Not only do they have a wide range of scuba certification classes, but they rent paddle boards as…read morewell! The water is bright blue and absolutely beautiful, it's such a great place to learn how to paddle board (no waves, no current). The rentals are fairly reasonably priced (~$15/hr) but you can also bring your own and just pay the usage fee (~$6). The dock is well maintained and so are the paddle boards, the owner/staff are incredibly nice and welcoming. Note that they're only open on Saturday's and Sunday's. Can't wait to come back and one day get scuba certified here!

Came here with my friend on Saturday (mid-morning) to paddle boat. It was our first time attempting…read moreto do so and also at this site (never would have expected to find this quarry in the middle of an industrial area). We rented our paddleboards for $15/hr and went right for it. They also have life vests available to borrow if you need. Kayaks were also available for rental as well as diving gear etc. This is a well run, organized and very pretty diving area, would definitely recommend for an outdoor adventure!

Beautiful park! Park has had updates. Has a playground, bridges, lake pavilion and plenty of ducksread more

This quaint little park is nestled in one of Hoover's neighborhoods and is the perfect spot for a…read moreshort stroll or jog. The lake is about three acres and has a paved trailed around about 3/4 of the lake, and a wooden walkway/bridge around the remaining 1/4. It's not a long track by any means, but it has nice views of the water and trees. There's a playground and gazebo at the far end of the park. I often see families grilling out there on the weekends (grills are provided) while their kids run around and play. I like going to this park because it's not too busy and usually very quiet. I think the Birmingham-area ducks like that it's quiet as well, because there are always a ton here! It's also well-lit at night, which is great when I want to exercise but avoid the summer heat.

My children and I visited Star Lake on a Sunday afternoon and thoroughly enjoyed the space!…read moreWatching the wildlife and having snacks while sitting by the water was wonderful!

A friend and I went here one Spring afternoon just to sit and chat. It's a beautiful park in a…read moreresidential neighborhood. There were plenty of water fowl to gaze at or feed a healthy snack to. The water was lovely to look at and the star in the middle of the lake is how the park got its name. There were cars busily going around the area, so it's not the quietest park I've been to. While I guess it's a public park, It's still in a neighborhood so I question if it was built for the people that live around it. Anyway, I would visit again if I'm near the area, but I wouldn't go out of my way to do so.

What a beautiful Alabama day to go for a walk. I was in the area and decided to get in a few steps…read morebefore going home. I made a quick google search and this park came up. I'm not native to the area and decided to check it out. Woohoo, jackpot! This is a nice walking trail and park. Plenty of shaded areas with benches and tables along the path. The sounds from the bubbling brook, birds, cracking of the trees and patter of runners and walkers was/is relaxing. Such a nice place to bring your family.pets or just solo trek. The trail is short but nice and smooth. Great for short runs. Just relaxing and beautiful. I will be back!

Jemison Park is a great park in Mountain Brook, Alabama. Parking is limited, but the park itself is…read morepretty amazing in a rustic kind of way. Jemison Park is more a walking path that while it does not leave civilization, it does allow your soul the opportunity to rejuvenate and get a bit in touch with nature and away from the stress of the grind of modern living. I would definitely recommend this particular park.

Friends and I were looking for a super-simple, laid-back way to kayak/canoe down the Cahaba one…read moreSaturday afternoon (minimal fuss with coordinating boats/rides, etc but maximal river time) . Canoe the Cahaba was the closest option to downtown Birmingham and offered two routes- 5.0 and 9.9 miles. We elected to do the longer 9.9 mile trip and were not disappointed. Their business model is pretty simple: they offer parking and a shuttle -boats in tow- to the appropriate put-in for your trip. Life vests, paddles and boats are all included and are in good working order. The paddle is easy, rapid-free so even novice outdoors-people will feel comfortable. Our 9.9 mile trip took about 6.5 hours with copious down time picnicking, swimming and rock skipping. We had a really brilliant time and look forward to using this outfitter again. The only caveat keeping this place from 5-stars is the too-casual way in which appointments are made. The number provided is someone's cell phone number and the communication is super casual. We ended up waiting over an hour past our reservation time on the day-of because the guy (possibly the only employee) was held up with a larger group... it would have been nice to sleep in or snag some breakfast if we had known he was going to be behind but 15 minutes turned into 60 without any fanfare. Nonetheless, a great opportunity for canoeing/kayaking in relatively close proximity to downtown.

Ok so I haven't been to this park since my son was small. I remembered that it used to b beautiful…read more. I went to check it out . The park itself is very small . Heck you have to walk it 2x just to make a mile. The playgrounds are so small, the parking was all full from the baseball teams, and the thing that disappointed me the most the water was so trashy. The one thing I remembered and loved was the water. The water was shockingly trashy!!! There really isn't anything positive about this park and I was hugely disappointed ...I thought that the park might have been revamped/ added too but unfortunately not. It's a shame ..Helena you really need to do better!!!

Spring has sprung!! My husband and son love fishing here. There's a trail round the fishing pond…read morethat I walk while they fish. 2 laps is one mile. They have ducks and 2 playground areas, that are nice enough. There's also a nice covered picnic area.. it's not very big but a family could enjoy it.

one of my favorite parks great for runs and very well maintained and beautiful park. mon thru…read morethurs, you can bring your pup so i take mac those days. its really cool to visit this place during different seasons too. been going here for some time even before i had mac. it's a gem!

Great place for a walk. The trails are well maintained, and the atmosphere is always so relaxing…read more I'm lucky when I can get over to take a walk and clear my mind.

A great place to go for some nature time. The falls only had a small flow when I was there but in…read morethe spring there would be a heavier stream.

Beautiful when the water is flowing. Great trails…read more Picnic areas. Resting benches along the trails. Lovely

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.

I'm always looking for places to walk my dog & this trail is one of my favs!! Love the new trail…read moreadded that was added last year. You see joggers, walkers, bike riders and all dogs are leashed and I've never encountered a dog that wasn't friendly. It's the perfect place to visit when the weather is nice!! Fyi- if it rains, just know the newer trail doesn't get as muddy as the older trail.

This is one of my favorite places to walk in Birmingham. It's conveniently located in Homewood near…read moreSamford/Brookwood Mall/Homewood High School. I love going to the trail because it's paved and the majority of it is shaded. There are always a good number of people using the trail (either walking, running, riding bikes, sitting on the benches, etc.), but it's never insanely crowded. I don't feel unsafe if I go walking by myself either. The streams that run along the trail give it a relaxing feel as well. The trail runs parallel to Lakeshore Parkway, but I never really hear much traffic while I'm there. Definitely check this place out if dirt trails and/or hills are not your thing!