When You Think You’ve Done It All, Try These 9 Hikes In Alabama That Are Local Secrets
Alabama is filled with numerous hiking trails. While many of these trails are well known across the state, the country, and even world, several of them are considered local secrets. Listed below are nine scenic trails that are popular among the locals and some of the best hikes in Alabama. You’ll want to hike them all!
1. Alum Hollow Trail - Huntsville
Alum Hollow, 13800 S Shawdee Rd SE, Huntsville, AL 35803, USA
The Alum Hollow Trail is a 2.2-mile out and back trail that's located at Green Mountain Nature Preserve in Huntsville, Alabama. It features a waterfall and is great for all skill levels. It's one of the most scenic hikes in Alabama. So
read more about Alum Hollow Trail then check it out.
2. Swayback Bridge Trail - Wetumpka
Swayback Bridge Trail, Jordan Dam Rd, Wetumpka, AL 36092, USA
The Swayback Bridge Trail is a 4.6-mile loop trail that's located near Wetumpka, Alabama. It features a lake, has a moderate rating, and is mostly used for hiking, mountain biking, and trail running. It's also accessible year-round. Read more about Swayback Bridge Trail, then plan your next visit.
3. Rock Spring Nature Trail - Florence
Rock Springs Nature Trail, Rock Spring, Florence, AL 35633, USA
The Rock Spring Nature Trail is a 0.6-mile loop trail that's located along the Natchez Trace Parkway in Florence, Alabama. It's great for all skill levels and is a popular spot for bird watching. This short and sweet trail is also accessible year-round. It's one of the best kid-friendly hikes around Alabama. So grab the whole family, then check out Rock Spring Nature Trail.
4. Sougahoagdee Falls - Houston
Sougahoagdee Falls Parking, Hickory Grove Rd, Houston, AL 35572, USA
Sougahoagdee Falls is a 3.5-mile out and back trail that's located within North Alabama's William B. Bankhead National Forest near Houston, Alabama. It features one of the state's most beautiful waterfalls and is great for all skill levels. This scenic hike is one of the best easy hikes in Alabama. So read more, then grab your camera and visit Sougahoagdee Falls.
5. Glenn Sebastian Nature Trail: White Route - Mobile
Glenn Sebastian Nature Trail, Aubrey Green Dr, Mobile, AL 36608, USA
The Glenn Sebastian Nature Trail: White Route is a 2-mile loop trail that's located in Mobile, Alabama. It's great for all skill levels and is mostly used for hiking, walking, mountain biking, and wildlife viewing. So if you live in Mobile, there's no need to wonder if there are "any hiking trails near me," because this is the perfect one to try. Read more about Glenn Sebastian Nature Trail, then go hike it.
6. Cane Creek Canyon Nature Preserve - Tuscumbia
Cane Creek Canyon Nature Preserve, 251 Loop Rd, Tuscumbia, AL 35674, USA
Cane Creek Canyon Nature Preserve is an 8.2-mile loop trail that's located in Tuscumbia, Alabama. It features a waterfall and has a moderate rating. The best time to hike this trail is between the months of February and October. This gorgeous trail is one of the best hikes in Alabama. So learn more about Cane Creek Canyon Nature Preserve, then pencil in your next visit.
The Cherokee Ridge Alpine Trail is a 4.2-mile loop trail that's located near Dadeville, Alabama. It features a beautiful lake and is accessible year-round. This scenic trail also has a moderate rating when it comes to difficulty. Check out the trail map for Cherokee Ridge Alpine Trail, then grab your gear and give it a go.
Stone Cuts Trail is a 2.4-mile loop trail that's tucked away at Monte Sano State Park in Huntsville, Alabama. It features massive boulders, has a moderate rating, and is accessible year-round. Stone Cuts Trail belongs on every hiker's bucket list. Read more about Stone Cuts Trail and prepare for your visit.
9. Narrows Ridge Trail - Pinson
Turkey Creek Nature Preserve, 3906 Turkey Creek Rd, Pinson, AL 35126, USA
The Narrows Ridge Trail is a 2.4-mile loop trail that's located within the Turkey Creek Nature Preserve in Pinson, Alabama. It features a waterfall and is great for all skill levels. This easy trail is also accessible year-round. It's one of the most kid-friendly hikes around Alabama. So learn more about Narrows Ridge Trail and then check it out.
Have you ever hiked any of these Alabama trails? Would you consider them some of the best hikes in Alabama? If so, please share your experience(s) with us in the comments below.
Address: Land Trust of North Alabama: Green Mountain Nature Preserve Alum Hollow Trailhead, 13800 S Shawdee Rd SE, Huntsville, AL 35803, USA
Address: Swayback Bridge Trail, Jordan Dam Rd, Wetumpka, AL 36092, USA
Address: Rock Springs Nature Trail, Rock Spring, Florence, AL 35633, USA
Address: Sougahoagdee Falls Parking, Hickory Grove Rd, Houston, AL 35572, USA
Address: Glenn Sebastian Nature Trail, Aubrey Green Dr, Mobile, AL 36608, USA
Address: Cane Creek Canyon Nature Preserve, 251 Loop Rd, Tuscumbia, AL 35674, USA
Address: Cherokee Ridge Alpine Trail, 2234 Overlook Dr, Dadeville, AL 36853, USA
Address: Stone Cuts Trail, Huntsville, AL 35801, USA
Address: Turkey Creek Nature Preserve, 3906 Turkey Creek Rd, Pinson, AL 35126, USA
Address: Glenn Sebastian Nature Trail, Aubrey Green Dr, Mobile, AL 36608, USA
Address: Turkey Creek Nature Preserve, 3906 Turkey Creek Rd, Pinson, AL 35126, USA
Address: Rock Springs Nature Trail, Rock Spring, Florence, AL 35633, USA
Address: Stone Cuts Trail, Huntsville, AL 35801, USA
Address: Cane Creek Canyon Nature Preserve, 251 Loop Rd, Tuscumbia, AL 35674, USA
Address: Sougahoagdee Falls Parking, Hickory Grove Rd, Houston, AL 35572, USA
Address: Swayback Bridge Trail, Jordan Dam Rd, Wetumpka, AL 36092, USA
Address: Alum Hollow, 13800 S Shawdee Rd SE, Huntsville, AL 35803, USA
The OIYS Visitor Center
best hikes in Alabama
April 05, 2022
Jessica Bohl
What are some kid-friendly hikes around Alabama?
Fantastic hikes abound in Alabama. And hiking is one of the best activities to do with the whole family. But, there are some things to keep in mind when selecting a trail when little ones are joining the fun. With kids new to hiking, it is always a good idea to start with a short trail – about a mile or so – and one that is relatively flat. Great scenery or exciting natural features are also a bonus. Fortunately, Alabama has some great trails that tick all of those boxes. Take for instance, Russell Cave Trail in Bridgeport. This 1.1-mile loop trails leads to a cave inhabited by early Native Americans more than 10,000 years ago. Or, if your kids love waterfalls, try Kinlock Falls in Haleyville. This trail is only a third of a mile long, leads to a lovely waterfall, and is even a popular swimming spot. A boardwalk is always a crowd-pleaser, so try Talmadge Butler Boardwalk Trail in Fort Payne with the whole family. Check out this great article about kid-friendly hikes around Alabama for more trails.
Address: Land Trust of North Alabama: Green Mountain Nature Preserve Alum Hollow Trailhead, 13800 S Shawdee Rd SE, Huntsville, AL 35803, USA
Address: Swayback Bridge Trail, Jordan Dam Rd, Wetumpka, AL 36092, USA
Address: Rock Springs Nature Trail, Rock Spring, Florence, AL 35633, USA
Address: Sougahoagdee Falls Parking, Hickory Grove Rd, Houston, AL 35572, USA
Address: Glenn Sebastian Nature Trail, Aubrey Green Dr, Mobile, AL 36608, USA
Address: Cane Creek Canyon Nature Preserve, 251 Loop Rd, Tuscumbia, AL 35674, USA
Address: Cherokee Ridge Alpine Trail, 2234 Overlook Dr, Dadeville, AL 36853, USA
Address: Stone Cuts Trail, Huntsville, AL 35801, USA
Address: Turkey Creek Nature Preserve, 3906 Turkey Creek Rd, Pinson, AL 35126, USA
Address: Glenn Sebastian Nature Trail, Aubrey Green Dr, Mobile, AL 36608, USA
Address: Turkey Creek Nature Preserve, 3906 Turkey Creek Rd, Pinson, AL 35126, USA
Address: Rock Springs Nature Trail, Rock Spring, Florence, AL 35633, USA
Address: Stone Cuts Trail, Huntsville, AL 35801, USA
Address: Cane Creek Canyon Nature Preserve, 251 Loop Rd, Tuscumbia, AL 35674, USA
Address: Sougahoagdee Falls Parking, Hickory Grove Rd, Houston, AL 35572, USA
Address: Swayback Bridge Trail, Jordan Dam Rd, Wetumpka, AL 36092, USA
Address: Alum Hollow, 13800 S Shawdee Rd SE, Huntsville, AL 35803, USA
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Jennifer is the Alabama staff writer for Only In Your State and has nearly 15 years of professional writing experience. She enjoys discovering new places and currently calls North Alabama home.