How to plan the perfect day at Oak Mountain State Park

oak mountain state park
Have you been to the farm yet? (Jacob Blankenship / Bham Now)

As Alabama’s largest state park, Oak Moutain has plenty of things to do for all levels of experience, from the average nature enjoyer to the expert mountain biker. Keep reading to find out how to plan for the perfect visit at Oak Mountain State Park.

Hiking

Pups are always welcome! (Jacob Blankenship / Bham Now)

Rise and shine! If you’re up for it, an early morning hike is one of the best ways to start the day. You beat the afternoon heat while also improving your cognitive function for the rest of the day.

Try these different level trails at Oak Mountain State Park:

EASY

  • Maggie’s Glen Loop—This is a lovely and level hike that features Maggie’s Glen, an ideal and scenic resting spot.
  • Tree Top Nature Trail—This loop takes an hour to complete and is relatively easy. Plus, you get to follow a creek for some of it, which can be a peaceful bonus.
  • Blue, Orange + White Loop—At less than a mile long, you can complete this trail in 30-45 minutes.

MODERATE

  • King’s Chair Loop—One of the most-loved trails, you’ll hike up and back down the moutain. It takes roughly 2 hours.
  • Peavine Falls Short Loop—For waterfall lovers, you’ll appreciate the overlook from the top of the falls. The hike will take about 45 minutes.
  • Kings Chair Loop—Take this 2 hour hike for picturesque views. Be careful, the way up is steep.
  • Tranquility Lake + White Trail Loop—For those that love variation, hike or bike this trail for exciting paths.

HARD

  • Blue Trail (South Rim)—This trail is for the dedicated! It takes a little over 7 hours to complete.
  • Blue, West Ridge + Foothills—This trail is challenging but has awesome views of the falls.

Rent a non-motorized boat

water
Being on the water >>> anything else. (Jacob Blankenship / Bham Now)

Marina Rentals on Terrace Drive has single kayaks, canoes and paddleboards available for you to rent during the warmer seasons.

If you want to try out fishing, Marina offers fishbait as well!

For more water activities, check out Flipside Watersports, a cable wakeboard park, to see what you can rent depending on the season.

  • When: Saturday, March 26, 2022-September 5, 2022
  • Price: $20/hr. (Tandem kayaks + pedal boats) $25/hr

Demonstration Farm

stables
E I E I O. (Jacob Blankenship / Bham Now)

Live out your cowboy dreams by paying the goats, chickens and pigs a visit at Demonstration Farm.

Not only are you on the farm surrounded by lovely animals, but you get to pet and feed them too! However, you may still want to bring extra hand sanitizer.

Golf at “The Oaks”

golf
FORE! (Jacob Blankenship / Bham Now)

Have a great round of golf at The Oaks, an 18-hole championship course.

  • When: Sunday-Saturday 7AM-5:30PM
  • Where: John Findlay Dr, Pelham, AL 35124
  • Price: 18 Hole Green (Monday through Friday) $23 | 18 Hole Green (Saturday and Sunday) $31 | 9 Hole Green (Monday through Friday) $17 | 9 Hole Green (Saturday and Sunday) $21

Alabama Wildlife Center

This mountaintop refugee is the oldest and largest wildlife rehabilitation and education center in Alabama. Take a short walk on the boardwalk built around the homes of the Bald Eagle and the Eurasian Eagle Owl.

Try archery

If you have a hunting license, then you should visit the Oak Mountain State Park Community Archery Park near The Oaks golf course.

It’s open year-round during daylight hours for recreational shooting, competitive tournaments and outdoor educational programming.

Horseback riding

barn at oak mountain
Be the cowboy. (Jacob Blankenship / Bham Now)

Currently, Oak Mountain State Park has approximately 25 miles of horseback riding trails and with more miles to be added! Some trails take you along the edge of the lake, others follow the valley’s lush hardwood forest. There is a trail for everyone to love.

Check out their horseback riding options:

  • Bring your own—You can bring your own horse, just remeember to bring a negative Coggins paper with you.
  • The Rusted Roof Barn—By reservation only, you can horseback ride on guided trails by certified instructors.

Geocaching

Geocaching is known as a recreational activity where participants find containers marked by coordinates. If this sounds like your kinda fun, then submit a permit to a park manager.

It’s fun for all ages! You don’t need a permit and you can even bring your own items to hide.

Where to eat

Creekside BBQ

For good vibes and great food, end your day by grabbing a bite at the new Creekside BBQ restaurant. You can find this BBQ joint off of the scenic road you take to get to Oak Mountain, in what was once the old Waffle House.

  • Location: 1020 Oak Mountain Park Road, Pelham, AL 35124
  • Website | Facebook

Oak Mountain Brewing Company

OMBC has a tasty variety of beers in their taproom. So you can grab a cold one and relax after an eventful day at Oak Mountain.

BONUS: Your ultimate guide to 17 Birmingham walking and hiking spots

What’s your favorite Oak Mountain story? Tell us @BhamNow, we want to know!

Summer Guffey
Summer Guffey

Art enthusiast and expert on all things tea.

Articles: 186