Moss Rock Preserve: Hoover's Natural Gem
Explore Alabama's natural beauty at Moss Rock Preserve: hiking trails, waterfalls, and rare plant species in a unique urban oasis.
Moss Rock Preserve is a 349-acre nature preserve in Hoover, Alabama, offering a diverse landscape of forests, rock outcroppings, streams, and waterfalls. With over 12 miles of hiking trails, it's a popular destination for outdoor enthusiasts and nature lovers.
A brief summary to Moss Rock Preserve
- 617 Preserve Way, Hoover, Alabama, 35226, US
- +1205-739-7141
- Visit website
Local tips
- Visit after rainfall for the best waterfall views, especially at Tunnel Falls.
- Explore the Boulder Field for unique rock formations and bouldering opportunities.
- Check the Hoover official website for trail maps and preserve rules before your visit.
- Wear appropriate footwear for hiking, as trails can be rocky and uneven.
- Bring water and snacks, especially for longer hikes, and remember to pack out everything you pack in.
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, parking is available at the Boulder Field Trailhead (617 Preserve Pkwy), Sulphur Springs Road Gravel Parking Lot (turn left onto Sulphur Springs Rd shortly after Preserve Pkwy intersection), or 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. Consider carpooling or arriving early.
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Ride-Sharing
From anywhere in Hoover or nearby Birmingham suburbs, using a 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
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.
Rev. Martin Luther King Jr.’s ‘Letter From Birmingham Jail’ Marker
12.9 km
A marker commemorating Martin Luther King Jr.'s powerful 'Letter From Birmingham Jail,' a cornerstone of the Civil Rights Movement, located in front of the former Birmingham City Jail.
The Old Mill
13.4 km
Discover the historic charm of The Old Mill in Mountain Brook, a picturesque landmark offering a glimpse into Birmingham's past and a tranquil escape into nature's beauty.
Five Points South Historical Marker
13.8 km
Discover the vibrant history of Birmingham's Five Points South, a charming neighborhood with stunning architecture, culinary delights, and a lively atmosphere.
Owen Plantation House
13.8 km
Discover 19th-century Alabama at the Owen Plantation House, a beautifully preserved historical landmark in Bessemer.
Historic Cahaba Pumping Station
13.8 km
Explore Birmingham's waterworks history at the Historic Cahaba Pumping Station, a museum and conference center showcasing the city's early engineering feats.
Dread River Distilling Company
14.8 km
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The Jordan Home (Dr. Mortimer Jordan)
14.8 km
Discover the elegance of Birmingham's past at the Jordan Home, a Neo-Classical landmark in the historic Highland Park neighborhood.
Alabama Adventure & Splash Adventure
14.9 km
Experience thrilling rides and refreshing water slides at Alabama Adventure & Splash Adventure in Bessemer, Alabama. A perfect family getaway!
Historic 4th Avenue Business District
15.1 km
Discover Birmingham's Historic 4th Avenue Business District: A vibrant center of Black culture, entrepreneurship, and civil rights history.
The Woodward Building
15.1 km
Birmingham's first skyscraper, the Woodward Building, showcases Chicago-style architecture and stands as a landmark of the 'Heaviest Corner on Earth'.
Heaviest Corner On Earth
15.1 km
Explore Birmingham’s Heaviest Corner on Earth, where history and architectural beauty converge in the heart of Alabama.
Alabama Peanut Co.
15.1 km
Birmingham's oldest peanut shop, roasting and boiling unique flavors since 1907 on historic Morris Avenue. A taste of tradition!
McWane Science Center
15.1 km
Explore interactive exhibits, an aquarium, and an IMAX Dome Theater at Birmingham's premier science destination.
Unmissable attractions to see
Ross Bridge Historical Park
2.7 km
Explore a Civil War-era bridge and scenic trails at this historical park in Hoover, Alabama. Open daily!
Cahaba Riverchase Greenway Trailhead
3.4 km
Discover a peaceful.5-mile paved trail along the Cahaba River in Hoover, perfect for a quick nature escape and enjoying local wetlands.
Lover's Leap
3.7 km
Discover Lover's Leap in Birmingham: A historic overlook with breathtaking views, rich legends, and a romantic atmosphere on Shades Mountain.
Chace Lake Park
3.8 km
Enjoy a peaceful walk or workout at this community park in Hoover, AL, featuring trails, fitness stations, and a relaxing atmosphere.
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
Discover a peaceful retreat at Georgetown Lake Park in Hoover, AL, offering scenic trails, a tranquil lake, and family-friendly amenities for outdoor enjoyment.
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
Discover a serene escape at Blue Ridge Nature Trail in Hoover, AL, offering peaceful walks amidst lush greenery and diverse wildlife.
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
Explore Birmingham's Red Mountain Park: Hike scenic trails, discover mining history, and enjoy stunning city views in this urban oasis.
Oak Mountain State Fair
7.5 km
Experience classic fairground fun with thrilling rides, games, delicious food, and live entertainment at Oak Mountain State Fair in Pelham, AL.
Oak Mountain Amphitheatre
7.6 km
Alabama's former premier outdoor music venue, hosting legendary artists in rock, country, pop, and R&B for decades. A cherished memory for music fans.
Front Gate at Oak Mountain State Park
8.9 km
Discover Alabama's largest state park: a haven for outdoor adventures, scenic beauty, and diverse recreational activities near Birmingham.
Byrd Park
9.1 km
A charming Vestavia Hills park with walking trails, playgrounds, and picnic spots for a relaxing outdoor experience.
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
Discover exquisite American cuisine at J. Alexander's Restaurant in Hoover - where tradition meets taste in every bite.
Walk-On's Sports Bistreaux - Stadium Trace Restaurant
3.3 km
Dive into delicious Southern flavors at Walk-On's Sports Bistreaux in Hoover—a sports lover's paradise with an inviting atmosphere.
Jim 'N Nick's Bar-B-Q
3.6 km
Experience the best of Southern barbecue at Jim 'N Nick's Bar-B-Q in Hoover—where every bite tells a story of tradition and flavor.
First Watch
4.0 km
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Tre Luna Bar and Kitchen
4.1 km
Experience the fusion of Southern comfort food and Italian cuisine at Tre Luna Bar and Kitchen in Hoover—where every meal is a celebration.
Texas Roadhouse
7.2 km
Discover the best of American cuisine at Texas Roadhouse in Pelham - where flavorful steaks meet warm hospitality.
Margarita Grill
7.3 km
Discover flavorful Tex-Mex cuisine at Margarita Grill in Pelham – where vibrant dishes meet refreshing cocktails in a lively atmosphere.
Cracker Barrel Old Country Store
7.3 km
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Chick-fil-A
7.4 km
Discover Chick-fil-A in Pelham: where delicious chicken meets family-friendly dining in a vibrant atmosphere.
Creekside BBQ
7.7 km
Experience authentic Southern barbecue at Creekside BBQ in Pelham - where every bite tells a story of tradition and flavor.
The Grille
9.2 km
Experience culinary excellence at The Grille in Pelham - where local flavors meet exceptional dining.
Gianmarco's Restaurant
9.3 km
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Bricktop's
12.2 km
Discover Bricktop's: A premier restaurant in Birmingham serving exquisite American cuisine in an elegant atmosphere perfect for any occasion.
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
Explore the outdoors with Academy Sports + Outdoors—your ultimate destination for sporting goods in Hoover, Alabama.
J&V clothes
2.8 km
Discover the latest trends at J&V Clothes in Birmingham, Alabama – your ultimate fashion destination for stylish clothing and accessories.
Riverchase Galleria
2.8 km
Discover the Riverchase Galleria: a premier shopping mall in Hoover, Alabama, with diverse stores, dining, and entertainment for every tourist.
Windsor
2.9 km
Discover the ultimate fashion haven at Windsor in Hoover, offering an exquisite collection of dresses, accessories, and more for every occasion.
Old Navy
2.9 km
Explore Old Navy in Hoover, a vibrant clothing store offering stylish and affordable fashion for the whole family in a welcoming environment.
Elegant Jewelers
2.9 km
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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
5.3 km
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Fun Stuff
7.9 km
Explore Fun Stuff Gift Shop in Vestavia Hills, Alabama, for unique gifts and quirky treasures that capture the essence of local charm and creativity.
At Your Imagination
8.1 km
Explore At Your Imagination, a whimsical gift shop in Vestavia Hills offering unique treasures that capture the spirit of Alabama.
Oak Mountain Hobbies & Toys - Drones, RC Cars, Trains, Parts & Service Shop
8.1 km
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Gifted
8.1 km
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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
Experience the lively bar culture in Hoover, Alabama, where great drinks and friendly faces come together for unforgettable nights.
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
Discover Perfect Note in Hoover, Alabama – a lively bar and restaurant offering delicious food, craft drinks, and enchanting live music.
Barrister's Tavern
4.5 km
Experience the vibrant nightlife and karaoke fun at Barrister's Tavern, the ultimate bar in Vestavia Hills, Alabama.
Blue's Bourbon & Brews
5.7 km
Discover the vibrant nightlife and Southern charm of Blue's Bourbon & Brews in Pelham, Alabama, where great bourbon and live music await you.
Pub 261
5.7 km
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Ragtime Cafe
6.1 km
Experience the vibrant flavors of American cuisine at Ragtime Cafe, Birmingham's lively bar and restaurant perfect for casual dining and social gatherings.
The Chandelier Lounge
7.2 km
Discover the elegance of The Chandelier Lounge in Pelham, Alabama, where exquisite cocktails and stunning ambiance create unforgettable evenings.
Hooters
7.4 km
Experience the thrill of sports and savor delicious American cuisine at Hooters in Pelham, Alabama, a must-visit sports bar for all food lovers.
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
Discover the vibrant atmosphere and mouth-watering American cuisine at Taco Mac Pelham, your go-to sports bar in Alabama for wings and fun.
The Ridge Eat & Drink
7.8 km
Experience the best of American cuisine at The Ridge Eat & Drink in Vestavia Hills, Alabama, where delicious food meets a warm, inviting atmosphere.
StirCrazy
9.2 km
Experience the vibrant nightlife at StirCrazy, a lively bar in Birmingham, Alabama, perfect for cocktails and good company.
