November 17 is National Hiking Day, and that means today is the perfect time to get outside and enjoy the fresh fall air, while exploring Birmingham’s best hiking trails. We asked our Bham Now Instagram audience where their favorite hiking spots are in town, so you can get the inside scoop.

1. Oak Mountain State Park

Oak Mountain State Park is home to nearly a dozen trails with features like waterfalls, creeks and outstanding lookout views. King’s Chair is a favorite trail of many of our viewers due to its jaw-dropping views of Birmingham—especially at sunset.

Looking for an easy hike? Peavine Falls is another cool hiking destination in the park that can be reached by a drive to the Peavine Falls parking lot and a short trek.

Location: 200 Terrace Dr, Pelham, AL 35124
Hours: Daily: 7AM-6PM
Website

2. Moss Rock Preserve

Our Bham Now audience voted Moss Rock as another top hiking spot, and we can see why. With a beautiful series of small waterfalls at the Falls and over 12 miles of hiking trails, you can easily spend all day exploring the area.

Love to climb? You’ll want to check out Boulder Field while you’re on your hike. It’s a great time for climbers of all skill levels.

Location: 617 Preserve Way, Hoover, AL 35226
Hours: Saturday-Thursday 9AM-5PM I Friday 10AM-1PM
Website

3. Red Mountain Park

Red Mountain Park has trails that will make you feel like you’re in a storybook forest. In the summer and spring, soft green grass and wildflowers line your path. During fall, hike to one of several scenic overlooks to see Birmingham’s stunning fall foliage.

There are 15 miles of hiking and mountain biking trails, too, so you’ll always find a new path to explore.

Red Mountain also has a really unique trail for those with developmental differences. The Butler Snow Sensory Trail is .14 miles long and located near the entrance of the park. It also includes 14 activities for people with challenges like low vision and hearing.

Location: 2011 Frankfurt Dr, Birmingham, AL 35211
Hours: Daily 7AM-5PM
Website I Facebook I Instagram

4. Rotary Trail

Nov. 17 is National Hiking Day — Photo by Matthew Niblett for Bham Now

Rotary Trail is not your normal hiking trail. Instead of wooded nature trails, it offers a fun trek through Birmingham’s concrete jungle. Start your journey at the iconic Magic City sign and end near Railroad Park. This is an easy path that shows off some incredible city sights.

This short trail stretches from 20th Street to 24th Street. End your walk with a coffee at Red Cat and donut from Hero Donuts across from the park.

Location: 2098 1st Ave S, Birmingham, AL 35233
Hours: Daily 7AM-11PM

5. Ruffner Mountain

Ruffner Mountain boasts beautiful views of Birmingham along with a variety of terrain sure to create an exciting hiking adventure. The park holds wooded paths, stunning overlooks, wetlands and a quarry.

Keep your eyes out for some cool urban wildlife species such as raccoons, foxes, birds, bats and salamanders.