This Mountain Hiking Trail In Alabama Is The Perfect Day Trip Destination

Arguably, the best hike near Birmingham, Alabama, is just over an hour’s drive east in Cheaha State Park. I’m not talking about the trails to the state’s tallest and best-known peak of Cheaha Mountain. While they’re wonderful, I want to draw your attention to another trail that begins in the park.

The Hernandez Peak & McDill Point Trail is one of the best hikes in Alabama. It's a 4.9-mile out-and-back adventure that takes you southward into the Talladega Mountains. There, you’ll discover two more of the state’s top 10 tallest peaks for which the trail is named.

The journey begins at the Cheaha Trailhead for the Pinhoti Trail in Cheaha State Park. What to bring? Water, comfortable footwear, and your dog - only if they’re leashed and trail-proven.

Follow the blue blazes to stay on the Pinhoti Trail. You can expect a 1,053-foot elevation gain overall plus rocky and rooty terrain much of the way.

The gains are gradual with several places to pause, if needed. Besides the beauty in the trail’s natural details, persistence is rewarded even more with vast valley vistas.

While there are several spots that afford beautiful views along the way, you’ll find one of the most incredible overlooks about two miles along the trail.

Perhaps you only have time for a quick pic. In that case, do not miss what could be the photo op of all photo ops. After that, keep going toward McDill Point, which is Alabama’s sixth-highest elevation at 2,175 feet.

About half a mile before you reach the point, you’ll see the remaining wreckage from a small plane crash reported to have happened in 1972.

If you have the time, plan for a pause along the way to take in the sights around you. This is a perfect place to hang a hammock and relax a half hour or so.

After reaching McDill Point, you can then retrace your steps to return to the trailhead or one of the several campsites along the trail.

Have you had a chance to explore this trail? Would you agree it is the best hike near Birmingham, Alabama? Let us know your experience! Also, be sure to check out AllTrails’ details about the Hernandez Peak & McDill Point Trail, including fellow hiker reviews and many more images.