Oak Mountain State Park: Alabama's Outdoor Playground
Explore Alabama's largest state park: hiking, biking, lakes, and wildlife await just south of Birmingham in this natural playground.
Oak Mountain State Park, a sprawling natural oasis just 20 miles south of Birmingham, Alabama, beckons outdoor enthusiasts with its diverse landscape and array of activities [4, 5]. Encompassing nearly 10,000 acres, it stands as Alabama's largest state park, offering a refreshing escape into nature [3, 4]. The park's history dates back to 1927 when the State Land Act established a 940-acre park [3, 5, 10]. The Civilian Conservation Corps (CCC) made significant improvements in the 1930s, constructing roads, bridges, and the Lake Tranquility Dam [4, 5, 10]. Today, visitors can still find remnants of the CCC era, showcasing the park's rich history [4]. Outdoor adventures abound at Oak Mountain. Over 100 miles of trails cater to hikers, mountain bikers, and horseback riders [2, 6, 10]. The Red Trail, an IMBA EPIC ride, challenges mountain bikers with its climbs and descents [2, 10, 11]. For hikers, trails lead to stunning overlooks like King's Chair and Peavine Falls, a 65-foot waterfall [3, 8, 10]. Water lovers can enjoy three lakes for kayaking, canoeing, and paddleboarding [3, 6]. Double Oak Lake features a beach area for swimming and volleyball [4, 11]. Anglers can cast their lines in the fishing lakes, stocked with bass, bream, and catfish [4, 7, 11]. Oak Mountain is also home to the Alabama Wildlife Center, the state's oldest and largest wildlife rehabilitation center [4, 11]. Visitors can observe native birds from the Treetop Nature Trail, an elevated boardwalk [4, 12]. The Oak Mountain Interpretive Center offers interactive exhibits on the park's natural history [4, 11]. Other attractions include an 18-hole golf course, a BMX track, an archery park, and a demonstration farm [2, 3, 4]. The park hosts numerous events throughout the year, from races to outdoor festivals [2, 6]. With its diverse offerings and natural beauty, Oak Mountain State Park promises an unforgettable outdoor experience [3, 6].
Local tips
- Arrive early, especially on weekends, to secure parking at popular trailheads [8].
- Bring appropriate footwear for hiking or biking, as trails vary in difficulty and terrain [3, 8].
- Pack a picnic to enjoy at one of the park's scenic picnic areas [4, 9].
- Check the park's event calendar for races, festivals, and other activities during your visit [2, 6].
- Consider purchasing an annual pass for unlimited access to Oak Mountain and other Alabama State Parks [6].
A brief summary to Oak Mountain State Park
- 200 Terrace Dr, Pelham, Alabama, 35124, US
- +1205-620-2520
Getting There
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Driving
From Birmingham, take I-65 South to Exit 246 for AL-119/Cahaba Valley Rd [7]. Turn right onto AL-119 South, then left onto Oak Mountain Park Road. At the traffic circle, take the third exit onto John Findlay Drive, then right onto Terrace Drive to enter the park [7]. Alternatively, a new entry gate is available off Highway 280 on Belcher Drive, across from North Shelby Baptist Church [13, 16]. Typical parking fees are included in the park entrance fee [2, 3]. Pelham residents pay $10 per vehicle, while for non-residents it is $15 [2]. Parking is available throughout the park, but can fill up quickly at popular trailheads [8].
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Public Transport
While there is no direct public transportation to Oak Mountain State Park, you can take a Birmingham-Jefferson County Transit Authority (BJCTA) bus to a nearby location and then use a ride-sharing service to reach the park. The cost of a BJCTA bus is $1.50 per ride. A ride-sharing service from a central Birmingham location to the park will cost approximately $25-$40. Remember to factor in the park's entrance fee upon arrival [2, 3].
