rock makes for a great option. Just be careful on the trail and try to follow the blazes, since trail offshoots can make staying on the trail difficult.
Chewacla State Park
Chewacla State Park is a great place to head out on a run—especially for Auburn University students or those in the area. The state park has 12 multi-use trails for trail runners to enjoy, one of which is the Lakeside Connector Trail, which is a mile long and wraps around the 26-acre Chewacla Lake.
Turkey Creek Nature Preserve
Another one of the Alabama Forever Wild Land Trust’s preserves is Turkey Creek in Pinson, about 15 miles north of Birmingham. The preserve has six miles of trails of varying types and difficulties. For an easy mile-long trail, give Hanby Hollow a try.
Hurricane Creek Park
Find yourself near the University of Alabama in Tuscaloosa? Well, you’re in luck. The area, though mostly flat, has some great opportunities for running in the wild. Hurricane Creek is one of those places. The park has many natural trail options and is generally a great place to enjoy Alabama’s beauty. After your run, you could even take a plunge in the creek if you dare.
South Alabama
The farther south you get, the more Alabama’s terrain diversifies. However, the opportunities for running in the state’s wild areas remain significant. Here are a couple we recommend.
Tunnel Springs Rail Trail
Tunnel Springs is near Monroeville in southwest Alabama and showcases a three-mile out and back journey on a former railbed. Wind through forested lands and take in the beauty of rural Alabama.
Conecuh National Forest
The state of Alabama is home to four nationally recognized forests, and South Alabama’s Conecuh is one of them. Running alongside the Florida-Alabama border, Conecuh National Forest has multiple loop trail options. For easy runs, give Open Pond Loop a try. For the longer, more advanced runs, give the Blue Spring Loop a go.
Lagoon Park Trails
Lagoon Park is a Montgomery destination with more than six miles of natural surface single- and double-track paths—a great place to launch out on a run. If you’re looking for a beautiful spot to run, give the Piney Woods Loop or Oak Glen trail a try.
Westgate Walking Trail
Westgate Walking Trail is a popular destination for Dothanites who love to walk, hike and trail run. Westgate is just over three miles long and has a mix of paved and natural paths.
The Gulf
Just because the ocean’s a stone’s throw away doesn’t mean there aren’t great spots to head out for a trail run in the wild. Whether you find yourself in the Gulf region for business or leisure, making time for a beachside trail run is a must.
Glenn Sebastian Nature Trail
Enjoy this peaceful, quaint trail on the campus of the University of South Alabama. The Glenn Sebastian Nature Trail is just over three miles long and winds through native pine and oak woodlands. Whether you’re a student, local or visitor, the Glenn Sebastian is a great place to run. Choose a path, like the mile-long yellow path, and run away.
Hugh S. Branyon Backcountry Trail
One of the top recreational trails in the country, the Hugh S. Branyon Backcountry Trail is a great place to run and observe diverse ecosystems and wildlife. This diverse trail system is formed by 28 miles of 26 different trails in Orange Beach and Gulf State Park. The Hugh S. Branyon’s breadth of options makes way for plenty of miles of exploration.
Get Running
Regardless of your skill level, there are tons of ways to get outside and get running in Alabama, no matter where you find yourself in our beautiful state. See what opportunities are nearby with our activity map. If you want to try a different activity, take a look at our activity page and area guidebooks to see more places where you can enjoy your favorite activities in Alabama.
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