Moss Rock Preserve: Hoover's Natural Escape
Explore natural beauty in Hoover, Alabama, with hiking, bouldering, and rare ecosystems at Moss Rock Preserve. Open dawn to dusk daily.
Moss Rock Preserve is a 349-acre nature preserve in Hoover, Alabama, offering a diverse landscape of forest systems, rock outcroppings, streams, and waterfalls [3, 6]. It's a popular destination for hiking, bouldering, and enjoying the outdoors, with trails for all skill levels [3, 6, 4].
A brief summary to Moss Rock Preserve
- 617 Preserve Way, Hoover, Alabama, 35226, US
- +1205-739-7141
Local tips
- Visit after rainfall for the best waterfall views, especially at Tunnel Falls [3, 11].
- Bring a GPS app or trail map, as side trails can be confusing [9].
- Wear sturdy shoes for hiking and bouldering, as the terrain can be rocky and slippery [2].
- Be aware of preserve rules, including no alcohol, bikes on trails, and staying within open hours [6, 10].
- Check for trail closures or rerouting, especially after flooding events [7].
Getting There
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Driving
From I-459, take Exit 10 (Highway 150) and head east towards Hoover [4]. Turn left onto Preserve Parkway and continue for approximately 2 miles [4]. Depending on your chosen trailhead, parking is available at the Boulder Field Trailhead (617 Preserve Pkwy), the Sulphur Springs Road Gravel Parking Lot (turn left onto Sulphur Springs Rd shortly after Preserve Pkwy intersection), or the Simmons Middle School Lower Parking Lot Trailhead (turn left onto Patton Chapel Rd) [4]. Parking is free at all trailheads [4].
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Taxi/Ride-Share
From anywhere in Hoover or nearby Birmingham suburbs, using a taxi or ride-sharing service (Uber/Lyft) to Moss Rock Preserve is a convenient option [4]. Input the address of your desired trailhead (Boulder Field Trailhead - 617 Preserve Pkwy, Sulphur Springs Trailhead - near 4600 Preserve Pkwy, or Simmons Middle School Trailhead - 1575 Patton Chapel Rd) as your destination [4]. Expect to pay between $15-$30 depending on the distance and demand [4].
Discover more about Moss Rock Preserve
Iconic landmarks you can’t miss
Hoist House at Redding Shaft Mine
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Sloss Mines Hoist House
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Rev. Martin Luther King Jr.’s ‘Letter From Birmingham Jail’ Marker
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The Old Mill
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Five Points South Historical Marker
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Owen Plantation House
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Historic Cahaba Pumping Station
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The Jordan Home (Dr. Mortimer Jordan)
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Alabama Adventure & Splash Adventure
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Historic 4th Avenue Business District
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The Woodward Building
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Heaviest Corner On Earth
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Alabama Peanut Co.
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McWane Science Center
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Unmissable attractions to see
Ross Bridge Historical Park
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Cahaba Riverchase Greenway Trailhead
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Lover's Leap
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Chace Lake Park
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Aldridge Gardens
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Georgetown Lake Park
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Hoover Met Stadium
4.9 km
A versatile stadium in Hoover, Alabama, hosting baseball, football, concerts, and the SEC Baseball Tournament.
Blue Ridge Nature Trail
5.0 km
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McCallum Park
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Red Mountain Park
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Oak Mountain State Fair
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Oak Mountain Amphitheatre
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Front Gate at Oak Mountain State Park
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Byrd Park
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Pelham City Park
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Essential places to dine
J. Alexander's Restaurant
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Walk-On's Sports Bistreaux - Stadium Trace Restaurant
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Jim 'N Nick's Bar-B-Q
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First Watch
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Tre Luna Bar and Kitchen
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Texas Roadhouse
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Margarita Grill
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Cracker Barrel Old Country Store
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Chick-fil-A
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Creekside BBQ
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The Grille
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Gianmarco's Restaurant
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Bricktop's
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Perry's Steakhouse & Grille
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Culinary Dropout
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Markets, malls and hidden boutiques
World Market
2.2 km
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Academy Sports + Outdoors
2.5 km
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J&V clothes
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Riverchase Galleria
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Windsor
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Old Navy
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Elegant Jewelers
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Shades Mountain Mercantile
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On-A-Shoestring Trading Co
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Fun Stuff
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Essential bars & hidden hideouts
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bar
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Dave & Buster's Birmingham
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Gabriel's Cafe
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Perfect Note
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Ragtime Cafe
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The Chandelier Lounge
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Hooters
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The Beer Hog
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Taco Mac Pelham
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The Ridge Eat & Drink
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StirCrazy
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