Moss Rock Preserve: Hoover's Natural Escape
Explore waterfalls, boulder fields, and rare plant species at this 349-acre nature preserve in Hoover, Alabama. Hiking, climbing, and natural beauty await!
Moss Rock Preserve is a 349-acre nature preserve in Hoover, Alabama, featuring forest systems, rock outcroppings, streams, and waterfalls. With over 12 miles of trails, it's a popular spot for hiking, bouldering, and enjoying the outdoors.
A brief summary to Moss Rock Preserve
- 617 Preserve Way, Hoover, Alabama, 35226, US
- +1205-739-7141
- Visit website
Local tips
- Wear appropriate footwear for hiking and climbing, as the trails can be rocky and uneven.
- Bring plenty of water, especially during warmer months, to stay hydrated while exploring the preserve.
- Be aware of the preserve's rules, such as staying on marked trails and packing out all trash.
- Visit the Boulder Field, a popular spot for rock climbing with routes for all skill levels.
- Check the weather forecast before your visit and be prepared for changing conditions.
Getting There
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Driving
From I-459, take Exit 10 (Highway 150) and head east towards Hoover. Turn left onto Preserve Parkway and continue for approximately 2 miles. Depending on your chosen trailhead, you'll find parking 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). Parking is free at all trailheads. Limited parking is available, especially on weekends.
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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. 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. Expect to pay between $15-$30 depending on the distance and demand.
Discover more about Moss Rock Preserve
Iconic landmarks you can’t miss
Monte D'Oro Historical Marker
4.4 km
Discover the Monte D'Oro Historical Marker in Hoover, Alabama – a captivating glimpse into the rich history and cultural heritage of this vibrant community.
Hoist House at Redding Shaft Mine
7.6 km
Explore Birmingham's mining history at the Hoist House, a preserved landmark in Red Mountain Park offering a glimpse into the past.
Sloss Mines Hoist House
8.6 km
Explore Birmingham's industrial heritage at the Sloss Mines Hoist House, a window into the region's iron ore mining past on Red Mountain.
Birmingham Historic Touring Company
10.1 km
Explore Birmingham's history with guided tours that reveal the city’s rich heritage, iconic landmarks, and captivating stories from the past.
Rev. Martin Luther King Jr.’s ‘Letter From Birmingham Jail’ Marker
12.9 km
Explore the profound legacy of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. at the historic 'Letter from Birmingham Jail' Marker, a cornerstone of America's civil rights movement.
The Old Mill
13.4 km
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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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Dread River Distilling Company
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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
15.1 km
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The Woodward Building
15.1 km
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Heaviest Corner On Earth
15.1 km
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Unmissable attractions to see
Ross Bridge Historical Park
2.7 km
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Cahaba Riverchase Greenway Trailhead
3.4 km
A short, scenic paved trail in Hoover, AL, perfect for a relaxing walk along the Cahaba River and enjoying local wildlife.
Lover's Leap
3.7 km
Discover the enchanting Lover's Leap in Birmingham, Alabama, where breathtaking views meet captivating local history.
Chace Lake Park
3.8 km
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Aldridge Gardens
4.5 km
Discover natural beauty, art, and community at Aldridge Gardens in Hoover, Alabama, featuring the iconic Snowflake Hydrangea and serene walking trails.
Georgetown Lake Park
4.7 km
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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
6.8 km
Escape to McCallum Park in Vestavia Hills: scenic trails, playground, and a tranquil creek for a refreshing outdoor experience and community connection.
Red Mountain Park
7.4 km
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Oak Mountain State Fair
7.5 km
Experience classic fairground fun at Oak Mountain State Fair in Pelham, AL, with rides, games, food, and live entertainment.
Oak Mountain Amphitheatre
7.6 km
Alabama's premier outdoor music venue for decades, hosting legendary artists and creating unforgettable concert experiences before its closure in May 2025, leaving a lasting legacy in Birmingham's cultural scene.
Front Gate at Oak Mountain State Park
8.9 km
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Byrd Park
9.1 km
A charming Vestavia Hills park with walking trails, playgrounds, and picnic spots, perfect for a relaxing day outdoors.
Pelham City Park
9.1 km
Pelham City Park: A vibrant community hub offering diverse recreational activities, sports facilities, and community events in the heart of Pelham, Alabama.
Essential places to dine
J. Alexander's Restaurant
3.2 km
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Walk-On's Sports Bistreaux - Stadium Trace Restaurant
3.3 km
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Jim 'N Nick's Bar-B-Q
3.6 km
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First Watch
4.0 km
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Tre Luna Bar and Kitchen
4.1 km
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Texas Roadhouse
7.2 km
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Margarita Grill
7.3 km
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Cracker Barrel Old Country Store
7.3 km
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Chick-fil-A
7.4 km
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Creekside BBQ
7.7 km
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The Grille
9.2 km
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Gianmarco's Restaurant
9.3 km
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Bricktop's
12.2 km
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Perry's Steakhouse & Grille
12.4 km
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Culinary Dropout
12.5 km
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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
2.8 km
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Riverchase Galleria
2.8 km
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Windsor
2.9 km
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Old Navy
2.9 km
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Elegant Jewelers
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Shades Mountain Mercantile
3.7 km
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On-A-Shoestring Trading Co
3.7 km
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The Beveled Edge
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Fun Stuff
7.9 km
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At Your Imagination
8.1 km
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Oak Mountain Hobbies & Toys - Drones, RC Cars, Trains, Parts & Service Shop
8.1 km
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Gifted
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Myrtle Jane's South
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Essential bars & hidden hideouts
Twin Peaks
2.3 km
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bar
2.4 km
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Dave & Buster's Birmingham
3.0 km
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Gabriel's Cafe
3.7 km
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Perfect Note
4.2 km
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Barrister's Tavern
4.5 km
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Blue's Bourbon & Brews
5.7 km
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Pub 261
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Ragtime Cafe
6.1 km
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The Chandelier Lounge
7.2 km
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Hooters
7.4 km
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The Beer Hog
7.6 km
Explore craft beer culture at The Beer Hog in Pelham, Alabama, where a lively atmosphere meets an exceptional selection of brews.
Taco Mac Pelham
7.6 km
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The Ridge Eat & Drink
7.8 km
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StirCrazy
9.2 km
Experience the vibrant nightlife at StirCrazy, a lively bar in Birmingham, Alabama, perfect for cocktails and good company.
