Expansive recreational area offering hiking, biking, swimming, camping, and wildlife experiences across Alabama’s largest state park with over 11,000 acres of natural terrain.
General Information
Visitor Center: 10am to 4pm
Some facilities may have different hours
Children (4–11): $2
Seniors (62+): $2
Children under 4: Free
Annual passes available
How to Get There
From Birmingham, AL (20 mi): Take I-65 S to Exit 246, turn left onto AL-119 S, then right onto State Park Rd and follow signs to the main entrance on Terrace Dr.
Overview
The Oak Mountain State Park is Alabama’s largest state park, encompassing over 11,000 acres of forested hills, lakes, and trails just south of Birmingham. A haven for outdoor enthusiasts, the park features more than 100 miles of hiking, biking, and equestrian trails, including the nationally recognized Red Trail for mountain biking. Visitors can explore Peavine Falls, paddle across Double Oak Lake, or enjoy a round of golf at the 18-hole course. The park also offers a BMX track, archery range, and two sandy beaches for swimming, making it a versatile destination for recreation and relaxation.
In addition to its outdoor amenities, Oak Mountain is home to the Alabama Wildlife Center, which rehabilitates injured birds of prey, and the Oak Mountain Interpretive Center, offering educational exhibits and nature programs. Families can enjoy picnic areas, playgrounds, and seasonal events, while campers have access to improved sites, cabins, and backcountry options. With its blend of adventure, education, and natural beauty, Oak Mountain State Park is a year-round retreat for visitors of all ages and interests.
Things to Do
Explore Alabama's Largest State Park
Oak Mountain State Park is Alabama's largest state park and offers a wide variety of outdoor activities, including hiking, mountain biking, camping, fishing, swimming, horseback riding, and wildlife viewing. Its diverse landscapes of forests, ridges, lakes, and streams make it one of the state's most popular outdoor destinations.
Visit the Alabama Wildlife Center and Treetop Nature Trail
The park is home to the Alabama Wildlife Center, which rehabilitates injured native birds and provides educational opportunities for visitors. Nearby, the Treetop Nature Trail features elevated boardwalks, wildlife exhibits, and scenic views designed to connect visitors with the natural environment.
Enjoy the Lakes and Recreation Areas
Oak Mountain features several lakes that provide opportunities for kayaking, canoeing, paddleboarding, fishing, swimming, and relaxing along the shoreline. The park also offers golf, archery, and family-friendly recreation areas throughout its extensive grounds.
Top Trails
King's Chair Trail
Length: Approximately 4.0 miles round trip
Elevation Gain: Approximately 900 feet
Difficulty: Moderate to Strenuous
One of the park's most popular hikes, this trail climbs to King's Chair, a dramatic rock outcrop that provides sweeping views of the surrounding valley and forested ridges. The overlook is considered one of the best viewpoints in the park.
Red Road Trail
Length: Approximately 3.0 miles one way
Elevation Gain: Moderate
Difficulty: Easy to Moderate
This versatile trail is popular with hikers, trail runners, and mountain bikers. The route winds through forests and rolling terrain while connecting many of the park's recreation areas and trail systems.
Sources: Alabama State Parks official Oak Mountain State Park information, including hiking trails, lakes, camping facilities, mountain biking opportunities, the Alabama Wildlife Center, and visitor amenities. https://www.alapark.com/parks/oak-mountain-state-park Additional trail and recreation information verified through Alabama State Parks trail resources and park guides. https://www.alapark.com/parks/oak-mountain-state-park/trails
This article uses material from the Wikipedia articles and official tourism pages for the Oak Mountain State Park, which are released under the Creative Commons Attribution-Share-Alike License 3.0.