There are many spectacular hiking trails near me in Alabama. If you’re a fan of hiking, but don’t enjoy taking long, strenuous hikes, you’re in luck. In addition to Alabama’s long and strenuous hiking trails, many short trails are also located throughout the state. Some are even less than five miles long, including the eight hiking trails listed below.These eight trails are also some of the best hikes in Alabama, so don’t forget to add them to your outdoor bucket list.

1. Little River Canyon National Preserve/Martha's Falls Trail - 1.5 Miles
Little River Canyon National Preserve, 4322 Little River Trail #100, Fort Payne, AL 35967, USA
flickr/Jimmy Emerson, DVM
Hiking Martha’s Falls Trail, which is located in Fort Payne, only takes about 30 minutes to complete. Keep in mind, even though the majority of this trail is flat, there are several rough spots. Be extra careful if you decide to hike this trail.
2. Dismals Canyon - 1.5 Miles
Dismals Canyon, 901 County Rd 8, Phil Campbell, AL 35581, USA
flickr/sara'mer
Dismals Canyon, which is located off the beaten path in Phil Campbell, is a privately owned National Natural Landmark. The canyon's trail passes over a bridge, then through a wilderness area filled with beautiful moss and ferns, and finally passes below several large bluffs. The trail eventually leads to a beautiful waterfall.
3. Russell Cave Trail - 1.1 Miles
Russell Cave National Monument, 3729 Co Rd 98, Bridgeport, AL 35740, USA
alltrails/Brenda Jones
At an elevation of approximately 1,300 feet, the Russell Cave Trail goes up the side of Montague Mountain and eventually ends up at the Russell Cave National Monument. The Russell Cave National Monument is located near the town of Bridgeport.
4. Oak Mountain State Park/Peavine Falls Trail - 1.9 Miles
Oak Mountain State Park, 200 Terrace Dr, Pelham, AL 35124, USA
flickr/Dystopos
Peavine Falls Trail is also known as the Green Trail. It's important to note that this steep trail won't take you directly to Peavine Falls. Instead, the moment the trail ends, you'll have to take either the White Trail or Blue Trail if you wish to get to Peavine Falls.
5. Tannehill Historical Trail - 4.2 Miles
Tannehill Ironworks Historical State Park, 12632 Confederate Pkwy, McCalla, AL 35111, USA
wikimedia commons/Dystopos
The Tannehill Historical Trail will take you on a hike through Tannehill Ironworks Historical State Park, which is located in the town of McCalla. This historic park is a great place to spend the day hiking and learning about an important time in Alabama's history.
6. Horseshoe Bend Trail - 2.2 Miles
Horseshoe Bend Road Southeast, Horseshoe Bend Rd SE, Decatur, AL 35603, USA
flickr/Allen Patterson
The Horseshoe Bend Trail is located near the town of Daviston and is great for all skill levels. This popular hiking trail is accessible all year.
7. Cheaha State Park/Doug Ghee Accessible Trail - 0.6 Miles
Cheaha State Park, 19644 AL-281, Delta, AL 36258, USA
flickr/Jimmy Emerson, DVM
The Doug Ghee Accessible Trail is a boardwalk that leads to an observation platform at Bald Rock. The view hikers will experience the moment they reach this platform is incredible! In fact, it's one of the finest views from Cheaha Mountain. Cheaha Mountain is Alabama's highest natural point.
8. Vulcan Trail - 4 Miles
Vulcan Trail, Birmingham, AL, USA
alltrails/Lindsay Reid
The Vulcan Trail is located on the north slope of Birmingham's Red Mountain. This popular trail offers some of the most beautiful scenic views of downtown Birmingham.

Have you ever taken any of these eight best hikes in Alabama? If so, please share your experience with us in the comments below. Also, what other short Alabama hiking trails would you recommend?

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best hikes in alabama

Jennifer Young | April 15, 2022

What are three of the best kid-friendly hikes around Alabama?

There are several trails of all difficulties located throughout Alabama. Listed below are three kid-friendly trails in Alabama you'll want to add to your family's outdoor bucket list.

1. Sougahoagdee Falls

Tucked away inside North Alabama's William B. Bankhead National Forest is the trail that leads to Sougahoagdee Falls. This four-mile, out-and-back trail has an easy level of difficulty, which means it's a great hike for kids of all skill levels.

2. Stone Cuts Trail

Alabama's Stone Cuts Trail is located at Monte Sano State Park. It's a 2.4-mile loop trail with a moderate level of difficulty. Besides hiking, many people also enjoy using this trail for running and birding. Kids enjoy hiking this trail, which is accessible year round, because of its massive boulders.

3. Moss Rock Preserve Trail

Located within Alabama's Moss Rock Preserve is the Moss Rock Preserve Trail. This three-mile loop trail, which has a moderate level of difficulty, is a popular spot for rock climbing, in addition to hiking. The Moss Rock Preserve Trail is also perfect for visiting at any time of the year.

What three easy hikes in Alabama are also some of the most scenic?

Alabama is filled with many difficult trails. However, the Yellowhammer State is also home to several easy trails. Listed below are three of our favorite trails that aren't only easy, but also quite scenic.

1. Alum Hollow Trail

Nestled within North Alabama's Green Mountain Nature Preserve is the Alum Hollow Trail. This 2.2-mile, out-and-back trail, which features a waterfall, is a great spot for an afternoon hike.

2. Pulpit Rock Trail

Cheaha State Park is where you'll experience some of Alabama's most scenic views. Located atop of Cheaha Mountain, Alabama's highest natural point, is the park's Pulpit Rock Trail. This 0.6-mile, out-and-back trail is one of Alabama's shortest, yet rewarding, hikes. It's also a great trail to hike year round.

3. Falling Rock Falls Hike

Located within Alabama's Cahaba River National Wildlife Refuge is Falling Rock Falls Hike, a 1.8-mile, out-and-back trail that's popular for horseback riding, in addition to hiking and walking. This short and scenic trail features a beautiful waterfall, and it's also accessible throughout the year.

 

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