All About Alabama: Most scenic hikes around Birmingham – CBS 42
Birmingham, Alabama, offers a diverse array of scenic hiking trails that cater to all experience levels. Here are some top picks:
1. Irondale Furnace Trail
- Location: Birmingham
- Distance: 1.2 miles
- Difficulty: Easy
- Highlights: This trail meanders through the woods alongside a creek, passing historic Civil War-era furnaces. It’s a peaceful stroll with minimal elevation gain. (haleyshikes.com)
2. Tannehill Ironworks Trail
- Location: Tannehill Ironworks Historic State Park
- Distance: 4 miles
- Difficulty: Easy
- Highlights: Explore restored pioneer cabins, a gristmill, and other historic structures. The trail offers a loop through the park, providing both historical insights and natural beauty. (haleyshikes.com)
3. Grace’s Gap Overlook
- Location: Red Mountain Park
- Distance: 3.9 miles
- Difficulty: Moderate
- Highlights: This trail features old mining buildings and culminates in panoramic views of Birmingham’s skyline. A wooden treehouse area offers an elevated perspective of the city. (urbanoutdoors.com)
4. Black Creek Trail
- Location: Red Mountain Park
- Distance: 2.4 miles
- Difficulty: Moderate
- Highlights: Hike along Black Creek to discover a large cave behind a stunning waterfall. The trail includes wooden boardwalks and suspension bridges, enhancing the adventure. (urbanoutdoors.com)
5. Peavine Falls
- Location: Oak Mountain State Park
- Distance: 1.6 miles
- Difficulty: Moderate
- Highlights: This trail leads to a 65-foot waterfall, especially impressive during the fall and spring when the stream is full. The path includes some steep sections, so caution is advised. (travelawaits.com)
6. Kings Chair Overlook
- Location: Oak Mountain State Park
- Distance: 4.2 miles
- Difficulty: Moderate
- Highlights: Offering expansive mountain views, this trail features rocky outcroppings and some steep areas, making it a rewarding hike for those seeking a challenge. (urbanoutdoors.com)
7. Oak Mountain Blue Trail
- Location: Oak Mountain State Park
- Distance: 14.1 miles
- Difficulty: Difficult
- Highlights: For experienced hikers, this extensive trail passes by Peavine Falls and Kings Chair, offering a comprehensive exploration of the park’s diverse landscapes. (urbanoutdoors.com)
8. Monte Sano Stone Cuts
- Location: Monte Sano State Park
- Distance: 2.4 miles
- Difficulty: Moderate
- Highlights: Explore unique rock formations that create narrow gaps and passages, providing a distinctive hiking experience. The trail includes some climbing sections, adding to the adventure. (urbanoutdoors.com)
9. Chewacla State Park Trail
- Location: Chewacla State Park
- Distance: 2.5 miles
- Difficulty: Moderate
- Highlights: This trail features waterfalls set amidst large boulders and rock formations, offering picturesque scenery and a serene hiking environment. (urbanoutdoors.com)
10. Falling Rock Falls
- Location: Near Birmingham
- Distance: Varies
- Difficulty: Moderate
- Highlights: A more rugged trail leading to a 90-foot waterfall with a small cavern behind it. The hike is shaded and secluded, providing a tranquil escape. (alabamaoutdoors.com)
These trails showcase the natural beauty and diverse landscapes surrounding Birmingham, offering hikers a range of experiences from historical sites to breathtaking vistas.
Read the complete article here: https://www.cbs42.com/all-about-alabama/all-about-alabama-most-scenic-hikes-around-birmingham/