Take a hike
A guide to B’ham’s closest getaways
A dog park, zip lining and a rope course, these are some of the options students have driving less than 20 minutes from campus when looking for activities to do outdoors. In fact, 15 minutes in any given direction will lead to mountains, lakes or open fields.
Photos by Amy Lawhon/Staff Illustrator
Jemison Park Nature Trail
15-minute drive
Jemison Park Nature Trail is less than 15 minutes away from campus. The trail is a three-mile loop that goes alongside a stream and is spotted with flowers. Jemison Park is both kid friendly and dog friendly.
“It’s just so convenient out here, off of Lakeshore Drive, and you’re able to actually walk and not be interfered by traffic,” said Tyler Jones, who was out walking his dog.
Jones said that he and Walter, his dog, come out every day, and even more now that the weather has gotten warmer.
According to AllTrails.com, the trail is good for all skill levels, due to being partially paved and having little incline.
Cheryl Brewer, park visitor, said Jemison is a “serene park,” with picnic tables and benches with scenic views.
“It’s really nice to walk across the river,” Jones said. “When it’s clear, you can see fish and all other things. It’s dog friendly. There’s some construction at the very end, but it doesn’t bother anybody.”
Red Mountain Park
15-minute drive
Red Mountain Park is also within 15 minutes from campus and features a variety of outdoor activities.
The park has team building activities, a dog park, zip lining, a rope course, a 75-foot rock-climbing wall and hammock area, according to the Red Mountain Park website.
“We did [the zipline],” said Grayson Barnette, park visitor. “It was pretty long, I think we were going down it for 30 seconds. They said it was maybe 1000 feet. It was really fun.”
They also have 17 different trails of varying lengths and difficulties that span 15 miles.
The park is bike-friendly, and even has bike-repair stations on the trails. Many of the trails are wide enough for a group of bikers or hikers.
Red Mountain Park was established in 1819. The area was once mined for iron, and trails in the park highlight these mining sites. There are “Historic Mine Sites” throughout the trails. Some of the trails are even named after the mines, such as “Smythe Trail” and “Eureka Mines Trail.”
“We like looking at all the historic stuff,” said Brock Sellers, who was hiking with his wife and 7-year-old son. “We don’t understand what all of it is yet, but we’re fascinated by how old it is.”
For the park, the history of the site is an inspiration to the type of area they want Red Mountain to be. According to Red Mountain Park’s website, the men who mined on Red Mountain mined for equality, and the park today is a reminder of our common purpose.
“Our mission [is to] connect our communities by reclaiming the land where Birmingham began, uniting us all of the path toward a healthier future,” according to the Red Mountain Park website.
Moss Rock Preserve
20-minute drive
Moss Rock Preserve is a bit farther away in Hoover, but still under a 20-minute drive from campus.
“Moss Rock Preserve is a beautiful 349-acre nature preserve, abundant with forest systems, large rock outcroppings, streams, waterfalls, wildlife and other unique natural features,” according to the City of Hoover’s website.
The City of Hoover’s website said the preserve has six rare species of plants and features a type of Sandstone Glade that can only be found 35 other places in the world.
Reneika Brown, said she was from Florida, and came to Moss Rock to be near the water.
“I love it,” Brown said. “My aunt referred me to come, she said it’s a place to get peace of mind.”
Another popular part of Moss Rock is the giant rocks.
“Moss Rock has a bunch of boulders that you actually climb bouldering routes on,” said Joseph Blake, park visitor and UAB student. “I rock climb a lot, but I just discovered Moss Rock about a month ago and I’ve already been here six or seven times.”
The preserve was currently doing erosion prevention around the rocks, which, according to Blake, is good because it means the area is being taken care of.
“Birmingham is a major city,” Blake said. “But unlike other major cities, you’re still really close to the rural environment here in Alabama. So, if you like outdoor pursuits, UAB is ideal for that.”
Oak Mountain State Park
30-minute drive
An 18-hole golf course, Flipside Watersports cable skiing and a beach, in the middle of Alabama, are only a few things Oak Mountain State Park has to offer.According to Alabama State Parks,
Because Oak Mountain has such a variety of activities, Michelle Walker, Oak Mountain State Parkstaff member, said that the park is a great place for everyone.
“We get a mixture of seniors who come out here and golf,” Walker said. “A lot of college kids, high school kids and families, because it’s a great place for kids. You can just open the door and let them run.”
