In a place as beautiful as here, there are so many things to do outside in Alabama. If you’re a fan of the outdoors, a visit to one of our many state parks in the Cotton State is an absolute must. From fishing and swimming to camping and hiking, there are so many activities to enjoy at all the state parks to visit in Alabama. We’ve chosen five of our favorite state parks that are absolutely perfect for hiking. The variety of trails here will most certainly bring out the explorer in you.
- Cheaha State Park - 19644 AL-281, Delta, AL 36258
flickr/Rob Briscoe As the oldest state park in Alabama, Cheaha State Park is certainly one of our best. It’s perched up atop Cheaha Mountain, our highest natural point. Because this state park is located within the Talladega National Forest, you know there’s a ton of beauty here. Hikers will experience waterfalls, wildlife, and so much gorgeous scenery. The two main trails here are the Doug Ghee-Bald Rock Boardwalk Trail and the Pulpit Rock Trail. Both trails offer incredible views. You can find out more from our friends at Alltrails. Cheaha State Park, 19644 AL-281, Delta, AL 36258, USA
- Monte Sano State Park - 5105 Nolen Ave SE, Huntsville, AL 35801
flickr/Josh Harper Monte Sano State Park is situated atop the beautiful Monte Sano Mountain. It offers 22 miles of scenic hiking and biking trails that range the gauntlet from easy to difficult. While exploring these hiking trails in Alabama, visitors will experience some of the most amazing views, while breathing in the freshest air. A couple of easy hikes at Monte Sano State Park include the Bucca Family Trail, a 2.9-mile long trip, and the Fire Tower Trail, which at 1.4 miles, is a great option for kids or novice hikers. One of the park’s most challenging trails is the Stone Cuts Trail. It’s 2.4 miles long and has a lot of elevation gain. Check out more information about the trails here at Alltrails. Monte Sano State Park, 5105 Nolen Ave SE, Huntsville, AL 35801, USA
- DeSoto State Park - 7104 Desoto Pkwy NE, Fort Payne, AL 35967
flickr/Derek Bruff DeSoto State Park is up on the nearly-half-mile-tall Lookout Mountain. It offers more than 30 miles of hiking trails. While exploring this state park, you’ll encounter beautiful bluffs, unique rock formations, and a variety of wildlife. There are even several small waterfalls, including Laurel Falls, Lost Falls, and the Azalea Cascade. These three waterfalls are best viewed during the spring, when water flow is highest, but this is a great state park to visit in Alabama any time of year. Find out more about the great hikes here at Alltrails. Desoto State Park Lake, Alabama 35984, USA
- Lake Guntersville State Park - 1157 Lodge Drive, Guntersville, AL 35976
flickr/formulanone Lake Guntersville State Park is a beautiful park just under 6,000 acres right along the banks of Guntersville Lake. It’s one of the most popular state parks in Alabama due to its many amenities. With over 36 miles of hiking trails, there’s a lot to explore here! Find out more about the trails at this sprawling oasis at Alltrails. Lake Guntersville State Park Campground, 24 State Campground Rd, Guntersville, AL 35976, USA
- Oak Mountain State Park - 200 Terrace Dr, Pelham, AL 35124
flickr/Alby Headrick Oak Mountain State Park is the largest state park in Alabama. It features around 25 miles of trails for the hiking and biking enthusiast. While exploring the trails here, you’ll encounter lakes, streams, and beautiful waterfalls. One of the park’s most popular trails is the Green Trail, better known as the Peavine Falls Trail. This hike is just 1.9 miles long, but incredible steep. Based on the name, you would think it would lead to Peavine Falls, but it actually doesn’t. Instead, it will take you to the Peavine Falls parking lot. From there, you can take the White Trail or Blue Trail: either will lead you to the gorgeous waterfall. You can check out all the trails at Alltrails. Oak Mountain State Park, 200 Terrace Dr, Pelham, AL 35124, USA
Did we miss your favorite hiking trails in Alabama? Share your suggestions in the comments: we love finding new places for hiking in Alabama!
flickr/Rob Briscoe
As the oldest state park in Alabama, Cheaha State Park is certainly one of our best. It’s perched up atop Cheaha Mountain, our highest natural point. Because this state park is located within the Talladega National Forest, you know there’s a ton of beauty here. Hikers will experience waterfalls, wildlife, and so much gorgeous scenery. The two main trails here are the Doug Ghee-Bald Rock Boardwalk Trail and the Pulpit Rock Trail. Both trails offer incredible views. You can find out more from our friends at Alltrails.
Cheaha State Park, 19644 AL-281, Delta, AL 36258, USA
flickr/Josh Harper
Monte Sano State Park is situated atop the beautiful Monte Sano Mountain. It offers 22 miles of scenic hiking and biking trails that range the gauntlet from easy to difficult. While exploring these hiking trails in Alabama, visitors will experience some of the most amazing views, while breathing in the freshest air. A couple of easy hikes at Monte Sano State Park include the Bucca Family Trail, a 2.9-mile long trip, and the Fire Tower Trail, which at 1.4 miles, is a great option for kids or novice hikers. One of the park’s most challenging trails is the Stone Cuts Trail. It’s 2.4 miles long and has a lot of elevation gain. Check out more information about the trails here at Alltrails.
Monte Sano State Park, 5105 Nolen Ave SE, Huntsville, AL 35801, USA
flickr/Derek Bruff
DeSoto State Park is up on the nearly-half-mile-tall Lookout Mountain. It offers more than 30 miles of hiking trails. While exploring this state park, you’ll encounter beautiful bluffs, unique rock formations, and a variety of wildlife. There are even several small waterfalls, including Laurel Falls, Lost Falls, and the Azalea Cascade. These three waterfalls are best viewed during the spring, when water flow is highest, but this is a great state park to visit in Alabama any time of year. Find out more about the great hikes here at Alltrails.
Desoto State Park Lake, Alabama 35984, USA
flickr/formulanone
Lake Guntersville State Park is a beautiful park just under 6,000 acres right along the banks of Guntersville Lake. It’s one of the most popular state parks in Alabama due to its many amenities. With over 36 miles of hiking trails, there’s a lot to explore here! Find out more about the trails at this sprawling oasis at Alltrails.
Lake Guntersville State Park Campground, 24 State Campground Rd, Guntersville, AL 35976, USA
flickr/Alby Headrick
Oak Mountain State Park is the largest state park in Alabama. It features around 25 miles of trails for the hiking and biking enthusiast. While exploring the trails here, you’ll encounter lakes, streams, and beautiful waterfalls. One of the park’s most popular trails is the Green Trail, better known as the Peavine Falls Trail. This hike is just 1.9 miles long, but incredible steep. Based on the name, you would think it would lead to Peavine Falls, but it actually doesn’t. Instead, it will take you to the Peavine Falls parking lot. From there, you can take the White Trail or Blue Trail: either will lead you to the gorgeous waterfall. You can check out all the trails at Alltrails.
Oak Mountain State Park, 200 Terrace Dr, Pelham, AL 35124, USA
For a list of some more of the most magnificent hiking trails in Alabama, click here.
OnlyInYourState may earn compensation through affiliate links in this article.
The OIYS Visitor Center
Things To Do Outside In Alabama January 10, 2022 Lisa Sammons What are some of the best places for hiking in Alabama? If you want to start the new year off right, why not consider doing a hike a month? There are some really incredible hikes in Alabama that feature a variety of scenery. It’s a great option for getting in shape while enjoying all the beauty our state has to offer. What are some of the best parks in Alabama? Did you know we’ve got 21 state parks in Alabama? They are all over the state, so regardless of what area you live in, you’ve probably got some nearby to explore. And that’s not even touching on our municipal parks! You won’t want to miss out on some of these hidden gems in Alabama. We especially love the 19-acre Railroad Park in the heart of Birmingham. It’s a breath of fresh air in the middle of a city. What are some of the best things to do outside in Alabama? When you live in a state with as great of weather as ours, you’re sure to want to spend some time outdoors, no matter the season! We picked ten of our favorite outdoor activities in Alabama and compiled them into a list for you. If you’re a fan of waterfalls, hiking, caves, and gardens, there’s a lot to see in the Cotton State.
The OIYS Visitor Center
Things To Do Outside In Alabama
January 10, 2022
Lisa Sammons
What are some of the best places for hiking in Alabama? If you want to start the new year off right, why not consider doing a hike a month? There are some really incredible hikes in Alabama that feature a variety of scenery. It’s a great option for getting in shape while enjoying all the beauty our state has to offer. What are some of the best parks in Alabama? Did you know we’ve got 21 state parks in Alabama? They are all over the state, so regardless of what area you live in, you’ve probably got some nearby to explore. And that’s not even touching on our municipal parks! You won’t want to miss out on some of these hidden gems in Alabama. We especially love the 19-acre Railroad Park in the heart of Birmingham. It’s a breath of fresh air in the middle of a city. What are some of the best things to do outside in Alabama? When you live in a state with as great of weather as ours, you’re sure to want to spend some time outdoors, no matter the season! We picked ten of our favorite outdoor activities in Alabama and compiled them into a list for you. If you’re a fan of waterfalls, hiking, caves, and gardens, there’s a lot to see in the Cotton State.
The OIYS Visitor Center
The OIYS Visitor Center
If you want to start the new year off right, why not consider doing a hike a month? There are some really incredible hikes in Alabama that feature a variety of scenery. It’s a great option for getting in shape while enjoying all the beauty our state has to offer.
What are some of the best parks in Alabama?
Did you know we’ve got 21 state parks in Alabama? They are all over the state, so regardless of what area you live in, you’ve probably got some nearby to explore. And that’s not even touching on our municipal parks! You won’t want to miss out on some of these hidden gems in Alabama. We especially love the 19-acre Railroad Park in the heart of Birmingham. It’s a breath of fresh air in the middle of a city.
What are some of the best things to do outside in Alabama?
When you live in a state with as great of weather as ours, you’re sure to want to spend some time outdoors, no matter the season! We picked ten of our favorite outdoor activities in Alabama and compiled them into a list for you. If you’re a fan of waterfalls, hiking, caves, and gardens, there’s a lot to see in the Cotton State.
