Oak Mountain State Park opens new mountain bike + hiking trail

Reviewed by: Nathan Watson
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Alabama State Parks
Mountain biking at Oak Mountain State Park. (Billy Pope / Alabama Department of Conservation and Natural Resources)

Looking for a new trail to mountain bike or hike? 

On Saturday, February 24th, Oak Mountain State Park added its latest pathway through one of Alabama’s most popular natural wonders.

Called “Room Service” the new 1.5-mile multi-use trail connects the Slingshot and Centipede trails for optimal mountain biking. 

“Oak Mountain State Park has rightfully earned a reputation as one of the best places in America for mountain biking, and this new trail can do nothing but enhance that reputation.” 

~Chris Blankenship, Commissioner of the Alabama Department of Conservation and Natural Resources

Rated easy to intermediate, the new trail is suitable for folks taking up mountain biking for the first time. 

Not into mountain biking? The path can also be used for hiking.

Partnerships key to building trails

Oak Mountain
Members of the Birmingham Urban Mountain Pedalers (BUMP) used the new trail at Oak Mountain State Park for a group ride on Saturday, February. 24, 2024. (BUMP)

Like all new trail projects, it takes partners to bring them to reality. This project was no different. Funding for the construction of the trail came from the Shelby County Commission.

And they teamed up with Birmingham Urban Mountain Pedalers (BUMP). 

Anniston-based FlowMotion Trail Builders built the pathway.

“The new trail will be an amazing addition to Oak Mountain State Park. It opens up multi-use access to a beautiful valley behind the Wildlife Center and is sure to be a favorite for years to come. We are very thankful to have the incredible partners we have in Shelby County and Oak Mountain State Park.”

~ BUMP President Chase Draper

More about mountain biking in Birmingham

Want to learn more about mountain biking in our community? Back in 2021, Bham Now published a story about the growth of the activity and sport.

Mountain biking in Birmingham went from being a novelty to world-class. How did it happen?

Also learn more about the history of Oak Mountain State Park from our December 2020 story — Who knew? Oak Mountain State Park could have been a National Park + other fun facts

Have you ever been mountain biking at Oak Mountain State Park? Tell us your favorite memory on social media by tagging us at @bhamnow 

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Pat Byington
Pat Byington

Longtime conservationist. Former Executive Director at the Alabama Environmental Council and Wild South. Publisher of the Bama Environmental News for more than 18 years. Career highlights include playing an active role in the creation of Alabama's Forever Wild program, Little River Canyon National Preserve, Dugger Mountain Wilderness, preservation of special places throughout the East through the Wilderness Society and the strengthening (making more stringent) the state of Alabama's cancer risk and mercury standards.

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