12 Scenic Trails To Explore In Alabama, One For Each Month Of The Year
It’s no secret that Alabama offers numerous hiking opportunities for all skill levels. In fact, some of the nation’s best trails are located right here in the Yellowhammer State. Listed below are 12 scenic hikes in Alabama you’ll want to add to your hiking bucket list. There’s one for each month to keep you busy all year long on some of the best hikes in Alabama.
1. Doug Ghee Accessible Trail (Bald Rock Boardwalk) - Delta
Alabama's Doug Ghee Accessible Trail, a.k.a. Bald Rock Boardwalk, is a 0.6-mile, out-and-back trail with an easy rating that's located within Cheaha State Park. It offers one of the state's most breathtaking views and is accessible year-round.
Bald Rock, Alabama 36258, USA
2. Peavine Falls via Green and White Trail Loop - Pelham
Peavine Falls via Green and White Trail Loop is a 1.6-mile loop trail with a moderate rating. It's located within Oak Mountain State Park and leads to one of Alabama's most beautiful waterfalls.
Alabama's Swayback Bridge Trail is an 8.7-mile loop trail with a moderate rating. Its primary feature is a lake, and it's mostly used for running, hiking, and mountain biking.
Swayback Bridge Trail, Jordan Dam Rd, Wetumpka, AL 36092, USA
Pine Beach Trail is a 3.5-mile, out-and-back trail that's located within the Bon Secour National Wildlife Refuge. It has an easy rating and is mostly used for hiking, walking, and bird watching.
Alabama's Point Rock Trail is a 2.3-mile, out-and-back trail that's located within Buck's Pocket State Park. It has a moderate rating and offers incredible views. It is a unique trail with lots of stone and wood boardwalks to enjoy.
Point Rock Overlook, Co Rd 556, Fyffe, AL 35971, USA
Sougahoagdee Falls is a 4-mile, out-and-back trail that is located within North Alabama's William B. Bankhead National Forest. It features a beautiful 30-foot waterfall that flows into a small pool. The trail has an easy rating and is mostly used for hiking and nature walks.
Sougahoagdee Falls Parking, Hickory Grove Rd, Houston, AL 35572, USA
Cherokee Ridge Alpine Trail is a 4.2-mile loop trail with a moderate rating. It offers a variety of activities, and its main feature is its stunning views of Lake Martin.
Cherokee Ridge Alpine Trail, 2234 Overlook Dr, Dadeville, AL 36853, USA
Alabama's Chinnabee Silent Trail is an 8.1-mile, out-and-back trail that's located within the Cheaha Wilderness and has an easy rating. It features a lake, and waterfalls, and is filled with enchanting stone walkways, interesting rock formations, and of course, some pretty magical waterfalls.
Chinnabee Silent Trail Parking Lot, AL-281, Lineville, AL 36266, USA
Stone Cuts Trail is a 2.4-mile loop trail with a moderate rating. Located within Monte Sano State Park, this scenic trail features massive boulders, beautiful wildflowers, and a section of trail that cuts right through the cliffside.
The Walls of Jericho Trail is a 6.4-mile, out-and-back trail with a hard rating. Its main feature is a stunning waterfall. Although it's one of Alabama's most difficult trails to hike, it's totally worth the experience of seeing these stunning waterfalls cut through the limestone like butter.
Walls of Jericho Alabama Trailhead, Parking lot, Estillfork, AL 35745, USA
Pulpit Rock Trail is a 0.6-mile, out-and-back trail that's located within Cheaha State Park. It has an easy rating and offers one of Alabama's most fantastic views overlooking the forested valley below.
Parker Falls Trail is a 1.7-mile, out-and-back trail that's located within North Alabama's Sipsey Wilderness. It has a moderate rating and features a beautiful waterfall that cascades over multiple layers of flat limestone shelves.
Parker Falls, Alabama 35565, USA
With beautiful waterfalls, deep caverns, and lush forests to explore, there is much to love about hiking in Alabama. Have you ever explored any of these 12 scenic hikes in Alabama? If so, please share your experience(s) with us in the comments. Also, let us know which scenic trails in Alabama you’re looking forward to exploring this year.
For more information about Alabama’s Pine Beach Trail, be sure to take a look at this hike alongside a saltwater lagoon and a freshwater lake on this Alabama trail.
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The OIYS Visitor Center
More scenic hiking trails in Alabama
December 19, 2022
Chris Muras
What are some of the most scenic hikes in Alabama?
Alabama is home to some incredibly scenic hiking trails through tall pine forests, around interesting rock formations, and overlooking vast bodies of water shimmering in the distance. Here is a list of a few scenic hikes in Alabama that will inspire you to explore:
1. Chinnabee Silent Trail - Cheaha Wilderness: Lineville, AL
2. Bald Rock Boardwalk - Cheaha State Park: Bald Rock, AL
3. Walker Bynum Smith Mountain Tower Trail: Jacksons' Gap, AL
4. Pine Beach Trail - Bon Secour National Wildlife Refuge: Gulf Shores, AL
5. Lost Sink Trail - Keel Mountain Preserve: Gurley, AL
6. Alum Hollow Trail - Green Mountain Nature Preserve: Huntsville, AL
7. Rainbow Mountain Loop Trail - Rainbow Mountain Preserve: Madison, AL
Find out more about these awe-inspiring Alabama trails and how you can add them to your hiking bucket list in this article. Then pack a backpack with some snacks and hit the trails for some scenic hiking in Alabama.
What are the best waterfall hikes in Alabama?
You can't count the best waterfall hikes in Alabama on one hand or two for that matter. And deciding on a 'best' list is pretty much impossible when it comes to the stunning beauty that Alabama has to offer. But here is a list of a few of the best waterfall hikes in Alabama for you to enjoy:
1. Rainbow Falls - Dismals Canyon
2. Peavine Falls - Oak Mountain State Park
3. Devil's Den Falls - Cheaha State Park
4. Chewacla Falls - Chewacla State Park
5. Caney Creek Falls - William B. Bankhead National Forest
6. Welti Falls - Cullman County
7. Turkey Creek Falls - Turkey Creek Nature Preserve
When exploring a new hiking trail and coming around a bend to find a rushing waterfall it's an exciting moment. Especially when it's just you and the silence of nature enjoying a moment together. With these waterfall hikes in Alabama you know there is a big rushing reward at the end of your hike, but that doesn't make it any less special.
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