Posted in Alabama Hiking, Nature July 24, 2022 by

7 Short And Sweet Fall Hikes In Alabama With A Spectacular End View

Alabama is filled with many scenic hiking trails, several of which are shorter than others. Most hikers agree that the best part of any trail adventure is reaching the end. After all, it’s such a rewarding feeling when reaching a beautiful waterfall or experiencing a breathtaking view. Listed below are seven of the best hikes in Alabama that offer a spectacular end view. Check them out!

1. Smith Mountain Fire Tower Trail
Smith Mountain Fire Tower, Jacksons' Gap, AL 36861, USA
alltrails/Lauren B
The Smith Mountain Fire Trail is a 0.7 mile loop trail that's located near Dadeville, Alabama. It'll take you to Smith Mountain Fire Tower, which offers an incredible view of Lake Martin. This short and easy trail is perfect for the entire family.
2. Parker Falls Trail
Parker Falls, Alabama 35565, USA
alltrails/Carrie Anderson
Parker Falls Trail is a 1.7 mile out and back trail that's located within the Sipsey Wilderness area of North Alabama's William B. Bankhead National Forest. This scenic trail will take you to Parker Falls, and it's best suited for older children and adults.
3. Pulpit Rock Trail
Pulpit Rock, Alabama 36258, USA
tripadvisor/Kragh F
The Pulpit Rock Trail is a 0.6 mile out and back trail that's located in Cheaha State Park near Heflin, Alabama. It offers one of the state's most breathtaking views.
4. Green Trail
Green Trail, Alabama, USA
alltrails/Cr Car
The Green Trail, which is best known as the Peavine Falls Trail, is a 1.6 mile loop trail that's located in Oak Mountain State Park in Pelham, Alabama. This trail will take you to Peavine Falls, which is approximately 65 feet tall and spring fed.
5. Caney Creek Falls Trail
Caney Creek Falls Trail, Alabama 35553, USA
alltrails/Emily Beavers
The Caney Creek Falls Trail is a 1.7 mile out and back trail that's located within the William B. Bankhead National Forest near Double Springs, Alabama. It's an easy hike that's perfect for the entire family, and it'll take you to one of the state's most beautiful waterfalls - Caney Creek Falls.
6. Doug Ghee Accessible Trail (Bald Rock Boardwalk Trail)
Bald Rock, Alabama 36258, USA
alltrails/Pam Bergmann
Much like the Pulpit Rock Trail, the Doug Ghee Accessible Trail, which is best known as the Bald Rock Boardwalk, is located in Cheaha State Park near Heflin, Alabama. It's an easy 0.6 mile out and back trail that offers a spectacular end view where you can see for miles and miles.
7. Kinlock Falls Trail
Kinlock Falls, Alabama 35565, USA
alltrails/Jessica Edwards
Also located within North Alabama's William B. Bankhead National Forest is the Kinlock Falls Trail. With a length of only 0.3 miles, this scenic trail is great for all skill levels. It'll take you to Kinlock Falls, which has a 15-foot drop and a span of more than 20 feet. If you follow the trail further downstream, you'll experience another beautiful waterfall.

Have you ever hiked any of these scenic trails in Alabama? If so, do you agree that they are some of the best hikes in Alabama? If you’re passionate about hikes with rewarding views, then you may like our list of the best waterfall hikes in Alabama.

Address: Caney Creek Falls Trail, Alabama 35553, USA
Address: Green Trail, Alabama, USA
Address: Bald Rock, Alabama 36258, USA
Address: Pulpit Rock, Alabama 36258, USA
Address: Smith Mountain Fire Tower, Jacksons' Gap, AL 36861, USA
Address: Parker Falls, Alabama 35565, USA
Address: Kinlock Falls, Alabama 35565, USA
The OIYS Visitor Center

Best Hikes In Alabama

July 28, 2022
Sara Dager

Can I hike to abandoned places in Alabama? 

There are a few fun abandoned places in Alabama that you can hike to. We ask that you remain conscious of safety and trespassing laws when exploring in or around these spaces, but you’ll still have an absolute blast following all of the rules! You can step out onto the Ike Maston Trail to discover an abandoned iron-ore mine. Quite recently, the entrance was excavated to allow people to safely explore the remains of the mine safely; it’s an amazing lesson in living history! Or, you can discover an abandoned railroad on the Old Railroad Bed Trail. At a nice easy two miles, you can spot old tracks and trestles as you amble along through gorgeous greenery. If driving is more your style, you can take our abandoned places road trip to fit a ton of adventure into a couple of days!

What are the most family-friendly hikes in Alabama?

If you want to bring the whole family along for a hike, you have to be a little more conscious of length and difficulty to make sure the trail is safe for tiny legs and also not too exhausting! Of course, the list above is a great start, but there are many more easy hikes in Alabama that are great for every member of your group. Family-friendly hiking means trails that welcome everyone, and a great choice is the trail through Dismals Canyon. Despite its name, the trail offers multiple types of terrain, two waterfalls, and even a magically rare type of glow worm that lights up the night like something out of a fairytale!

Can I hike to historical sites in Alabama?

Maybe you like a bit of history along with your fresh air? Well, then, Alabama has got your back! There are many historical places in Alabama that you can make the trek out to, and we think that hiking for your history makes the resulting education all the more worthwhile! One great choice is the Horseshoe Bend Trail in Horseshoe Bend National Military park. At only 2.2 miles this is a nice easy hike that takes you alongside a river and through a battlefield.

Address: Caney Creek Falls Trail, Alabama 35553, USA
Address: Green Trail, Alabama, USA
Address: Bald Rock, Alabama 36258, USA
Address: Pulpit Rock, Alabama 36258, USA
Address: Smith Mountain Fire Tower, Jacksons' Gap, AL 36861, USA
Address: Parker Falls, Alabama 35565, USA
Address: Kinlock Falls, Alabama 35565, USA