Southern visitors may decide Oak Mountain State Park has the most attractive activities and inviting accommodations of any Alabama State Park. This recreation area features an array of year-round activities and accommodations for nature-lovers, sportsmen, or anyone looking to get out of the house for the day or weekend.
It's no wonder why Oak Mountain State Park is such a highly-traveled destination for residents of the Yellowhammer State as well as for those in surrounding states like Mississippi, Georgia, and Tennessee.
What to Do at Oak Mountain State Park
Outdoor enthusiasts should look no further than Oak Mountain State Park. This Alabama state park is an easy, scenic trip for individuals, small groups, or families. Simply sightseeing on Double Oak Mountain would be enough to make the journey worthwhile. Not to mention that the park offers facilities like an on-site golf course, driving range, pro shop, boat rental store, full hookup campsites with WIFI access, picnic tables, picnic areas, bathhouses, dump stations, horse trails, and more.
This Park is a hiker's dream with 50 miles of hiking trails. Many visitors start with a hike to see Peavine Falls—a 65-foot-tall waterfall located within the park. Many paths lead to freshwater falls, but the most challenging part is climbing down the ridge to access the spring water pool at the bottom.
Another famous stroll for park-goers starts at the Treetop Nature Trail. Visitors will see all sorts of native animals as they walk along this raised boardwalk. The Alabama Wildlife Center uses this area to care for birds of prey that have injuries or disabilities. Watch out for birds that call the park home, like Lefty the Barred Owl or Stan the Black Vulture. Throughout the park, visitors have the chance to run into other local animal species like snakes, salamanders, eagles, and more. The park also features a Demonstration Farm that acts as a petting zoo for those interested in seeing peacocks, goats, and other Oak Mountain farm animals.
This area is also perfect for those who enjoy mountain biking and riding BMX. Visitors need only ask for directions to the BMX track or a popular mountain bike trail like the Red Trail.
Oak Mountain's visitors also enjoy its' various bodies of water in several different ways. Fishermen often reel in largemouth bass, bream, catfish, and crappie from the lakes on park premises. Fishing from the beach and any non-gasoline motor vessel is very common at Oak Mountain State Park. Park-goers either rent boats, kayaks, and canoes or bring their own craft. Otherwise, visitors often sunbathe and swim in the park's bodies of water. What's more, Flipside Water Sports offers activities like waterskiing and fun on the inflatable aqua park.
For those who'd like more than just day use at the park, campsites for tents and RVs are available for reservation through the park's website, over the phone, or upon entry at the park.
How to Get to Oak Mountain
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The Park is located on 200 Terrace Drive in Pelham, AL. Oak Mountain State Park lies in Shelby County, just outside the state's largest city of Birmingham. Visitors need only pay an entrance fee at the park gate to access parking lots, camping areas, sports facilities, and the surrounding nature preserve.
Travelers should also check out nearby attractions like the Oak Mountain Amphitheatre, the Birmingham Civil Rights Institute, the Birmingham Barons minor league baseball team, Sloss Furnace National Historic Landmark, Ruffner Mountain Nature Center, or the Forever Wild Turkey Creek Nature Preserve. The Birmingham metropolitan hub provides opportunities for shopping, educational landmarks, breweries, restaurants, and live entertainment.
Planning Your Trip
In 1927, the Park was established after the Alabama State Lands act allocated the 940-acre area to the state. Since then, the park has grown to encompass more than 9940 acres in the Double Oak Mountain region.
Today, visitors can book online, call ahead, or simply drive into the park after checking daily hours of operation. Visitors can rest assured that Oak Mountain State Park is their best bet for a fun-filled day in Alabama's largest recreation area. Travelers come and return time and time again for hiking, boating, birding, camping, golfing, horseback riding, archery, and fishing.
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