Experience Alabama Nature

Alabama’s varied terrain of mountains, canyons, valleys, and plains provides hiking trails for all ages and abilities. From the southern Appalachians to the Gulf of Mexico Alabama has plenty of outdoor treasures to choose from.

Deciding which region of the state to explore can be difficult. The trails in the foothills of the Appalachians in North Alabama have more incline than the trails along the coast. The beauty of it is that you have options.

Down near the Gulf of Mexico, just a few hundred yards from the condominiums, restaurants, and shopping centers, is the Hugh S. Branyon Backcountry Trail. Wander the 15 miles of paved trails and boardwalks as you become immersed in the quiet maritime forests and wetlands. A series of eight interconnecting trails, each compliant with the Americans With Disabilities Act guidelines, winds through the heart of Gulf State Park, which is home to abundant wildlife, including birds, turtles, and alligators.

One of the state’s newest strolls, the Magnolia Trail at Blue Springs State Park near Clio, extends 2.1 miles and features two .3-mile connectors. Meander through pines and hardwoods, including Southern magnolias, catching views of the Choctawhatchee River.

Water proves a highlight of Moss Rock Preserve, a 349-acre parcel owned by Hoover. This Birmingham-area oasis provides moderate to tough hikes alongside streams punctuated by boulders. It also features a variant of the Little River Canyon Sandstone Glade, a fragile ecosystem where stunted wildflowers, grasses, and trees grow out of flat, pavement-like rocks.

In northwest Alabama, conservationists Jim and Faye Lacefield have struck a balance between protecting their private lands and opening them to the public. Their Cane Creek Canyon Nature Preserve is held in a conservation easement and boasts 15 miles of trails available Fridays-Sundays at no charge. The central 7-mile trail follows Cane Creek past rock shelters, waterfalls, scenic overlooks, and wildflowers.

One of Alabama’s most popular and scenic hikes doubles as one of its most difficult. The Walls of Jericho Trail, located near Tennessee, takes you out and back for a total of 6.6 miles Along the way, observe exposed limestone, sinkholes, and a cave. The first half of the trail descends 1,000 feet; be prepared for the steep incline on the return.

Although not officially designated – yet – many hikers consider the Pinhoti Trail the southernmost access to the Appalachian Trail. The Alabama portion winds through the lush woodlands of the Talladega National Forest and Cheaha Wilderness. Camping shelters dot the route, or you can pitch a tent. If you’re not interested in long-distance hiking or backpacking, several shorter loops range from 2 to 6 miles, or you can hike out and back at a distance comfortable to you.

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Graham Roderick, [email protected](link sends e-mail)
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