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The Best Hiking in Alabama

Looking for the best hiking in Alabama? We've got you covered with the top trails, trips, hiking, backpacking, camping and more around Alabama. The detailed guides, photos, and reviews are all submitted by the Outbound community.

Top hiking spots in and near Alabama

  • Scottsboro, Alabama

    Stephens Gap

    4.5
    1.38 mi / 381 ft gain
    The hike is 2 miles round trip. It starts from the open space where you park. (Details on where to park when you email in the permit). There is a sign labeled as the trailhead. Trail is easily visible, but just in case you can't follow it, they have marked it with yellow flags on trees. The trail...
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  • Gadsden, Alabama

    Photograph Noccalula Falls

    5.0
    1.4 mi
    Noccalula Falls is definitely beautiful from the top, however, you can really get an idea of the pure power of this waterfall by finding your way to the bottom. One way to get to the bottom is to go through the park entrance and pay the $6 admission fee to be able to reach the bottom.Another opti...
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  • Birmingham, Alabama

    Hike to King's Chair

    4.6
    4 mi / 600 ft gain
    The pin leads you to the parking lot of Oak Mountain State Park. To get into Oak Mountain State Park there is a $5 fee. From the parking lot, the trail head is easily visible and right across the road. The trails split in a couple of different directions at the trail head, but to go to the King's...
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  • Fort Payne, Alabama

    Explore Little River Falls

    4.0
    Little River Falls is a popular site within the Little River Canyon National Preserve, a 12 mile long, 600 ft deep canyon.The 45-foot falls can be accessible from two different vantage points – either via a paved but steep path from the parking lot down to an overlook, or by driving to a higher l...
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  • Pelham, Alabama

    Hike to Peavine Falls

    3.7
    4.6 mi
    The Peavine falls parking is located at the pin. You can also follow signs to the South Trailhead and from there, follow signs to Peavine Falls. Signs are clearly marked at the parking lot leading you down to the top of the falls or the bottom of the falls. Pictures from the top of the falls are ...
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  • Delta, Alabama

    Hike to Pulpit Rock

    5.0
    2 mi / 100 ft gain
    Atop a rocky perch on the side of Mt. Cheaha (the highest point in Alabama), you'll have a breathtaking view and ample opportunities for photography. The trail to Pulpit Rock in Cheaha State Park, near Anniston, AL is a mere mile. The terrain is not too challenging, but it is a bit steep on the w...
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  • Birmingham, Alabama

    Trail Run to Skyhy Tree House at Red Mountain Park

    4.8
    4.5 mi / 250 ft gain
    From the park entrance there are several ways to get to Skyhy Tree House, and the trail system allows for loops of varying distances and difficulty. There’s a large map about a quarter mile down the main trail from the park entrance, and paper trail maps are usually available at this sign. The tr...
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  • Birmingham, Alabama

    Hike to Ruffner Mountain's Hawk's View Overlook

    4.8
    2 mi / 200 ft gain
    Park at the little league baseball fields that are across the road from the access point where the trail meets the road on the southeastern corner of the preserve that you can see on the map. Hike up a gentle incline NW on the Ridge and Valley Trail for about fifteen minutes to the trail intersec...
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  • Mentone, Alabama

    Hike to the Base of DeSoto Falls

    4.8
    0.7 mi / 285 ft gain
    The main visitor entrance to DeSoto Falls in Mentone, AL provides easy, paved trails along the upper rim of the falls. For a more private an intimate view, there is a pull off on the side of the road and trail access. Heading south on AL Hwy 89, take a left turn on Dekalb Country Road 613. Afte...
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  • Fort Payne, Alabama

    Swim at Little Falls (Martha's Falls)

    4.4
    1.5 mi
    Little Falls, also referred to as Martha Falls  and the “Hippie Hole” by the locals, is a popular swimming hole a part of Little River Canyon National Preserve, located along the state line of Alabama and Georgia. Perks include free parking and free admission. Drive up Lookout Mountain and pull i...
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  • Estillfork, Alabama

    Walls of Jericho via Alabama Trailhead

    4.5
    5.8 mi / 1417 ft gain
    Around 5pm, we hiked down the only clearly marked trail that departs from the parking lot. The path begins with gentle switchbacks and great views of the forest, occasionally passing by small waterfalls, sinkholes, and caves; and arriving at the Hurricane Creek crossing (log with handrail) after ...
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  • Double Springs, Alabama

    Hike to Upper Caney Creek Falls

    4.7
    3 mi
    This short trail drops into the Caney Creek Canyon, hitting the waterfall in just 1 mile. The hike also involves a creek crossing – be sure to watch for slippery rocks – and a steep section of trail as you climb out of the canyon.
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  • Delta, Alabama

    McDill Point via Cheaha Trailhead

    4.6
    6.78 mi / 1024 ft gain
    Start hiking at Cheaha Trailhead, located at the far end of a parking area just before you get to Cheaha State Park on Highway 281. Follow the Cave Creek Trail until you reach the Pinhoti connector, and hang a right to take the Pinhoti Trail northbound. Look for a sign that points to McDill overl...
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  • Leesburg, Alabama

    Camp at Sand Rock

    5.0
    1 mi / -100 ft gain
    We camped in a rooftop tent, but many people used traditional tents and hammocks. After purchasing a camping permit, drive right up to your campsite. There are three general camping areas.First is the more exposed (to the often strong winds) campsites along the tops of the cliffs that are closest...
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  • Montevallo, Alabama

    Hike to Falling Rock Falls

    3.9
    2 mi
    The location of the pin leads you to a gravel road with a gated entrance. Park at the white gate and start to hike up the gravel road. The hike is not very strenuous and the waterfall is pretty easy to find. As you hike up the road for a little while the road will fork. Go left at the fork and co...
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  • Delta, Alabama

    Take in the View from Bald Rock in Cheaha State Park

    3.5
    1 mi / 1 ft gain
    Bald Rock is maybe the most easily accessible views I have ever experienced. This is not to lessen the beauty of the location, but to convey that this spot is quite fool-proof, and can be enjoyed by literally anyone. However, I do recommend this view at sunrise during the summer because of how cr...
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