Reviewed by: Pat Byington
6 Birmingham-area trails recognized by Alabama Tourism in top 25 list
Reading time: 3 minutes
Alabama Tourism Department officially launched the āYear of Alabama Trailsā campaign today at Vulcan Park and unveiled the top 25 must-explore trails of the stateā six of which are in Birmingham and surrounding areas.
This kicked off a 2025-2026 initiative to celebrate Alabama’s extensive trail systems and its positive impact on tourism, conservation, quality of life and economic development.
Continue reading to discover the six Birmingham-area trails unveiled at the event, along with a behind-the-scenes look at Alabama Tourism’s campaign at Vulcan Park.
6 of the top 25 trails are located in the Birmingham area
Against the stunning backdrop of Birminghamās skyline overlooking the Kiwanis-Vulcan Trail, officials revealed Alabamaās 25 must-explore trails for 2025. The six Birmingham-area trails include:
- Cahaba Blueway | Jefferson, Bibb + Dallas Counties
- Red Rock Trail System | Jefferson CountyĀ
- Ruffner Mountain Nature Preserve | Birmingham
- Red Mountain Park | Birmingham
- Oak Mountain State Park | Shelby County
- Vulcan Trail | Birmingham
Many of Alabama’s premier trails are located within its 21 state parks, spanning more than 250 miles and 48,000 acres from the Gulf Coast to the Appalachians. Check out the full top-25 map:
Wildlife enthusiasts from across Alabama gathered at Vulcan Park
Alabama Tourism was joined by partners representing:
- Alabama Department of Conservation + Natural Resources (DCNR)
- Alabama Trails Foundation
- Freshwater Land Trust
- Innovate Alabama
- Rails to Trails Conservancy
Alabama’s “Year Of” campaigns have a proven track record of boosting tourism and the economy.
“For more than 20 years, our ‘Year Of’ campaigns have introduced visitors to the people, places and experiences that make Alabama unique. Trails offer one of the most immersive ways to explore our stateāwhether from the sea of a bike, the path beneath your boots or the pull of a paddle. This year, we’re inviting everyone to get outside and experience Alabama’s natural beauty in a way only our trails can provide.”
Lee Sentell, Alabama Tourism Director
For more information and upcoming events as the “Year of Alabama Trails” unfolds, visit the Alabama Trails Foundation’s website.
About Alabama Tourism
Alabama Tourism Department has won honors from:
- World Travel Market: London
- United States Travel Association
- National Council of State Tourism Directors
- Travel Weekly Magazine
- Southeast Tourism Society
- Southern Public Relations Federation
- American Advertising Federation
In 2024, Alabama’s tourism industry set a new record of nearly 29 million visitorsāgenerating $24.2 billion in traveler spending.
Tourism remains one of Alabama’s largest economic drivers, supporting 245,000 jobs and contributing $4.3 billion directly to Alabama’s economy.
“When I meet people from outside the state, they are always so surprised that Alabama is so beautiful. To me, that is marching orders for us to spread the word and encourage people to come to our state.”
Lee Sentell, Alabama Tourism Director
For more information, visit Alabama Travel.
Discover the full list of the top 25 must-explore Alabama trails here.
What is your favorite Alabama trail? Let us know by tagging us @bhamnow.
