5 hikes around Birmingham to try this spring (maps included)

jon flobrant r19nfvS3wY unsplash scaled 5 hikes around Birmingham to try this spring (maps included)
Hiking boots encouraged, not required. Photo via Unsplash

Over these past several weeks (months?? years?? I’ve lost count) of social distancing, I’ve tried many activities. Baking. Embroidering. DIY projects on an apartment I do not own. So far, trying out new hiking trails is definitely my favorite—and probably the smartest. Check out these five around the Birmingham metro and get outside (6ft apart, of course).

Know Before You Go

Birmingham and the surrounding areas are full of incredible natural beauty. It’s one of my favorite things about living here. Taking advantage of the great outdoors has always been something locals enjoy, but now, it’s more appealing than ever.

The City of Birmingham is still under a “shelter in place” ordinance, which is a great effort to stop the spread of COVID-19. It’s so important to take these measures seriously and stay updated as changes occur. However, outdoor exercise is still allowed, and hiking is a great way to do it.

Make sure to stay 6 feet apart from others at all times. In most cases, this shouldn’t be a huge issue. The trails on this list generally offer less foot traffic, at least in my experience. However, I also have seen how busy the entrance to areas like Red Mountain Park can get. Be sure to stay distant and stay safe!

1—Grace’s Gap Overlook

  • Location: Red Mountain Park
  • Coordinates for Trailhead: 33.44518, -86.86239
  • Distance: 3.9 miles
  • Route Type: Out and back
  • Cost: Free (donations encouraged)
IMG 3943 5 hikes around Birmingham to try this spring (maps included)
Map via AllTrails

2—Moss Rock Preserve Loop

2E2203F9 334E 4B40 AD98 891B6639FBE1 5 hikes around Birmingham to try this spring (maps included)
Moss Rock is full of great views, but I must admit I’m partial to this one. Photo via Beth Cunningham for Bham Now
  • Location: Moss Rock Preserve in Hoover
  • Coordinates for Trailhead: 33.38610, -86.83180
  • Distance: 5.2 miles
  • Route Type: Loop
  • Cost: Free
IMG 3945 5 hikes around Birmingham to try this spring (maps included)
Map via AllTrails

3—Peavine Falls

IMG 6376 5 hikes around Birmingham to try this spring (maps included)
Oak Mountain gems are some of my personal favorites. Photo via Beth Cunningham for Bham Now
  • Location: Oak Mountain State Park
  • Coordinates for Trailhead: 33.30237, -86.76199
  • Distance: 1.6 miles
  • Route Type: Loop
  • Cost: $5/person for day pass
IMG 3946 5 hikes around Birmingham to try this spring (maps included)
Map via AllTrails

4—Ridge Walk

518D7222 99F8 4249 9AD9 37DA75290451 5 hikes around Birmingham to try this spring (maps included)
The old mines at Red Mountain Park provide some pretty cool water break spots. Photo via Beth Cunningham for Bham Now
  • Location: Red Mountain Park
  • Coordinates for Trailhead: 33.44490, -86.86297
  • Distance: 5.3 miles
  • Route Type: Loop
  • Cost: Free (donations encouraged)
IMG 3947 5 hikes around Birmingham to try this spring (maps included)
Map via AllTrails

5—White Trail at Oak Mountain

  • Location: Oak Mountain State Park
  • Coordinates for Trailhead: 33.35714, -86.70481
  • Distance: 12.2 miles
  • Route Type: Out and back
  • Cost: $5/person for day pass
IMG 3948 5 hikes around Birmingham to try this spring (maps included)
Map via AllTrails

Stay distant, stay safe, and get outside! What are your favorite trails to hit around Birmingham? Let us know on social @BhamNow

Beth Cunningham
Beth Cunningham

A Birmingham transplant who can usually be found hitting a new hiking trail or restaurant opening when she's not writing stories and snapping photos for Bham Now.

Articles: 349