Alabama is home to many hiking trails. From waterfalls and streams, to boulders and wildflowers, you’ll be completely surrounded by nature while exploring our amazing trails. The greatest thing about Alabama’s hiking trails is that you don’t have to be an expert to explore them all, and some aren’t long at all. Listed below are 10 trails that are under three miles. They’re also some of the best hikes in Alabama. Don’t forget to check them out!

1. Rainbow Mountain Loop Trail - Madison
Land Trust of North Alabama: Rainbow Mountain Nature Preserve, 230 Stoneway Trail, Madison, AL 35758, USA
tripadvisor/GWolf109
The Rainbow Mountain Loop Trail, which is located within Madison's Rainbow Mountain Nature Preserve, is a 1.5-mile loop trail that's mostly used for hiking, walking, and trail running. It's a great place to go hiking with a group of friends, and it's also accessible year round.
2. Vulcan Trail - Birmingham
Vulcan Trail, Birmingham, AL, USA
alltrails/Clay Buie
The Vulcan Trail is located on the northern slope of Red Mountain and offers great views of downtown Birmingham. It's one mile long and is usually used for walking and bicycling.
3. Green Trail (Peavine Falls Trail) - Pelham
Oak Mountain State Park, 200 Terrace Dr, Pelham, AL 35124, USA
flickr/Alby Headrick
The Green Trail, which is also known as the Peavine Falls Trail, is located within Oak Mountain State Park, Alabama's largest state park. It's 1.9 miles long and features a beautiful waterfall (Peavine Falls). This scenic trail begins at the park office.
4. Doug Ghee Accessible Trail (Bald Rock Boardwalk) - Heflin
Cheaha State Park, 19644 AL-281, Delta, AL 36258, USA
flickr/Jimmy Emerson, DVM
Located within Cheaha State Park is the Doug Ghee Accessible Trail (a.k.a. Bald Rock Boardwalk), a 0.6-mile, out-and-back trail that features gorgeous wildflowers and an amazing view at the end. Just about anyone is capable of hiking this trail.

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5. Horseshoe Bend Trail - Dadeville
Horseshoe Bend Road, Horseshoe Bend Rd, Dadeville, AL, USA
flickr/Allen Patterson
The Horseshoe Bend Trail is a loop trail that's 2.2 miles long and features a beautiful river. Nature lovers enjoy hiking, walking, and birdwatching along this scenic trail.
6. Noccalula Falls Historic Gorge Trail - Gadsden
Noccalula Falls Park & Campground, 1500 Noccalula Rd, Gadsden, AL 35904, USA
flickr/Tennessee Wanderer
Located within Noccalula Falls Park, the Noccalula Falls Historic Gorge Trail is a 2.4-mile, out-and-back trail that features a breathtaking waterfall. This scenic trail is a popular location for nature trips, and it's also accessible year round.
7. Russell Cave Trail - Bridgeport
Russell Cave National Monument, 3729 Co Rd 98, Bridgeport, AL 35740, USA
alltrails/Brenda Jones
Russell Cave Trail is a 1.5-mile loop trail that leads to the Russell Cave National Monument. Russell Cave contains the Southeast's most complete records of prehistoric culture. This historic trail begins at the visitor center and is great for hikers of all skill levels.
8. Dismals Canyon Trail - Phil Campbell
Dismals Canyon, 901 County Rd 8, Phil Campbell, AL 35581, USA
flickr/Jimmy Emerson, DVM
The Dismals Canyon Trail is a scenic 1.5-mile trail that'll lead you to boulders, waterfalls, and more. To hike this trail, you'll simply follow Dismals Branch - the stream that runs throughout the canyon.
9. Stone Cuts Trail - Huntsville
Stone Cuts Trail, Huntsville, AL 35801, USA
facebook/Monte Sano State Park Huntsville, AL
Stone Cuts Trail, which is located within Huntsville's Monte Sano State Park, is a 2.4-mile loop trail that features interesting rock formations. People of all ages, especially children, enjoy hiking this unique trail.

Have you ever hiked any of these trails? If so, please share your experience(s) in the comments below.

For another Alabama trail that’s worth exploring, be sure to check out our previous article: Everyone In Alabama Needs To Explore This One Stunning Hiking Trail.

OnlyInYourState may earn compensation through affiliate links in this article. As an Amazon Associate, we earn from qualifying purchases.

More to Explore

best hikes in alabama

Jennifer Young | March 24, 2022

What are five of the best kid-friendly hikes around Alabama that belong on everyone's outdoor bucket list?

There are plenty of trails in Alabama that are perfect for people of all ages, including kids. Listed below are five of the best kid-friendly trails in Alabama.

1. Stone Cuts Trail

Alabama's Stone Cuts Trail is located within Huntsville's Monte Sano State Park. It's a 2.4-mile loop trail that's mostly used for hiking, running, and walking. This kid-friendly trail, which has a moderate rating of difficulty, is also perfect for exploring any time of the year.

2. Alum Hollow Trail

Located within Alabama's Green Mountain Nature Preserve is the Alum Hollow Trail, a 2.2-mile, out-and-back trail with an easy rating of difficulty. This scenic trail is mostly used for hiking.

3.Peavine Falls via Green and White Trail Loop

Alabama's Peavine Falls via Green and White Trail Loop is located within Oak Mountain State Park in Pelham. It's a 1.6-mile loop trail with a moderate rating of difficulty. It's also a great trail to explore throughout the year and is mostly used for hiking, running, and mountain biking.

4. Pulpit Rock Trail

Located within Alabama's Cheaha State Park is the Pulpit Rock Trail, which is .6 miles out and back. This short trail, which is accessible year round, is a popular spot for hiking and nature trips. It's also one of the most easy hikes in Alabama.

5. Chewacla State Park Trail

Alabama's Chewacla State Park Trail, which has a moderate rating of difficulty, is located within Auburn's Chewacla State Park. Many people choose to camp, fish, and hike along this scenic trail. The best time of year to explore it is from March through October.

What's one of the most scenic hikes in Alabama that can be experienced no matter the time of year?

There are many scenic hikes around Alabama that can be experienced no matter the time of year. Winter, spring, summer, or fall, these trails are beautiful year round. One of Alabama's most scenic hikes that can be experienced no matter the time of year is the Moss Rock Preserve Trail, which is located within Hoover's Moss Rock Preserve. This 3-mile loop trail has a moderate rating of difficulty and is one of the Yellowhammer State's most popular trails for hiking and rock climbing.

 

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