7 trails to hit in Alabama

Alabama’s Great Outdoors is as majestic as it is surprising. From the rolling foothills of the Appalachians covering Alabama’s north to the breezy lakes and bayous of its southern shores, this is a state that has character and several unexpected sides.

2025/2026 is the Year of Alabama Trails, meaning that there’s no better time to leave town and feel the wilder side of the Yellowhammer State. And whether it’s hiking, biking or hitting the water, there’s something for everyone. Here are seven trails that showcase the beauty and diversity of Alabama:

With its name derived from the Native American word meaning “turkey home”, the Pinhoti Trail is one of Alabama’s great hiking routes. Beginning from Flagg Mountain near Weogufka, this state-straddling, long-distance trail runs for 540km, with 275 of those in Alabama and the rest in Georgia.

The lush, forested route soaks up undulating hillsides, rocky crags, mountain streams and cascading waterfalls, all while dotted by bright wildflowers like purple Bluefoot Violents and crimson Red Buckeyes. The route also passes through Talladega National Forest, and it’s here where some of the finest views are found and northern Alabama’s widescreen scenery is at its finest.

Looking across the glassy waters of Lake Eufala towards Georgia, the Yoholo Micco Trail is a short 6.9km walk that loops through Eufala Town and is named in honour of Yoholo, the Creek Chief of Old Eufaula Town, who was driven from this area with his people in 1836.

Following a paved surface, it’s a relaxing wander through grassy meadows, bucolic woodlands, a hidden waterfall and across the old railroad trestle bridge. And since Alabama is famous for its vast array of birdlife, look out for Bald Eagles, Ospreys, Pileated Woodpeckers, Winter Wrens and Common Loons along the way.

Around 60km northeast of Montgomery, Lake Martin is Alabama’s third-largest lake and it’s the peaceful setting for the Cherokee Ridge Alpine Trails. These are a series of well-maintained and expertly marked hiking trails covering 40km, with the Deadening Alpine Trail perhaps the most rewarding.

A loop of around 6.7km, the trail offers splendid views of Lake Martin through picturesque pine trees, while the unusual rock formations of the Needles Eye and Jasmine Bluff form a curious scene. This is a particularly nice trail to hit at sunset, when small boats pierce the lake’s mirror-like surface and the soft evening light hits the foliage by the shore.

Trails that follow repurposed rail lines are one of the most positive innovations for Alabama’s Great Outdoors, and the 63km Chief Ladiga Trail was the state’s original rails-to-trails project. Beginning in the historic town of Anniston, the trail flanks the western side of Talladega National Forest until it reaches Cleburne County.

Named after a 19th-century Muscogee chief, this easy-going route passes by farms, forests, wetlands and gently rolling hills as the state line approaches. The Chief Ladiga Trail is equally good for cycling as well as walking and looks especially handsome in the fall as northern Alabama’s trees burst into orange, red and gold.

With 56km of winding trails, mountain bike enthusiasts should head to Coldwater Mountain. Lined by mountainous pine hardwood on the outskirts of Anniston, this quiet backcountry setting is perfect for zipping around its red-dirt trails and feeling at one with the elements. And with over 3km of downhill ‘gravity’ trails, there’s plenty of opportunity to pick up speed heading down the mountain.

There’s also a good mix of beginner and advanced trails, so everybody is welcome at Coldwater Mountain, which also doubles up as a nature reserve. Look out for plants like purple coneflower, wild gooseberry and Alabama cherry. You might spot the odd white-tailed deer, too.

As the Gulf Coast approaches in southern Alabama, its serpentine water trails are a beautiful and therapeutic way to explore an underrated corner of the US. Stretching for 30km along the Perdido River, this canoe trail slowly winds past uncommon Atlantic White-Cedar trees, pink sundews and soft sandbars where you can pause for a break. Wildlife you might spot along the way includes the bird-voiced tree frog, the swallow-tailed kite and the semi-aquatic rainbow snake.

There are several shelters along the way too, should you wish to pitch up for the night and continue the journey the following day in the river’s tranquil morning light.

Guntersville Lake is one of Alabama’s prettiest scenes and the Sunset Drive Trail is a great way to soak up its shimmering evening light. Meandering along the western shores of the lake, it’s an easy-going paved trail ideal for breezy strolls and enjoying the serenity of being away from the city.

And while it’s well-lit at night, the Sunset Drive Trail – as its name suggests – is best enjoyed when the sun’s early-evening orange glow flares across Lake Guntersville and turns its boats into hazy silhouettes as their wake trails pierce the water. The nearby town of Guntersville is also home to some lovely bistros and restaurants, while the bars at City Harbor are full of Alabama cheer.