Oak Mountain State Park

When your Alabama getaway needs a touch of nature, visit Oak Mountain State Park. It spans 9,940 acres and offers trails, picnic areas, golfing, and more, ensuring everyone will have fun!

During the Great Depression in the 1930s, the Civilian Conservation Corps (CCC) built much of the park’s infrastructure while employing out-of-work men. Today, the CCC’s legacy is a reminder of the power of uniting to overcome dire circumstances.

Nature lovers and botanists will be enamored with the park's ecosystems, which include hardwood forests and serene marshlands. Birdwatchers might spot osprey and bald eagles, while hikers can see white-tailed deer and blue herons near the lake. Outdoor enthusiasts have over 52 miles of trails to explore, which cater to hikers, mountain bikers, and horseback riders. 

When Alabama’s humidity and temperatures soar, visit Double Oak Lake for swimming, stand-up paddleboarding, and fishing. It’s a refreshing way to connect with nature.

Golfers will want to test their skills on the 18-hole championship course. Booking tee times online simplifies the process, while the driving range, chipping green, and practice green let you fine-tune your game. For the ultimate golf vacation, combine a game at Oak Mountain with one on the RTJ Golf Trail.

An enchanting experience awaits children at the Enchanted Fairy House Garden. This self-guided activity lets little ones build a fairy house with lichen, sticks, and other natural “building” materials.

Visiting Oak Mountain State Park delivers a perfect mix of recreation, relaxation, and natural charm. Its cascading waterfalls, quiet campgrounds, abundant trails, and top-notch amenities make it a must on your Alabama getaway.

Oak Mountain State Park: Fun Facts & Cool Features

A fun fact about Oak Mountain is that it’s Alabama’s largest state park. Additionally, the Alabama Wildlife Center is the state’s oldest and largest wildlife rehabilitation facility. Here, guests can observe native birds like owls, vultures, and hawks in their natural habitats and in rehabilitation.

Another incredible feature is the aforementioned trails, like those for Mountain Biking. Cyclists worldwide regard these as the best in the southeast, with over 30 miles for all skill levels. The main loop is a mix of mostly single-track and some double-track trails with about 1,600 feet of climbing. Conditions range from smooth, fast, tight, and twisty to gnarly, rooted sections, rock gardens, sand pits, and challenging climbs with fast downhills. 

Hikers also have an extensive selection of trails to consider. An example is the Red Road/Trail, a 5.5-mile out-and-back trek on the original CCC logging road from the 1930s. Connector trails along this trail offer additional challenges for any hiker. 

For nature lovers, Peavine Falls is a park highlight with a stunning 65-foot waterfall. Various trails leading to the falls wind through lush forests, making the trek popular with nature lovers and photographers. A steep trail leads to the pool, rewarding those with a cool dip.

Of note are the camping and lodge facilities, the dog park, the archery course, the marina, and so much more! Since the park is near downtown, you're never far from delicious food from eateries like Johnny's Restaurant, Chez Fonfon, and EastWest.

Visiting Oak Mountain State Park on your Birmingham vacation guarantees an unforgettable outdoor experience for all ages.

Getting There

Here are step-by-step driving directions from downtown Birmingham to Oak Mountain State Park:

• Start on I-65 S from 4th Ave N and 11th St N.
• Continue for 14 miles.
• Take Exit 246 for AL-119/Cahaba Valley Rd toward Oak Mountain State Park.
• Turn left at the exit onto AL-119 S/Cahaba Valley Rd.
• Drive about 1.5 miles, then turn right onto State Park Rd.
• Follow State Park Rd to the main gate. 
• Address: 200 Terrace Dr, Pelham, AL 35124.

Cost

Below are the costs of visiting Oak Mountain State Park:

• $5 per adult (age 12-61)
• $2 per child (age 4-11)
• $2 for seniors (age 62+ with ID)
• Free for children under 3 and military personnel with a valid ID

Prices are subject to change; check their website for updates.