Alabama
Alabama hiking trails to explore
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.
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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.
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Walls of Jericho is one of the largest pieces of mostly untouched wilderness in the Southeast.Hannah Sumner/Forever Wild
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 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.
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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
Autumn color 2021. The beauty and splendor of autumn in Alabama. Point Rock Overlook at Buck’s Pocket State Park. (Joe Songer for AL.com).Joe Songer
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.
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.
Check out the view of the west fork of the Choctawhatchee River. The water from the springs flows into it. (Joe Songer)Joe Songer/AL.com
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.
Oak Mountain State Park in Pelham is a favorite with hikers and people who want to get some fresh air. (AL.com file photo/Joe Songer)
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 Talladega National Forest (Julie Bennett/jbennett@al.com) AL.comAL.com
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.
Alabama
A major overhaul ahead for the Alabama Crimson Tide offensive line
The first phase of good news for the Alabama Crimson Tide is happening. While indications are the two best Alabama offensive linemen will move to the NFL, there are eight other (and counting) offensive linemen who not return for the 2026 season. Three are out of eligibility: Jaeden Roberts, Kam Dewberry, and Geno Van DeMark. Five more are portal entries: Micah DeBose, Joe Ionata, Olaus Alinen, Roq Montgomery, and Wilkin Formby.
Why is the attrition good news? There are two reasons. Kalen DeBoer’s offensive lines have needed skill sets in short supply the last two seasons. His offense needs agile, quick-footed offensive linemen. Not many Alabama football fans will disagree, but for those who do, when two late-season games (Georgia and Indiana) are lost by a combined 56 points, a major overhaul is required.
For an offensive line overhaul, the Crimson Tide needed to free up roster slots, to improve talent, and reallocate money. The count of returning offensive linemen (as of late afternoon on Jan. 4) is six: Mike Carroll, Casey Poe, Jackson Lloyd, Mal Waldrep, Red Sanders, and Arkel Anugwon. In addition, the 2026 class added five more: Tyrell Miller (JUCO), Jared Doughty, Chris Booker, Bear Fretwell, and Bryson Cooley
Next for the Alabama Crimson Tide
Alabama could get lucky and have Parker Brailsford decide to play another season of college ball. Assuming that luck will not occur, three or four offensive linemen need to be added through the Portal. At least two of them need to be tabbed as near-locks to start in next fall’s season opener.
So far, the only target known publicly is Texas State center, Brock Riker. New targets are expected to surface soon, some of whom may not be in the portal yet. According to Yahoo Sports, Riker has been targeted by at least nine Power Four programs, with more offers expected soon.
The large number of transfer exits may be an indication that offensive line coach Chris Kapilovic will also move on. Many Alabama football fans are looking forward to DeBoer bringing in a new OL coach.
Alabama
Alabama outside linebacker to reportedly enter NCAA transfer portal
According to a report from ESPN’s Max Olson, Alabama Crimson Tide outside linebacker Noah Carter is set to enter the NCAA transfer portal following two seasons in Tuscaloosa.
Carter is the first Alabama outside linebacker to enter the transfer portal so far this cycle.
The outside linebacker originally came to Alabama as a member of the Crimson Tide’s 2024 class, and was one of the first big commitments of the Kalen DeBoer era. Then, Carter was rated as the nation’s No. 109 overall prospect, as well as No. 9 edge rusher nationally, out of Centennial High School in Arizona, per the 247Sports Composite rankings.
During his two seasons at Alabama, Carter posted a combined 11 tackles and 0.5 TFL across 14 games played. The outside linebacker appeared in 11 games this past season, posting nine tackles and 0.5 TFL.
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Alabama
The Ty Simpson Conversation Alabama Can’t Ignore
In the aftermath of Alabama’s embarrassing Rose Bowl loss, one of the loudest and most important conversations surrounding the program isn’t just about the offensive line, the play-calling, or the defensive breakdowns. It’s about Ty Simpson, and what comes next for him.
Tom Loy of 247Sports recently added serious fuel to that conversation when he said:
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“If Ty Simpson gets a first-round grade, he’s gone to the NFL. If not, keep an eye on Tennessee and Oregon.”
That’s a big deal. And it’s a conversation worth having.
At this point, there are three realistic paths in front of Simpson: return to Alabama, enter the NFL Draft, or transfer. After the Rose Bowl performance and the questions it raised, nothing feels guaranteed anymore.
The idea of Simpson potentially leaving Alabama is shocking, especially the Oregon part. Tennessee makes some sense. They’ve built a reputation for developing quarterbacks, playing fast, and creating offensive systems that highlight strengths. But Oregon? That hits different. Tennessee is home. Well, at least for Ty. After all, he’s from Martin, Tennessee. And he actually almost chose to go to play for the Volunteers before committing to the Crimson Tide.
The Vols have familiarity, comfort, and a system that could give Simpson the keys immediately.
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That alone makes the possibility unsettling for Alabama fans.
Still, before anyone panics, it’s important to zoom out and look at the bigger picture.
Ty Simpson finished the season completing 305 of 473 passes for 3,567 yards, 28 touchdowns, and just five interceptions. Statistically, that’s a strong season. It shows efficiency, decision-making, and growth, even amidst inconsistency. But the Rose Bowl exposed something numbers don’t always tell, the need for experience, command, and comfort under pressure.
That’s where an interesting comparison comes into play: Jalen Hurts.
Like Simpson, Hurts once faced uncertainty at Alabama.
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Like Simpson, he had to make a decision about his future when the situation wasn’t crystal clear.
Hurts chose to leave with the blessing of Nick Saban, transferred to Oklahoma, and had a phenomenal season. That single year of experience, tape, and confidence skyrocketed his draft stock and reshaped his NFL future.
Maybe, just maybe, that same path could exist for Ty Simpson.
That doesn’t necessarily mean Alabama has already lost him.
In fact, one could argue the best thing for Simpson might be another year as a starter, whether that’s in Tuscaloosa or elsewhere.
Quarterbacks don’t just need talent; they need reps, adversity, and film that shows growth. One more season of full command, especially behind a stronger offensive line and a more stable system, could change everything.
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As for the NFL, the message from Tom Loy is clear: if Simpson hears “first-round,” he’s gone.
And he should be.
You don’t pass up that opportunity.
But if the grade comes back lower, returning, or transferring, becomes a smart business decision, not an emotional one.
Right now, nothing is decided.
But the fact that Tennessee and Oregon are even being mentioned tells you how real this situation is. The transfer portal has changed the game of college football, and now, and players like Ty Simpson now have leverage, options, and choices.
The Ty Simpson conversation isn’t just about one quarterback.
It’s about where Alabama football is headed, and how quickly things can change.
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