A Peaceful Escape Can Be Found Along The Forest Road Trail In Alabama

The Forest Road Trail at Lagoon Park is one of the state's best hikes near Montgomery, Alabama, especially if you want an easy, pretty, and mostly flat path for walking and biking. I love trails like this for dog walks, and you're welcome to do that here as long as you leash your pup.

To reach the trailhead, you'll take Gunter Park Drive West to the Pete Peterson entrance of the Lagoon Park Trails system. The trailheads for the Forest Road Trail, Lagoon Park Trail, and Cross-Country Trail are all near the Pete Peterson Lodge, a popular spot for small gatherings. It has an indoor space that can accommodate a dinner of up to 150 people, plus outdoor picnic shelters, tables, and a playground.

The Forest Road Trail runs north to south through the middle of the natural area west of the lodge and the golf course, which extends to the south. If you take this trail out and back, you'll cover 2.1 miles total.

A small northern segment of the Forest Road Trail aligns and intertwines with the larger, Lagoon Trail loop, which covers 2.4 miles. The eastern side of that loop runs along a creek separating it from the golf course.

Meanwhile, true to its name, the Forest Road Trail is mostly wooded. The path is wide and varies between gravel and asphalt pavement. While strollers, wheelchairs, and other mobility equipment can potentially handle it, all-terrain tires would be best for the surface variations. It's mostly flat with less than 5 percent grade changes.

Near the north end of the property, the Forest Road Trail and Lagoon Park Trail share a comfortable pavilion to stop, watch nature, or just enjoy a rest.

These trails are popular year-round for hiking, mountain biking, and running. It's an excellent spot for nature walks, too.

Birdwatchers also enjoy the area as it is a peaceful enclave only seven miles west of Montgomery's city center.

You can see more trail photos and a map by visiting the Forest Road Trail listing on AllTrails. Have you had a chance to visit already? Do you agree it's one of the best hikes near Montgomery? We'd love to hear your thoughts and tips.