Fun Bike Trails in Alabama
Alabama bike riding can be slow rolling hills, steep mountain downhills or hiking through thick forest. The breath of available riding makes Alabama great for any skill level. Riders of all ages and skill will find something worthwhile in Alabama. Here are a few of my favorites.
South Alabama, near Mobile has a great track for both the inexperienced biker as well as those of an advanced level of skill. There are some great rolling hills that can help you pick up quite a bit of speed. The track is a 15 mile loop with a smaller 7.5 mile loop. The trails are very well-maintained and quite popular with the locals.
Just outside of Birmingham, Alabama is the Oak Mountain State Park which boasts some of the best riding in the south. There is a small admission fee to use the trails in this state park but it is well worth it. For the advanced rider there is Blood Rock Trail which is a great technical ride and great for training and going all out. For beginners there are lots of trails with up and down rolling hills like a roller coaster ride. Either way Oak Mountain is worth your time.
Wetempka has the Swayback Bridge Trail which is a fifteen mile loop with some of the steepest downhills I have ever encountered. The rocks and exposed roots will keep you on your toes while the quick descents guarantee that you will have fun. Bring a camera to get some good pics of nearby Lake Jordan. I recommend riding later in the morning to give the other riders a chance of clearing the trails from overnight spider webs. Hey, it’s the south, and you need to be prepared for bugs.
Hurricane Creek Park near Cullman, Alabama has approximately 8 miles of steep and technical trails. There is a small, deep canyon on several hundred acres of land. Expect a lot of freestyle riding. Full suspension is a plus. If youre not completely worn out from riding hard, theres plenty of gorgeous scenery to enjoy as well.
Huntsville, Alabama has the Montesano State Park. This state park is over thirty miles of bumpy, twisting trails. The trail follows the mountain so some are pretty dangerous with big drops. If a trail isn’t designated for bikes, that do not go on it. These trails should all be pretty well marked. There are trails for easy family riding too but most trails expect you to have some experience.
Colonial Hill ORV is solely for the skilled and advanced biker. Watch out because the dirt bikers love this area too. Colonial Hill has over fifteen miles of trails and there are some serious long climbs. The effort is worth it for these descents, the reward is worth the wait. If you also like rocky climbs and not just exposed root, but old tree stumps to jump, Colonial Hill is perfect for you.
Thanks to Alabamas mild winters, cyclists and mountain bikers can enjoy riding all year round. The state parks in Alabama are especially popular places to ride throughout the year. No matter where you go, be sure to keep hydrated and be safe! Happy trails!
