I did a thing, I did a thing! Are you looking for some local beauty while getting some steps?…read morePlease go visit the Moss Rock Preserve. First, getting to the Preserve is relatively easy. It's located within a community, which eases the mind when you solo trek. The trails are laid out nicely with clear paths. The natural stepping paths are quite easy to maneuver for beginners like me. The beauty of the rocks and boulders are amazing. Bring your kids to see all the natural beauty of the caverns and waterfalls. I love this place! Alabama is such a beautiful place. Take the time to experience this natural beauty in your own backyard. Yes, it is a true workout. Skip the gym and come outside. We outside, we outside!

Moss Rock Preserve offers beautiful walking trails, streams, waterfalls, and giant rock formations…read more It provides a great outdoor experience within minutes of downtown Hoover. We've had a great time hiking here, and it's pet friendly so our fur-babies have been able to enjoy the trails with us too. If you love the outdoors, Moss Rock Preserve is a must-visit.

Under new ownership and they have done an amazing job! Store is well stocked, outside sitting area…read moreis nicely done with the creak meandering past. The paths are well marked and clear. Past the Natural Bridge is rooty, so take care with those not sure footed. I highly recommend the visit and will return. Hosts were very informative as well, so ask questions

This was a last-minute stop based on a sign I saw along the side of the road, and it was absolutely…read moreworth it! I had some difficulty finding it, as there is a town called "Natural Bridge." Google directed me there, and not to the park, itself, which caused some confusion. Coming in from the I-10, take highway 13 North to road 278. Turning RIGHT takes you to the town. Turning LEFT takes you to the bridge. There are some signs, but they are worn, and obscured by vegetation. Arriving at the park, one is immediately greeted with picturesque views, and a trickling creek. The trees are majestic, and the parking ample. It's important to remember that this is rural Alabama, and not some big city. The admission is inexpensive, and the trails are simple. The people that run the gift shop are country folk, and are very kind. Mind your manners (and your children). Stay on the trails, walk carefully, and do what the sign says - "Take only pictures .....leave only footsteps. With that said, this place was amazing. The bridge is absolutely breathtaking, as is the rock formation called "Indian Head." Many inscriptions - some over 100 years old - are carved into the surrounding sandstone. There is dripping water under the bridge, so watch your step! The trail is primitive and there are roots sticking out here and there - be careful! Shoes with traction are a MUST here for safety reasons! Enough said - go enjoy this natural wonder for yourself!

USE GOOGLE MAPS FOR THE RIGHT ADDRESS. The one listed in the closest I could find. Search Sipsey…read moreRiver Trail. We found this one day googling "best day hikes in Alabama". Every blog and site that we found made it sound like a dream.. They they couldn't have been more true! This is such a beautiful hiking/camping spot! We went on a raining day in early December and it was still AMAZING. We only hiked around for an hour or so but it was so beautiful and there is so much to see. This trail cost $3 a car. It's also pet friendly! I have been told that people swim in the beautiful river in the summer. I'm in awe of the beauty of Bankhead National Forest. I can't wait to explore more of it!

Ruffner Mountain was a great stop during our four‑day girls hiking trip in Alabama. Since we…read moreplanned to tackle a big 23‑mile hike the following day, we decided not to hike the entire park and instead kept it to about three miles. Even with a shorter hike, we were still able to experience and enjoy the park and its trails. My favorite part was Cambrian Overlook. Even though I'm scared of heights, I knew I had to push myself to the edge of the cliff to take in the view--and I'm so glad I did. The scenery was absolutely gorgeous and worth every bit of bravery it took to snap a photo. If I find myself back in the area, I would definitely be open to returning and exploring more of what the park has to offer. It's a beautiful spot and a great option for hikers of all levels.

Ample parking close by trail ($5; can pay by Park Mobile app). The there multiple trails to choose…read morefrom that are well marked and well maintained. There are restrooms on site.

The best trail ever. Follows Yellowleaf Creak for nearly 2 miles. Mostly level and now accessible…read morefrom a new park as well as the small trailhead parking area. My favorite trail in Alabama!

This was my first time at this park. I was recently here for my nephew's soccer game versus a team…read morefrom Tennessee. The soccer field we played on was oddly designed. Parking was a little tricky but we made our own parking spot. Overall, a decent park with several fields.

Beautiful trail in a scenic setting. There are some moderate hills, but nothing too tough. There…read moreare several tunnels under roadways that allow for a continuous path. I cycled the trail from end to end and absolutely loved it!

So happy we found this trail. It's my new favorite! The directions on Yelp will take you right to…read morethe parking area. From there you walk on the sidewalk till you get to where the trail goes off to the right and down the hill. The trail is wide and flat and paved. On this particular day, we saw walkers with and without dogs and joggers and someone with a stroller. Very shady through a lot but not all of it. Benches here and there to take a break. A few cool tunnels to walk through that the kiddos will love. Round trip from the parking area was 3 miles. Can't wait to come back. The dogs loved it!

Red Mountain Park is a fantastic place to spend an afternoon hiking, with so much to explore. While…read morevisiting Alabama, my friends and I decided to spend a couple of hours here and ended up hiking about 5-6 miles. There's truly no shortage of trails, and the variety keeps things interesting the entire time. The park definitely offers some challenging uphill climbs--especially for us Florida girls who aren't used to elevation--but we powered through and felt very accomplished. One of my favorite highlights was Rushing Rendezvous; the idea of a suspension bridge tucked up in the treetops always excites me, and this one did not disappoint. Of course, when we saw Trail 5 marked as most difficult, it was a no‑brainer--we had to take it. I really enjoyed reading about the history along the way, especially learning more about the Birmingham Mineral Railroad site. I do wish there had been a bit more signage around some of the remaining structures so we could soak up even more history, but honestly, guessing their original purpose became part of the fun. Hands down, I would absolutely come back to explore more of Red Mountain Park. It's a great mix of challenge, scenery, and history--and well worth the visit.

So I've been back living in Alabama for the past 9 years and never realized Red Mountain was a real…read morething. I set out to look for it, and guess what?! It's a thing! I'm so happy that I found this historical place. Such a great walking and hiking trail. There's also areas to get your cardio on and to sit, relax, pack lunch/meal to enjoy at the tables along the trail. Perfect for bike rides, bird watching and getting away without getting away. Add this place to your weekly workout routine.

The 3.4 mile Rails to Trails greenway is definitely one of most enjoyable trails I've trained on…read more You can easily start this trail at Black Creek Park (or cut off .4 miles and start at Fultondale's Bark Park), both with plenty of parking and bathroom facilities. The trail was completed as part of a city project, turning an old rail bed, from which the ties and rails have been pulled up, into a fully operational walking/running/biking and hiking trail, which leads to a flat, albeit curvy trail. Also, be aware of the ravines, if you're not a strong biker or have a fear of heights, this might not be the path for you. If you went over the edge of this trail, you wouldn't be unscathed. But, on the plus side, it is an absolutely beautiful path, gravel and running all along Black Creek. Mostly shaded with large trees and rock walls throughout. The trail is dog friendly, and although you won't find doggie bags, you will find trashcans at every .5 mile. Also, you'll find mile markers every 1/2 mile as well as benches (and even an old blue shed at mile 1.5). The trail has no accessibility once you're past the Bark Park and no bathrooms or water fountains. I ran all the way to Shady Grove Road, which was .4 miles past the last mile marker (mile 3). When you reach the end, there's no signage and only a tiny area that has been cleared for parking. You could access the trail from here as well, but you'd have to know where it is to find it. I did notice that A "trail" continues on the other side of Shady Grove Road, but it's dirt path and technically isn't part of the Rails to Trails path. Maybe the city will continue to improve upon this in the future? Regardless, this is a very pleasant trail: gravel, miles labeled, safe, mostly shaded and with bathroom facilities at the start.

This is a great and adventurous hike in Cullman with fun activities for kids. The owners have done…read morea terrific job, creating a fun place to spend several hours.