These 7 Alabama Hiking Trails Lead To Some Incredible Pieces Of History

Alabama is one of the nation's top hiking destinations. There's such a  variety of scenic trails for anyone wanting to explore the outdoors. In addition to beautiful scenery, many of the trails here in the Yellowhammer State also lead to some incredible pieces of history, including the seven trails listed below.

1. Russell Cave National Monument - Russell Cave Trail

The Russell Cave Trail in Bridgeport, Alabama is an easy, 1.2-mile loop trail that leads to Russell Cave (Russell Cave National Monument). After studying pieces of evidence, archaeologists believe Russell Cave contains one of the Southeast's most thorough records of pre-historic culture. In fact, they believe this historic cave was inhabited for more than 10,000 years.

2. Moundville Archaeological Park Nature Trail

Moundville Archaeological Park covers 185 acres and features Indian mounds. This park also has a 3-mile loop trail that meanders among the mounds. While at Moundville Archaeological Park, be sure to stop by the museum where you can view approximately 200 interesting Indian artifacts.

3. Red Mountain Park - Smythe, Redding, and Ike Maston Loop

Red Mountain Park in Birmingham is one of Alabama's top outdoor spots that holds a lot of history, specifically mining history. The park's Smythe, Redding, And Ike Maston Loop is an easy, 2.9-mile loop trail that'll lead you to several mine remnants.

4. Monte Sano Preserve - Old Railroad Bed Trail

Alabama's Monte Sano Preserve is located in Huntsvile. Its Old Railroad Bed Trail, which is a 2.9-mile loop trail, follows a historic railroad corridor. In the late 1800s, this railroad carried people from Huntsville to the top of Monte Sano Mountain, which was home to a popular resort at the time.

5. Tannehill Ironworks Historical State Park - Tannehill Ironworks Trail

Tannehill Ironworks Historical State Park is located in McCalla, Alabama and covers more than 1,500 acres. Tannehill Ironworks is the park's main feature, and it's home to three furnaces that were once used for metal-making in the mid 1800s. While hiking the Tannehill Ironworks Trail, which is 4.1 miles long, you'll get to explore the park and see these furnaces up close. During your visit, don't forget to stop by the Alabama Iron and Steel Museum. This unique museum has exhibits on display that demonstrate the way iron was produced during the Civil War.

6. William B. Bankhead National Forest - Kinlock Trail

Alabama's Kinlock Trail is tucked away inside of the William B. Bankhead National Forest. It's an easy, 0.7-mile, out-and-back trail. It'll take you to a rock shelter that was used by Native Americans for thousands of years. Kinlock Shelter is also a rather large shelter, measuring around 300 feet wide and 70 feet tall.

7. Horseshoe Bend National Military Park - Horseshoe Bend Trail

On March 27, 1814, a battle on the banks of the Tallapoosa River near Alexander City ended the Creek Indian War. Members of the Tennessee militia and the U.S. Infantry, along with 600 Cherokee and Creek Indians, won the battle. Following this win, Native Americans in the South had to relocate to Oklahoma. This journey became known as the Trail of Tears. Horseshoe Bend National Military Park's Horseshoe Bend Trail, a 2.2-mile loop trail, will lead you through the battlefield and along the Tallapoosa River.

Have you ever hiked any of these historic trails in Alabama? If so, please share your experience with us in the comments below.

For more information about Alabama's Russell Cave National Monument, be sure to take a look at the following article: Russell Cave National Monument Was Recently Named Alabama’s Coolest National Park.