Within Point Mallard Park this shaded well maintained gravel trail with limited elevation change provides a great nature trail for the whole family. While at Point Mallard Park, enjoy the other activities such as; the recreation center, multiple swimming pools and water park, ball fields, golf course, year round ice skating, campgrounds and more.

Located just minutes from downtown Birmingham Alabama, Ruffner Mountain Nature Preserve offers a great trail system within a well balanced wildlife habitat. If you are looking for some great running trails and/or hiking near the city, this place is it. This particular loop is the challenging course used during the annual Crusher Ridge Trail Run held each year. The trail will take you through a majority of the park passing various view points along the way. You may want to grab a trail map if you intend to try some of the other trail variations. Dogs are allowed on leash only. As a non profit organization there are no fees to enter the preserve, although a $2 donation is usually provided from visitors and is greatly appreciated.

Located between the Alabama cities of Homewood and Bessemer this urban greenspace park project, known as Red Mountain Park, is located where several ore mines use to be in operation. The Park offers various activities for all ages including a zip-line. This particular loop takes on different trails throughout the park creating a great loop for trail running or leisure hiking. Start at the parking lot located at the end of Frankfurt Drive. From there begin the loop by traveling east on Eureka Mines Trail to get to Ishkooda Mine #13 Mine. Take a left to reach the TCI Connector to Redding Ishkooda Trail. Make your way up the ridge to Graces Gap Overlook before backtracking down Redding Ishkooda Trail to get to the BMRR North Trail. Connecting with the Southwest portion of the Redding Ishkooda Trail you will pass another overlook vista. Finish the loop by traveling on the BMRR South Trail.

This trails follows along the Cahaba River on a paved and lit path. Benches are scattered along the way for resting and relaxing. There are a few places you can climb down and access the river.

Lakeshore Trail (Homewood Shades Creek Greenway) is located near Birmingham, Alabama. Used mainly for trail running and biking this trail is great for all skill levels. A nice inner city trail allowing for a quick break from the city rush, this trail travels along a portion of a creek and is shaded in most areas. Portions of this trail runs parallel to a main road, but also has a section that runs through a wooded area giving a nice break from the city sights.

Out and back from the North Trailhead. The Kings Chair overlook is amazing. There is an open cliff top view of the valley below. It's hard to believe a view like this exists just a few miles feom town. If you stick to this main route, most of the elevation gain of the hike is in the first mile.

Hiking along cliffs and down into a gorge featuring excellent streams and waterfalls and a rock tunnel. There is a swimming hole and picnic area. Several bolted climbing routes, including a 40' anchored slab which is perfect for first time repelling. It used to require a day fee but is now completely free.This track includes the Hurricane Trail which takes you from the entrance down along the cliff line to the picnic area and swimming hole.It also includes the Heavens Staircase trail back out to the entrance.It also includes the Ridge Trail counterclockwise which takes you through the Twilight Tunnel cave (there is a bypass if thats not your thing).Overall this is a beautiful little park that is somewhat of a secret. Well worth visiting if you're close.

An alternate version of the normal Kings Chair loop. It's the normal route out, and takes the Eagles Nest bypass on the way back. The Eagles Nest trail goes straight up the 2nd ridge of the hike instead of around it like the normal route. The payoff is what looks like a massive slab boulder at the top. Its an easy climb up with a view through the tree canopy over to the next ridge (where the Kings Chair lookout is). At the top, you realize that you arent on the back of a boulder, but the top of a 60-70 cliff face. Eagles Nest is short but steep and its a little easier backward than forward. (which is what we did here.)

One of Alabama’s most popular hikes, Walls of Jericho is said to be one of the most beautiful destinations in the state. The tract of land was once owned by a Texas oilman who eventually sold the land in 2001 to Alabama’s “Forever Wild Program”. Pass sinkholes and a small cave before crossing Hurricane Creek by way of a felled oak tree acting as a bridge. Clark Cemetery is the next stop with gravestones dating back to 1835. There is a primitive campsite near the cemetery located at the end of the equestrian trail. This gives you the option to explore the area more and make this trip a multi day hike if so desired. After passing the campsite you will cross Turkey Creek twice. Be aware that you will get a little wet, as there are no bridges here. At this point the canyon walls start to tower over head as the name Walls of Jericho becomes apparent. Enjoy various waterfalls cascading down rock faces as well as a few rock scrambles. Further up the canyon you will reach your destination and one more waterfall. Watch as water cascades down into a cavern disappearing into a pool somewhere below. Be sure to have proper footwear as the terrain is rocky and can be a bit slippery. During heavy rains the canyon is prone to flash flooding. Check weather before venturing into the canyon.

Another loop that takes you to Kings Chair and back. This version of the hike has a much more steady approach to the elevation on the way up. It takes the easier direction up to Eagles Nest on the way back. As always, the view at Kings Chair is worth the hike.