Alabama

Alabama hiking trails to explore

Published

2 years ago

July 9, 2024

From state and national parks to preserves, national forests and more, Alabama is filled with places to enjoy the state’s natural beauty. Sometimes though, that can make deciding where to spend a day exploring the great outdoors.

Whether you’re looking for a short stroll down a boardwalk, an easy, but long, loop with plenty of sights along the way or an all-day hike that’ll take you through diverse terrain, there’s a hiking trail in Alabama that has you covered.

The 10 hiking trails listed below are certainly not the only ones, but they’re a good place to start.

The miles of multi-use paths at Gulf State Park include raised boardwalk sections that allow visitors to go deep into the marshy coastal landscape.Lawrence Specker | LSpecker@AL.com

The Hugh S. Branyon Backcountry Trail at Gulf State Park

The Hugh S. Branyon Backcountry Trail in Gulf State Park has been named one of the best recreational trails in the United States by USA Today, and for good reason. Accessible through multiple trailheads within the park and open to biking, the fully ADA-accessible trail runs through everything from coastal dunes, forests, freshwater marshes, hardwood swamps and more, according to GulfShores.com. There is also a butterfly garden, nature pavilion and playground where kids can test their rocking climbing skills or give the agility course a go.

Lakes, gators and getaways: Gulf State Park a great escape

Alabama Color 2021 — Autumn color 2021. The beauty and splendor of autumn in Alabama. Little River Canyon National Preserve. (Joe Songer for AL.com).Joe Songer

The Little Falls Trail in Little River Canyon National Preserve

The Little Falls Trail in Little River Canyon National Preserve in Fort Payne is popular among hikers because it offers a chance to end the hike with a swim, and who doesn’t want that? The .75-mile hike, which is moderate in difficulty, begins along the Little River Falls boardwalk, following the river to Little Falls, according to the National Park Service’s website. At the trail’s end, hikers can take stone steps into the canyon and down to the river to access what’s known as the Little Falls swimming hole. Be aware though, this trail is popular during spring and summer, so if you’re looking for a quiet hike, you may want to take an easy and peaceful walk through the woods on the Beaver Pond Trail instead.

How to visit these gorgeous waterfalls

Walls of Jericho Trail at the Walls of Jericho

Walls of Jericho in northeast Alabama is one of the largest pieces of mostly untouched wilderness in the Southeast, according to the Forever Wild website, making it an ideal place for immersing yourself in nature. The popular Walls of Jericho trail, which is six miles roundtrip and takes you for a strenuous hike along Hurricane Creek and more than 1,000 feet down into a box canyon that leads through Clark Cemetery and into a scenic limestone amphitheater with Turkey Creek flowing through its center. If you’re looking for something a little easier, there’s also the Bear Den Point Trail, which runs nearly five miles through Bear Den Point and offers some memorable views of its own.

Lake Guntersville State Parks — Lake Guntersville State Park has 36 miles of hiking trails through some of the most beautiful forest in Alabama. (Joe Songer | jsonger@al.com). al.comal.com

Cascade Trail at Lake Guntersville State Park

Lake Guntersville State Park offers 36 miles of trails, ranging from moderate to difficult, for hikers, bikers and horse enthusiasts to enjoy. Among the many hikes up for exploring is the Cascade Trail, which is a one-mile, moderate trail that offers scenic views and takes hikers through a natural watershed with large boulders, pools of water, cliffs and more, according to the Alabama State Park’s website. The Cascade Trail begins just beside the park’s entrance and, if you want to extend your journey, links up with several other trails, like the Waterfall Trail as well as the Old Still Path, in the park.

12 places to spend a beautiful day in Alabama

Turkey Creek Falls — Turkey Creek Nature Preserve near Pinson. (Joe Songer)al.com

Narrow Ridge Loop Trail at Turkey Creek Nature Preserve

Along with gorgeous waterfalls and perfect spots for picnics, Turkey Creek Nature Preserve in Pinson offers a system of five trails, ranging in difficulty from easy to moderate, that run through the 462-acre preserve. Among its trails is the Narrow Ridge Loop Trail, which is open to hikers as well as mountain bikers. The 3.2-mile path takes you from the Blue Hole, a well-known, waterfall-fed swimming hole, to the Narrow Ridge area, through pine forests and back, according to the Alabama Recreation Trails website. Keep in mind though, this trail is moderate in difficulty, so if you’d prefer an easier route, try the paved Highland Trail or the Thompson Trace Trail.

How Turkey Creek became one of the state’s favorite outdoors spots

Point Rock Trail at Bucks Point State Park

Bucks Pocket State Park is located within the DeKalb, Jackson and Marshall counties, offering hikers a secluded and peaceful place to enjoy the state’s natural beauty, picturesque views and more. Among its 15 miles of trails is the moderate-to-hard Point Rock Trail, which runs a little over a mile in length and takes hikers 800 feet above the canyon floor to a sandstone formation, known as Point Rock, which offers an overlook worth the climb, according to the Alabama State Park’s website. Along the way, you’ll see Little Sauty Creek, wildflowers, ferns and other plant life as well as geologic formations estimated to be between 200-250 million years old.

Alabama State Parks — Bald Rock overlook is a must-see place at Cheaha State Park. (Joe Songer)al.com

Bald Rock Trail at Cheaha State Park

If you’re looking for a quick and easy hike with a big payoff, the Bald Rock Trail at Cheaha State Park in Delta is the way to go. The .3-mile trail consists of two paths, an elevated boardwalk and a dirt path that runs alongside it. Regardless of which you take, both lead to a gorgeous vista of the highest point in Alabama at the Bald Rock outlook, according to the Alabama State Parks website. If you’re feeling inspired once you’re done there, you can also check out the Pulpit Rock Trail. It’s just as short, although a steeper hike with no boardwalk, and also offers a breathtaking view you won’t forget anytime soon.

The Magnolia Trail at Blue Springs State Park

Blue Spring State Park in Clio is well known for its crystal-clear swimming pools, pine forests, wide range of wildlife and more, making it a great place to get in a hike regardless of your experience level. That’s likely why the Magnolia Trail, a two-mile hiking trail that ranges from easy to moderate in difficulty, is so popular. The trail, which takes you through a lush forest and features scenic views of the Choctawhatchee River, can be extended another half mile by using two connector trails, according to the Alabama State Park’s website. Just think! You could spend some time exploring the scenery along the trail before going for a dip in the 68-degree, spring-fed pool.

Foothills Trail at Oak Mountain State Park

Oak Mountain State Park has more than 100 miles of trails for visitors to explore, regardless of whether they’re looking to do a quick loop or get in a full day of hiking. Among one of its longer options is the Foothills Trail, which is about eight miles one way, beginning at the North Trailhead before taking you around scenic Lake Tranquility and close to the South Trailhead area, according to the Alabama State Park’s website. Be aware, while a large portion of this trail is at a low elevation, there are some climbs. You can also access Maggie’s Glen, a spot along the stream blank that’s known as a peaceful spot to sit and observe different plants and wildlife, through a connector to this trail.

Officials reveal $13 million in renovations to Oak Mountain State Park

The Odum Scout Hiking Trail at Talladega National Forest

The Talladega National Forest is home to beautiful waterfalls, scenic lakes and plenty of untamed wilderness. Among to the trails you can take within the forest is the Odum Scout Hiking Trail. The nearly eight-mile trail, considered moderate in difficulty, takes you through the eastern slopes of Talladega Mountain and into the Cheaha Wilderness, passing the High Falls waterfall and other sites along the way. If you’re looking for something shorter where you could also get in some fishing or a picnic, try the two-mile loop around Lake Chinnabee.

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Alabama

Star Alabama WR will sign with SEC rival out of transfer portal

Published

1 hour ago

January 11, 2026

Press Room

Star Alabama WR will sign with SEC rival out of transfer portal

A bad day in the transfer portal for Alabama football got a little bit tougher on Sunday evening. Wide receiver Isaiah Horton, a starter for the Crimson Tide in 2025, announced that he’ll be transferring within the SEC.

Horton will land at Texas A&M, the same place as former UA offensive tackle Wilkin Formby. The wideout shared the news on his social media Sunday.

The Horton news follows a day in which Alabama missed out on a potential superstar replacement at receiver, when Cam Coleman announced his commitment to Texas. To make matters worse for the offense, running back Hollywood Smothers, who publicly committed to the Crimson Tide from NC State, flipped to Texas on Sunday as well.

Horton provided valuable size in Alabama’s receiver room. He caught 42 passes for 511 yards and eight touchdowns in 2025.

The 6-foot-4, 208-pound native of Nashville, Tenn. led the Crimson Tide in touchdown catches. He had a knack for getting open in the end zone in clutch situations, as seen most clearly in the Iron Bowl.

As Alabama struggled against an Auburn team playing with an interim coach at Jordan-Hare Stadium in November, Horton caught three touchdown passes. He made his final scoring grab on a crucial fourth down late in the fourth quarter.

With Horton gone, plus Germie Bernard running out of eligibility, Alabama has just one returning starter (Ryan Williams) at wide receiver from the 2025 season remaining. The other spots will likely be filled by the likes of Lotzeir Brooks, Rico Scott and Derek Meadows.

Alabama will be facing off against the Aggies this season, for the first time since 2023. The Crimson Tide will host Texas A&M on Oct. 24 at Bryant-Denny Stadium.

Undergraduate players are allowed to enter the transfer portal through Friday. Players who do can sign with a new team at any time, even after the entry window is closed.

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Alabama

Nate Oats Rips Alabama Players for Being ‘Too Comfortable With Losing’

Published

13 hours ago

January 11, 2026

Press Room

Nate Oats Rips Alabama Players for Being ‘Too Comfortable With Losing’

TUSCALOOSA, Ala. — No. 13 Alabama men’s basketball might have a bit of a problem.

The Crimson Tide was upset by Texas at home on Saturday night, and the 92-88 loss was riddled with negatives. Alabama came into this one with a road loss to undefeated Vanderbilt, and this should’ve been a game to shake it off.

But Alabama was down by double digits to Texas on numerous occasions throughout the contest. Crimson Tide head coach Nate Oats said during the postgame press conference that defensive assistant Brian Adams “does a really good job putting good game plans together,” but “guys that don’t care enough to lock in and follow” those game plans.

“It starts with effort,” Oats said. “The want-to, competitive edge, guys just don’t want to lose, give you everything they got. The guys are apparently too comfortable with losing right now, because they’re not giving us everything they got on that side of the floor.

“So, I think it starts with having guys that just refuse to lose. From there, it goes to guys, like in the moment, having some personal pride in stopping their man. Too many blow-bys, too many isolation plays, just beat one-on-one, guy’s not locked down on the help side, a guy gets beat…I do think we’ve got some guys that care enough about winning on the defensive end, but you’ve also got to score the ball on offense, too.

“So we’re going to have to figure out the right lineups to play that care enough, compete enough, are tired of losing, got enough personal pride in their defense and they care enough to prepare. … Losing doesn’t bother them enough yet. I don’t know how many losses it’s going to take until it bothers them, but it bothers me. It bothers the coaching staff, and as soon as it starts bothering the players enough, I’m sure they’ll change.”

Another way to ensure winning is by converting at the free throw line. Alabama looked the part in the first half, as it hit 11 of its 12 attempts from the charity stripe. But in the second half, in part due to the defense, the Crimson Tide continued to fall behind, and it led to UA converting just eight of its 15 attempts in the latter 20 minutes.

“When you’re locked in, you’re locked in,” Oats said. “When you’re locked in on defense, all you care about is winning the game. When you’re locked into the defense and you go to the line, and you’re just focused on winning the game, you’ll step up and you’ll make your free throws.

“When you’re worried about a lot of stuff that’s a distraction, worried about stats and some other stuff, and you’re not locked in, that’s when you go to the line and miss. Especially when you’re a good shooter, guys that should be making free throws at a high level. And the pressure got them a little bit in the second half, we got down 13.

“I mean, we do a free-throw game. It took us four tries to get it the way I wanted it yesterday. Guys have got to care enough to get in the gym and work on their free throws. So, free throws are the only thing in the game of basketball that has no variation to it ever, except for a variation you put in your own mind. Well, get enough reps up, you train your mind and basically become a machine at the free-throw line. Obviously, we’re not putting enough reps up right now.”

Alabama freshman forward London Jemison said after the game that the team needs to be “more connected” during games, practices, film and even when focusing on nutrition.

Oats provided an outline for the defense to gel more, the free throws to fall through the basket and a stronger connection to be enforced. And it’s quite a simple solution.

“It looks like we need some leadership to step up,” Oats said. “Some guys that want to get everybody together, tired of losing, stuff’s got to change. It’s not a talent problem. It’s a focus, effort and competitive juice problem. So, if they’re not as connected, that falls on the leadership of the team.

“And we’ve told these guys, ‘We’re here to help you. This is your team, your season. I’ll be coaching for a long time after this. They get one opportunity with this group to put it together. That’s it.’ So, if they love their brothers and they want their teammates to perform well, they’re going to give a lot better effort on the floor than what they’re doing. Maybe they’re not as connected.

“To me, it seems like we don’t have any bad guys. Like, there’s nobody that everybody just doesn’t like. They seem to like each other, but they obviously don’t respect their teammates enough to give a winning effort out there. Some of the guys are really bought into winning, but not everybody. So we’ve got to get everybody bought into winning.”

Alabama (11-5, 1-2 SEC) aims for a resurgence against Mississippi State (10-6, 2-1 SEC) on the road on Tuesday night.

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Alabama

Where to watch Texas vs. Alabama today: College basketball free stream

Published

1 day ago

January 10, 2026

Press Room

Where to watch Texas vs. Alabama today: College basketball free stream

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The No. 13 Alabama Crimson Tide host the Texas Longhorns Saturday at 8 p.m. ET. The Crimson Tide have four losses this season, all have come against teams ranked inside the top 11.

Texas vs. Alabama will air on ESPN, and streams live on DIRECTV (free trial).

What: Men’s college basketball regular season

Who: Texas Longhorns vs. No. 13 Alabama Crimson Tide

When: Saturday, Jan. 10, 2026

Where: Coleman Coliseum, Tuscaloosa, Alabama

Time: 8 p.m. ET

TV: ESPN

Live stream: DIRECTV (free trial), fuboTV (free trial)

Texas is 3-4 in its past seven games, and doesn’t have a win over any currently ranked teams. A road win over Alabama would help its cause in the national ranking and the SEC standings. Alabama hasn’t lost to an unranked team this season, and a second straight would hurt their hopes for a top seed in the NCAA Tournament.

Here’s a recent college basketball story via the Associated Press:

NASHVILLE, Tenn. (AP) — Tyler Tanner scored 23 of his career-high 29 points in the second half and No. 11 Vanderbilt remained undefeated by beating 13th-ranked Alabama 96-90 on Wednesday night.

The Commodores (15-0, 2-0 Southeastern Conference) extended their best start since winning 16 straight games to open the 2007-08 season. This is only the second time in the program’s 124-year history that Vanderbilt has won its first 15.

Vanderbilt hadn’t played a ranked opponent until this game, also the first here between two top-15 teams since Jan. 5, 1974. Then-No. 10 Vanderbilt beat the 14th-ranked Crimson Tide in that game on its way to splitting the SEC championship with Alabama.

Vanderbilt also beat Alabama for the first time at Memorial Gym since 2018, ending a five-game skid against the Tide.

Duke Miles had 19 points and five steals before fouling out, and four other Commodores finished with at least four fouls. Tyler Nickel scored 12 points while Devin McGlockton and AK Okereke, who also fouled out, each had 10.

Tanner, a sophomore guard, added seven assists and four steals. He was 12 of 15 at the free-throw line — all in the second half.

Alabama (11-4, 1-1) had its four-game winning streak snapped in a game featuring 63 combined fouls, with two technicals on the Crimson Tide.

Amari Allen led Alabama with a season-high 25 points. Leading scorer Labaron Philon Jr. added 18 but checked out with 16:06 to go and never returned. Aden Holloway had 22 points and Latrell Wrightsell Jr. scored 13.

Fouls called left and right turned the first 10 minutes of the second half into ugly ball, and Alabama never led by more than four. Allen hit two free throws that pulled the Tide to 59-58 with 12:14 left.

Vanderbilt went on a 16-4 spurt that included a technical foul on Alabama coach Nate Oats with 8:39 to go. Tanner hit both free throws off the technical, then Mike James knocked down a 3-pointer for a 74-63 lead. The Tide made it interesting but got no closer than 94-90.

Up next

Alabama hosts Texas on Saturday.

Vanderbilt hosts LSU on Saturday.

Can I bet on the game?

Yes, you can bet on the game from your phone in New York State, and we’ve compiled some of the best introductory offers to help navigate your first bets from BetMGM, FanDuel, DraftKings, Bet365 and more.

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