Oak Mountain State Park is Alabama’s largest state park, covering 11,861 acres southeast of Birmingham near Pelham, AL. It sits between Birmingham and Columbus, making it an easy stop from either city. Founded in 1927 as a 940-acre parcel atop Double Oak Mountain, the park has grown into one of the most activity-packed state parks in the region, with over 100 miles of trails, six fishing lakes, two sandy beaches, a golf course, a wildlife center, and much more.
Quick Facts
| Detail | Info |
|---|---|
| Location | 200 Terrace Drive, Pelham, AL 35124 |
| Size | 11,861 acres |
| Founded | 1927 |
| Trails | 100+ miles (hiking, biking, equestrian) |
| Contact | (205) 620-2520 |
| Annual events | 350+ |
What Makes Oak Mountain State Park Worth Visiting?
Oak Mountain offers one of the widest varieties of outdoor activities of any state park in Alabama. The trail network alone breaks down into 32 miles of hiking trails, 42 miles of mountain bike trails, and 27 miles of equestrian trails. Add in watersports, a golf course, a wildlife rehabilitation center, and overnight accommodation options, and you have a park that rewards multiple visits. Honestly, if you’re looking for romantic getaways in the United States that lean more “active adventure” than “spa weekend,” this one deserves a spot on your list.
Runner’s World Magazine named the running trails at Oak Mountain among the Top 25 Best Trail Runs in America, calling them one of “The Crown Jewels.” The mountain bike trails are also featured on the MTB Project website. The Red Trail holds an EPIC ride designation from the International Mountain Biking Association (IMBA), one of the most recognized certifications in trail mountain biking.
Hiking at Oak Mountain State Park
Kings Chair Loop is the standout hike. It spans 4 miles and involves a 750-foot climb, rewarded with expansive views from the top. It’s a solid half-day outing for anyone reasonably fit. If you’ve tackled bigger peaks before (say, something like climbing Ben Nevis in Scotland), this will feel pretty breezy, but the views still deliver.
If you want something shorter, the Peavine Falls Short Loop is just over a mile and ends at a waterfall. It’s a good option for families or anyone short on time.
The Tree Top Nature Trail is a different kind of hike entirely. It’s an elevated boardwalk through a woodland valley, passing enclosures that house rescued birds of prey. This trail connects to the Alabama Wildlife Center.
Mountain Biking: One of the Best Trail Networks in the Region
With 42 miles of mountain bike trails, Oak Mountain draws riders from across the region. Trail options suit all levels:
- Lake Trail – a beginner-friendly loop around Double Oak Lake with no technical sections
- Red Trail – IMBA EPIC-designated, for experienced riders
- Jekyll ‘n Hyde – advanced trail with technical sections and fast downhill segments
The park also has a pump track and BMX course on-site. A co-ed group mountain bike ride runs every Thursday evening, departing from the South Trailhead parking lot at 5:30 p.m. It’s recommended for intermediate to advanced riders.
Watersports and Swimming
Oak Mountain has several lakes and water-based activities across the park:
- Two sandy beaches at Double Oak Lake and Beaver Lake, suitable for sunbathing and swimming
- Kayak, canoe, and stand-up paddleboard rentals available
- Flipside Watersports cable wakeboarding at Beaver Lake (open through September, 10 a.m. to dark, with helmet, vest, wakeboard, and kneeboard rentals available)
- Inflatable aquapark obstacle course on the water
- Marina rentals for boating
- Six fishing lakes throughout the park
Golf, Archery, and Other Land Activities
The Oaks Golf Course is an 18-hole public course with a driving range. Tee times can be reserved up to five days in advance. A pro shop and snack bar are on-site.
The archery range is open to visitors. Note: Alabamians aged 16 to 64 need a hunting license or equivalent to use the archery range.
Other land-based facilities include basketball courts, a pickleball court, picnic areas, and a playground.
Wildlife and Nature Education
The Alabama Wildlife Center, located next to the Oak Mountain Interpretive Center, rehabilitates injured native birds. Visitors can do self-guided tours after paying park entry, no separate admission is required for the Wildlife Center. Species you might spot in the park include owls, hawks, blue herons, and foxes.
The Oak Mountain Interpretive Center covers 2,500 square feet and includes interactive exhibits, wildlife displays, historical artifacts, and a meeting room. The park also offers naturalist programs and field trips for groups. If you’re into national parks and wildlife encounters more broadly, it’s a similar vibe to places like Tayrona National Park in Colombia, just with fewer monkeys and more raptors.
Accommodation: Camping, Cabins, and More
If one day is not enough (and for most people it won’t be), Oak Mountain has several overnight options:
- Two campgrounds (renovations to the main campground were planned, with an estimated reopening around Memorial Day 2024)
- Ten vacation cabins
- Glamping options and safari tents
- Event facilities for larger groups
Annual passes are available for individuals, families, and seniors, offering savings for frequent visitors.
Events at Oak Mountain State Park
The park hosts over 350 events per year. The lineup includes:
- BMX races
- Color runs
- Adventure races
- Triathlons
- The Mammoth March
- XTERRA – an off-road triathlon that draws top athletes internationally
If you’re planning a trip around an event, check the park calendar in advance as the site fills up.
What’s Coming: The Belcher Tract Expansion
Oak Mountain is expanding with the addition of the Belcher Tract, which will include new lakes and vistas. No completion date is confirmed in current sources, but it will add further trail and scenic options to an already large park.
Is Oak Mountain State Park Worth the Trip from Birmingham or Columbus?
Yes, and the drive is manageable. The park sits in Pelham, southeast of Birmingham. For visitors coming from Columbus, it lands conveniently along the route. The entrance fee covers access to the beaches, playgrounds, courts, archery range, and the Alabama Wildlife Center. Golf, guided horseback riding, and some watersport rentals carry additional fees.
The park was nearly designated a national park before those plans were dropped in 1943. It stayed a state park, which means a different experience than a comparable national park. Not gonna lie, the sheer range of stuff packed into one place is hard to beat for a state park. If you’re road-tripping across the Southeast and want to break up city stops (maybe things to do in New Orleans on one end), Oak Mountain makes for a genuinely worthwhile detour.
Oak Mountain State Park at a Glance
Best for:
- Mountain bikers (IMBA EPIC trail on-site)
- Hikers wanting views (Kings Chair Loop)
- Families (beaches, aquapark, wildlife center, playgrounds)
- Anglers (six lakes)
- Golfers (18-hole public course)
- Overnight trips (cabins, camping, glamping)
Good to know:
- Autumn foliage makes the park especially scenic, though it’s open year-round
- Annual passes available for individuals, families, and seniors
- Thursday evening group mountain bike rides from the South Trailhead at 5:30 p.m.
- Archery range requires a hunting license for Alabamians aged 16 to 64
- Wakeboard Cable Park at Beaver Lake runs through September