Alabama is home to many hiking trails. From waterfalls and streams, to boulders and wildflowers, you’ll be completely surrounded by nature while exploring our amazing trails. The greatest thing about Alabama’s hiking trails is that you don’t have to be an expert to explore them all, and some aren’t long at all. Listed below are 10 trails that are under three miles. They’re also some of the best hikes in Alabama. Don’t forget to check them out!

  1. Rainbow Mountain Loop Trail - Madison

tripadvisor/GWolf109 The Rainbow Mountain Loop Trail, which is located within Madison’s Rainbow Mountain Nature Preserve, is a 1.5-mile loop trail that’s mostly used for hiking, walking, and trail running. It’s a great place to go hiking with a group of friends, and it’s also accessible year round. Land Trust of North Alabama: Rainbow Mountain Nature Preserve, 230 Stoneway Trail, Madison, AL 35758, USA

  1. Vulcan Trail - Birmingham

alltrails/Clay Buie The Vulcan Trail is located on the northern slope of Red Mountain and offers great views of downtown Birmingham. It’s one mile long and is usually used for walking and bicycling. Vulcan Trail, Birmingham, AL, USA

  1. Green Trail (Peavine Falls Trail) - Pelham

flickr/Alby Headrick The Green Trail, which is also known as the Peavine Falls Trail, is located within Oak Mountain State Park, Alabama’s largest state park. It’s 1.9 miles long and features a beautiful waterfall (Peavine Falls). This scenic trail begins at the park office. Oak Mountain State Park, 200 Terrace Dr, Pelham, AL 35124, USA

  1. Doug Ghee Accessible Trail (Bald Rock Boardwalk) - Heflin

flickr/Jimmy Emerson, DVM Located within Cheaha State Park is the Doug Ghee Accessible Trail (a.k.a. Bald Rock Boardwalk), a 0.6-mile, out-and-back trail that features gorgeous wildflowers and an amazing view at the end. Just about anyone is capable of hiking this trail. Cheaha State Park, 19644 AL-281, Delta, AL 36258, USA

  1. Horseshoe Bend Trail - Dadeville

flickr/Allen Patterson The Horseshoe Bend Trail is a loop trail that’s 2.2 miles long and features a beautiful river. Nature lovers enjoy hiking, walking, and birdwatching along this scenic trail. Horseshoe Bend Road, Horseshoe Bend Rd, Dadeville, AL, USA

  1. Noccalula Falls Historic Gorge Trail - Gadsden

flickr/Tennessee Wanderer Located within Noccalula Falls Park, the Noccalula Falls Historic Gorge Trail is a 2.4-mile, out-and-back trail that features a breathtaking waterfall. This scenic trail is a popular location for nature trips, and it’s also accessible year round. Noccalula Falls Park & Campground, 1500 Noccalula Rd, Gadsden, AL 35904, USA

  1. Russell Cave Trail - Bridgeport

alltrails/Brenda Jones Russell Cave Trail is a 1.5-mile loop trail that leads to the Russell Cave National Monument. Russell Cave contains the Southeast’s most complete records of prehistoric culture. This historic trail begins at the visitor center and is great for hikers of all skill levels. Russell Cave National Monument, 3729 Co Rd 98, Bridgeport, AL 35740, USA

  1. Dismals Canyon Trail - Phil Campbell

flickr/Jimmy Emerson, DVM The Dismals Canyon Trail is a scenic 1.5-mile trail that’ll lead you to boulders, waterfalls, and more. To hike this trail, you’ll simply follow Dismals Branch - the stream that runs throughout the canyon. Dismals Canyon, 901 County Rd 8, Phil Campbell, AL 35581, USA

  1. Stone Cuts Trail - Huntsville

facebook/Monte Sano State Park Huntsville, AL Stone Cuts Trail, which is located within Huntsville’s Monte Sano State Park, is a 2.4-mile loop trail that features interesting rock formations. People of all ages, especially children, enjoy hiking this unique trail. Stone Cuts Trail, Huntsville, AL 35801, USA

Have you ever hiked any of these trails? If so, please share your experience(s) in the comments below.

tripadvisor/GWolf109

The Rainbow Mountain Loop Trail, which is located within Madison’s Rainbow Mountain Nature Preserve, is a 1.5-mile loop trail that’s mostly used for hiking, walking, and trail running. It’s a great place to go hiking with a group of friends, and it’s also accessible year round.

Land Trust of North Alabama: Rainbow Mountain Nature Preserve, 230 Stoneway Trail, Madison, AL 35758, USA

alltrails/Clay Buie

The Vulcan Trail is located on the northern slope of Red Mountain and offers great views of downtown Birmingham. It’s one mile long and is usually used for walking and bicycling.

Vulcan Trail, Birmingham, AL, USA

flickr/Alby Headrick

The Green Trail, which is also known as the Peavine Falls Trail, is located within Oak Mountain State Park, Alabama’s largest state park. It’s 1.9 miles long and features a beautiful waterfall (Peavine Falls). This scenic trail begins at the park office.

Oak Mountain State Park, 200 Terrace Dr, Pelham, AL 35124, USA

flickr/Jimmy Emerson, DVM

Located within Cheaha State Park is the Doug Ghee Accessible Trail (a.k.a. Bald Rock Boardwalk), a 0.6-mile, out-and-back trail that features gorgeous wildflowers and an amazing view at the end. Just about anyone is capable of hiking this trail.

Cheaha State Park, 19644 AL-281, Delta, AL 36258, USA

flickr/Allen Patterson

The Horseshoe Bend Trail is a loop trail that’s 2.2 miles long and features a beautiful river. Nature lovers enjoy hiking, walking, and birdwatching along this scenic trail.

Horseshoe Bend Road, Horseshoe Bend Rd, Dadeville, AL, USA

flickr/Tennessee Wanderer

Located within Noccalula Falls Park, the Noccalula Falls Historic Gorge Trail is a 2.4-mile, out-and-back trail that features a breathtaking waterfall. This scenic trail is a popular location for nature trips, and it’s also accessible year round.

Noccalula Falls Park & Campground, 1500 Noccalula Rd, Gadsden, AL 35904, USA

alltrails/Brenda Jones

Russell Cave Trail is a 1.5-mile loop trail that leads to the Russell Cave National Monument. Russell Cave contains the Southeast’s most complete records of prehistoric culture. This historic trail begins at the visitor center and is great for hikers of all skill levels.

Russell Cave National Monument, 3729 Co Rd 98, Bridgeport, AL 35740, USA

The Dismals Canyon Trail is a scenic 1.5-mile trail that’ll lead you to boulders, waterfalls, and more. To hike this trail, you’ll simply follow Dismals Branch - the stream that runs throughout the canyon.

Dismals Canyon, 901 County Rd 8, Phil Campbell, AL 35581, USA

facebook/Monte Sano State Park Huntsville, AL

Stone Cuts Trail, which is located within Huntsville’s Monte Sano State Park, is a 2.4-mile loop trail that features interesting rock formations. People of all ages, especially children, enjoy hiking this unique trail.

Stone Cuts Trail, Huntsville, AL 35801, USA

For another Alabama trail that’s worth exploring, be sure to check out our previous article: Everyone In Alabama Needs To Explore This One Stunning Hiking Trail.

OnlyInYourState may earn compensation through affiliate links in this article.

The OIYS Visitor Center

best hikes in alabama March 24, 2022 Jennifer Young What are five of the best kid-friendly hikes around Alabama that belong on everyone’s outdoor bucket list? There are plenty of trails in Alabama that are perfect for people of all ages, including kids. Listed below are five of the best kid-friendly trails in Alabama.

  1. Stone Cuts Trail Alabama’s Stone Cuts Trail is located within Huntsville’s Monte Sano State Park. It’s a 2.4-mile loop trail that’s mostly used for hiking, running, and walking. This kid-friendly trail, which has a moderate rating of difficulty, is also perfect for exploring any time of the year.
  2. Alum Hollow Trail Located within Alabama’s Green Mountain Nature Preserve is the Alum Hollow Trail, a 2.2-mile, out-and-back trail with an easy rating of difficulty. This scenic trail is mostly used for hiking. 3.Peavine Falls via Green and White Trail Loop Alabama’s Peavine Falls via Green and White Trail Loop is located within Oak Mountain State Park in Pelham. It’s a 1.6-mile loop trail with a moderate rating of difficulty. It’s also a great trail to explore throughout the year and is mostly used for hiking, running, and mountain biking.
  3. Pulpit Rock Trail Located within Alabama’s Cheaha State Park is the Pulpit Rock Trail, which is .6 miles out and back. This short trail, which is accessible year round, is a popular spot for hiking and nature trips. It’s also one of the most easy hikes in Alabama.
  4. Chewacla State Park Trail Alabama’s Chewacla State Park Trail, which has a moderate rating of difficulty, is located within Auburn’s Chewacla State Park. Many people choose to camp, fish, and hike along this scenic trail. The best time of year to explore it is from March through October. What’s one of the most scenic hikes in Alabama that can be experienced no matter the time of year? There are many scenic hikes around Alabama that can be experienced no matter the time of year. Winter, spring, summer, or fall, these trails are beautiful year round. One of Alabama’s most scenic hikes that can be experienced no matter the time of year is the Moss Rock Preserve Trail, which is located within Hoover’s Moss Rock Preserve. This 3-mile loop trail has a moderate rating of difficulty and is one of the Yellowhammer State’s most popular trails for hiking and rock climbing.  

The OIYS Visitor Center

best hikes in alabama

March 24, 2022

Jennifer Young

What are five of the best kid-friendly hikes around Alabama that belong on everyone’s outdoor bucket list? There are plenty of trails in Alabama that are perfect for people of all ages, including kids. Listed below are five of the best kid-friendly trails in Alabama.

  1. Stone Cuts Trail Alabama’s Stone Cuts Trail is located within Huntsville’s Monte Sano State Park. It’s a 2.4-mile loop trail that’s mostly used for hiking, running, and walking. This kid-friendly trail, which has a moderate rating of difficulty, is also perfect for exploring any time of the year.
  2. Alum Hollow Trail Located within Alabama’s Green Mountain Nature Preserve is the Alum Hollow Trail, a 2.2-mile, out-and-back trail with an easy rating of difficulty. This scenic trail is mostly used for hiking. 3.Peavine Falls via Green and White Trail Loop Alabama’s Peavine Falls via Green and White Trail Loop is located within Oak Mountain State Park in Pelham. It’s a 1.6-mile loop trail with a moderate rating of difficulty. It’s also a great trail to explore throughout the year and is mostly used for hiking, running, and mountain biking.
  3. Pulpit Rock Trail Located within Alabama’s Cheaha State Park is the Pulpit Rock Trail, which is .6 miles out and back. This short trail, which is accessible year round, is a popular spot for hiking and nature trips. It’s also one of the most easy hikes in Alabama.
  4. Chewacla State Park Trail Alabama’s Chewacla State Park Trail, which has a moderate rating of difficulty, is located within Auburn’s Chewacla State Park. Many people choose to camp, fish, and hike along this scenic trail. The best time of year to explore it is from March through October. What’s one of the most scenic hikes in Alabama that can be experienced no matter the time of year? There are many scenic hikes around Alabama that can be experienced no matter the time of year. Winter, spring, summer, or fall, these trails are beautiful year round. One of Alabama’s most scenic hikes that can be experienced no matter the time of year is the Moss Rock Preserve Trail, which is located within Hoover’s Moss Rock Preserve. This 3-mile loop trail has a moderate rating of difficulty and is one of the Yellowhammer State’s most popular trails for hiking and rock climbing.  

The OIYS Visitor Center

The OIYS Visitor Center

There are plenty of trails in Alabama that are perfect for people of all ages, including kids. Listed below are five of the best kid-friendly trails in Alabama.

  1. Stone Cuts Trail

Alabama’s Stone Cuts Trail is located within Huntsville’s Monte Sano State Park. It’s a 2.4-mile loop trail that’s mostly used for hiking, running, and walking. This kid-friendly trail, which has a moderate rating of difficulty, is also perfect for exploring any time of the year.

  1. Alum Hollow Trail

Located within Alabama’s Green Mountain Nature Preserve is the Alum Hollow Trail, a 2.2-mile, out-and-back trail with an easy rating of difficulty. This scenic trail is mostly used for hiking.

3.Peavine Falls via Green and White Trail Loop

Alabama’s Peavine Falls via Green and White Trail Loop is located within Oak Mountain State Park in Pelham. It’s a 1.6-mile loop trail with a moderate rating of difficulty. It’s also a great trail to explore throughout the year and is mostly used for hiking, running, and mountain biking.

  1. Pulpit Rock Trail

Located within Alabama’s Cheaha State Park is the Pulpit Rock Trail, which is .6 miles out and back. This short trail, which is accessible year round, is a popular spot for hiking and nature trips. It’s also one of the most easy hikes in Alabama.

  1. Chewacla State Park Trail

Alabama’s Chewacla State Park Trail, which has a moderate rating of difficulty, is located within Auburn’s Chewacla State Park. Many people choose to camp, fish, and hike along this scenic trail. The best time of year to explore it is from March through October.

What’s one of the most scenic hikes in Alabama that can be experienced no matter the time of year?

There are many scenic hikes around Alabama that can be experienced no matter the time of year. Winter, spring, summer, or fall, these trails are beautiful year round. One of Alabama’s most scenic hikes that can be experienced no matter the time of year is the Moss Rock Preserve Trail, which is located within Hoover’s Moss Rock Preserve. This 3-mile loop trail has a moderate rating of difficulty and is one of the Yellowhammer State’s most popular trails for hiking and rock climbing.