How to Visit Oak Mountain State Park in Alabama
Situated east of Birmingham, Ala, along a western ridge, Oak Mountain State Park appears to be a natural choice for the nearby city seeking outdoor recreation. Beside the several lakes, the riding stables and the golf course, there are also fishing opportunities as well as cabins and a campground. Wilderness explorations involve several trails, including one down to the impressive Peavine Falls, a must-see destination while visiting the park.
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Things You'll Need
- Good walking shoes
- Water
- Sunscreen
- Camera
- Insect repellent
- Camping and fishing equipment (if necessary)
Instructions
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Alabama's Oak Mountain
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Stop at the entrance Information Center and inquire about fees and licenses. Those visitors who plan to camp should note that the camping facility is at the furthest point in the park and is situated near Beaver Lake. The drive is pleasant.
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Stay at the campground and take full advantage of the Beaver Lake beach. The campground has shower facilities.
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Opt for any of the recreational pursuits available, depending on expertise. Note that the marina only involves light craft like canoes and paddle boats.
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Visit the stables. If one is not intent on riding horses, at least stop and take the children to the accessible petting zoo.
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Access any of the nature trails that are located across from the tennis courts at Double Oak Lake. The trails are easy and there is ample wildlife and bird viewing.
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Take Terrace Drive south from Double Oak Lake and ascend up the mountain to its crest. This is a pleasant drive with many opportunities to view either Birmingham from afar or a brilliant sunset.
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Continue on the drive to its end. Stop at the parking area and follow directional signs to Peavine Falls. The trail starts relatively wide and then narrows to a single path, with the designated route indistinguishable when dropping off the ridge down to the water pool.
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Note also that when reaching the trail fork, the hike is considered moderate to strenuous. One option takes the hiker to the brink while the other option takes the hiker to the pool. The hike to the pool is brief, but is more challenging, especially considering the return hike to the ridge.
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Tips & Warnings
If opting not to camp at the park, note that Birmingham offers all the lodging and dining amenities necessary. Birmingham also is capable of supplying any impromptu sport enthusiast. Plan the visit during spring or autumn where everything is more colorful. Winter can be cold and unpredictable. Summer can be humid and bug-infested.
