Alabama's Best Hikes

May 2023

Alabama has some of the best hiking trails in the Southeast. The trails are filled with twists and turns, waterfalls, mountainous terrain and bluffs, creeks, intriguing creatures and exotic plant life. This state is home to hundreds of miles of trails and some are even located at the foothills of the Appalachian Trail.  Whether you’re just a beginner or a veteran hiker, you’ll be able to find your trail in any part of the state. Some of our favorite places to hike offer you an experience that you will never forget:

Walls of Jericho – Estillfork

Located in the Northeastern corner of the state, this 12,500 area offers primitive camping, a 10-mile horseback riding trail and a 3.5-mile nature walk. The natural rock walls form the amphitheater in this narrow wooded canyon. It’s also deemed one of Alabama’s Natural Wonders. 

Little River Canyon Nature Preserve/Little River Falls – Ft. Payne

The nature preserve offers breathtaking waterfalls and hiking trails. The river, itself, is unique because it flows mainly on top of Lookout Mountain near Ft. Payne. This nature preserve is known for its forest, bluffs, sandstone, rims and pools. It also is a birdwatcher’s delight with many habitats located and birding trails located in this Southern Appalachian region. 

King’s Chair Loop – Pelham

Located within Oak Mountain State Park, King’s Chair Loop is one of the more challenging hikes in Alabama. The 4.2-mile loop takes almost two hours to complete; however, it offers some of the most picturesque views in the state. There also are over 9,000 acres of hiking, mountain biking and birding trails at Oak Mountain. Recreational activities such as fishing, canoeing, swimming and picnicking are available. 

DeSoto Falls – Mentone

Desoto Falls State Park has serene waterfalls that plunge 104 feet. There are also dense woodlands, seasonal wildflowers and spectacular views. There also is a boardwalk trail and many birding trails atop Lookout Mountain. 

Russell Cave National Monument – Bridgeport

Located in Bridgeport, this 12-mile hiking trail and 310 acres of woodlands are home to one of three national monuments located in Alabama. This outdoor attraction is 52 minutes north of Mentone. Archeologists and scientists from National Geographic and the Smithsonian have determined that human beings first inhabited the area long before the building of the Great Pyramids in Egypt (over 10,000 years ago).