Of course, it’s tough to resist that delectable dressing and gravy, as well as the pecan pie. So, instead of depriving yourself, work it off by hiking during your holiday break. After all, you can burn hundreds of calories per hour while hiking, and it’s a great opportunity to spend quality time with your family and friends.

In Alabama, you’ll find plenty of great hikes that not only burn calories, but also take you to high-mountain views, quiet streams and beautiful waterfalls. When you’re ready to work off your Thanksgiving feast, consider one of the following invigorating hikes.

Pinhoti Trail/Cave Creek Loop

Cool, crisp mountain air and one of the best views of the Talladega Mountains await you when you hike the 6.8-mile Pinhoti Trail/Cave Creek Loop.

This moderate hike begins just northeast of Cheaha State Park at the stone portal of the Cheaha Trailhead on Highway 281. Half of this loop uses Alabama’s famous long path, the Pinhoti Trail, which is appropriate since Pinhoti is an Indian word for “turkey.” Along the Pinhoti section you’ll pass the bronze marker that’s embedded in a granite boulder commemorating the connection of the Pinhoti Trail to the Appalachian Trail. Further along, you’ll reach McDill Point, which offers spectacular views of the surrounding mountains. To return, you’ll use a connector trail to reach the Cave Creek Trail. In one section you’ll do a little rock scramble, but you’re rewarded with more great views.

Turkey Creek Nature Preserve

If you’re looking for quiet solitude in the woods and a fun place to work off the mashed potatoes, take a ramble along the 5.3-miles of trails at the Turkey Creek Nature Preserve in Pinson.

The preserve is closed on Thanksgiving Day, but it reopens the following day.

The paths range in difficulty from easy to moderate as they wind through a thick forest of pines and hardwoods. During your hike you’ll encounter babbling streams, a boulder field, and the rushing waters of Turkey Creek. Normally, in the summer months the creek is filled with locals and visitors splashing in its icy waters, but in late fall this is a tranquil place where you can rest beside a garden of small waterfalls and let the sound take you away.

Martha’s Falls

How about a water”fall” hike to Martha’s Falls in Little River Canyon. Starting at the Little River Canyon Center, this one is an easy 3.2-mile roundtrip walk. You’ll enjoy beautiful views of the deepest canyon east of the Mississippi and visit Martha’s Falls, where tumbling rapids spill into a broad pool. This is also a popular spot in the summertime for a dip in the swimming hole.

Land Trust of North Alabama

Maybe you’d like to get in your exercise before you gobble down all that great food. If that’s the case, join the staff and volunteers of the Land Trust of North Alabama for their annual Thanksgiving Day hike at the Monte Sano Preserve in Huntsville. The preserve has an amazing array of trails with towering bluff lines, old quarry caves, springs, waterfalls, and interesting history.

The organization has been hosting this event for the past 28 years, and the 4-mile out and back trek begins at 9 a.m. at the Bankhead Trailhead and goes to the Three Caves Trailhead. You can also choose to leave a car at the Three Caves Trailhead for a 2-mile one way option.

Written by Joe Cuhaj for RootsRated in partnership with Blue Cross Blue Shield of AL and legally licensed through the Matcha publisher network. Please direct all licensing questions to legal@getmatcha.com.

We all get busy this time of year, with one holiday following another. In fact, many folks get stressed out from the hustle and bustle of gift shopping and gatherings with friends and families. But, a holiday hike is the perfect cure for a frazzled brain.

Across Alabama you’ll find plenty of amazing trails that wind through calm woods to help you decompress. Whether you’re seeking a stunning mountain view, the soothing sounds of a cascading waterfall, or just a quiet spot beside a placid lake, you can restore your holiday cheer with these 10 hikes.

Shoal Creek Preserve

If you’re in Florence in northwest Alabama and you need a holiday break, head to the trails of the Shoal Creek Preserve, where two magnificent trails interconnect and allow you to do loop hikes. If you want to walk for just an hour or so, try the 2.4-mile lollipop loop hike on the Lawson Branch Trail, or a 2.5-mile walk on the Jones Branch Trail. For a longer jaunt, combine the two for a great 4.3-mile double loop.

No matter how you hike the preserve, you’re in for a treat, as the Jones Branch and Lawson Branch are home to babbling cascades and other tranquil water features.

Cane Creek Nature Preserve

A lot has been written about Cane Creek Nature Preserve and for good reason—the combination of geology, wildflowers, and rushing streams makes this a remarkable site to hike no matter what the season.

Located in Tuscumbia, the preserve has more than 15 miles of trails that intertwine, giving you almost unlimited hiking possibilities.

Of course, you won’t see a lot of wildflowers during the holiday season, but the landscape more than makes up for it. Take in a panoramic view of the canyon and surrounding hills from “The Point,” as hawks and eagles soar around you. Then, make your way into the canyon to several rock shelters, many of which are adorned with tumbling waterfalls.

Before you visit Cane Creek, be aware that the preserve has new hours of operation, which you’ll find on its Facebook page.

Monte Sano State Park Plateau Loop

Circling the top of Huntsville’s Monte Sano Mountain, the Plateau Loop runs through Monte Sano State Park and provides nice views during winter. Traversing relatively easy and level terrain, this 5.4-mile double loop is comprised of the 1.9-mile North Plateau Trail and the 3.5-mile South Plateau Trail.

The South Plateau leads you to some nice overlooks, the best being the rock outcropping known as O’Shaugnessy Point, which is located about halfway through the loop.

The North Plateau takes you to another overlook and a short side trail near the park’s picnic area. If you follow the side trail, you’ll reach a nice waterfall where you can sit and contemplate all of those amazing hiking gifts you’ll see under the tree this year.

DeSoto State Park Falls Loop

DeSoto State Park is a beautiful park in and of itself but add a dusting of snow—as is often the case during the holidays—and it becomes magical.

A favorite of hikers this time of year is the Falls Loop, which actually includes three of the park’s trails—Laurel Falls, Lost Falls, and Azalea Cascade—to form a 3.1-mile loop. As their names imply, each is a beautiful waterfall tumbling down the sandstone rocks, offering hikers the sound of a soft, soothing cascade as a holiday gift.

Sipsey Wilderness

Pick a route, any route through the Sipsey Wilderness, and you’re guaranteed an amazing winter hike. Around just about every corner you’ll pass towering sandstone canyon walls with cascading waterfalls. Plus, you can stroll beside the beautiful, clear waters of the Sipsey River. With 45 miles of trails, the wilderness holds a wide variety of hiking options, from easy walks to lengthy, challenging treks.

Cahaba River NWR Piper Interpretive Trail

A holiday celebration wouldn’t be complete without a walk through the pines. At the Cahaba River National Wildlife Refuge, you can stroll down an impressive aisle of longleaf and loblolly pines on the Piper Interpretive Trail.

This 2.3-mile out-and-back hike not only leads you through impressive stands of pine trees, but it also visits high rocky bluffs that offer views of shoals on the Cahaba River.

To complete a loop, you can return on an old road, but be aware that the road is covered with gravel stones that measure 2 to 3 inches and make walking difficult.

Flagg Mountain Loop

Flagg Mountain is recognized as the last mountain more than 1,000-feet tall in the southern Appalachians. Hikers sometimes say that Flagg is “so tall it generates its own weather.” Of course, that’s a joke, since the mountain is only 1,152 feet tall. But, it does snow on Flagg, and when it happens the 1.8-mile Flagg Mountain Loop Trail is simply beautiful.

The loop is created by joining two trails, the Yellow and White Trails. If you go, be sure to add the extra 0.6-mile out-and-back from where the two trails join together to view the 1930s craftsmanship of the Civilian Conservation Corps (CCC). Along this stretch you’ll see cabins made of logs that were hand hewn for a proposed state park that never was.

Conecuh National Forest Pond Loop

The Conecuh National Forest in Andalusia has several great trails for backpacking and day hiking. In winter during the holiday season, many of the trails are shared with hunters, but you can still safely enjoy this beautiful longleaf pine forest along the Pond Loop Trail.

This loop is actually a collection of several different segments of the white-blazed Conecuh Trail, and they stretch approximately 2.2 miles when joined together. To begin the hike, start with a loop around the Open Pond Recreation Area’s namesake, Open Pond. Then, head off to circle the dark, placid waters of Ditch, Buck, and Alligator Ponds, where you might see wood ducks and wild turkeys, as well as Bobwhite Quail darting in and out of the brush.

If you need to extend your holiday respite, the Open Pond Rec Area has a 5-star campground that’s the perfect for a good old fashioned family winter campout.

Perdido River Trail

If you have plans to visit the Alabama Gulf Coast this holiday season and want to get away from the normal tourist trappings, take a hike along the Perdido River Trail. Located in Robertsdale, the trail is now almost 20 miles long, but the first segment from the south trailhead makes a wonderful 4-mile winter out-and-back hike.

The trail follows the banks of its namesake river, which runs along the border of Alabama and Florida. As you walk, you’ll be treated to beautiful sandbars and an Atlantic cedar swamp. Plus, there’s a good chance you’ll see bald eagles soaring overhead.

Bon Secour NWR Pine Beach Trail

Snow on the Alabama Gulf Coast? Not quite, but close enough as you head to one of the most pristine and secluded beaches on the coast along the Pine Beach Trail.

This is an easy 4-mile out-and-back that begins in a maritime wetland and forest. Farther on, it weaves through a series of impressive sand dunes bedecked with waving sea oats before arriving at the snowy white beaches of the Gulf.

Be sure to pack a lunch, and about a mile into the hike stop at a two-story platform to view birds and other wildlife. And don’t forget, the dunes play host to many species of wildlife and help protect the mainland from devastating storms. Because of this they are federally protected, meaning you should stay on the marked trail.

Written by Joe Cuhaj for RootsRated in partnership with Blue Cross Blue Shield of AL and legally licensed through the Matcha publisher network. Please direct all licensing questions to legal@getmatcha.com.

With four national forests and 21 state parks, Alabama offers infinite opportunities to spend a weekend in the great outdoors—whether you prefer to find a campsite in the woods or pitch a tent practically on the beach. Alabama’s state parks typically play host to tons of amenities, often including restaurants, lodges, equipment rentals, and nature centers or museums; many state parks also provide access to incredible backcountry experiences.

Other public land—encompassing nearly 667,000 acres of Alabama—boasts much of the same fascinating history, much of it with the Civilian Conservation Corps, but in the company of fewer other visitors.

Regardless of where you plan to pitch your tent (and whether you plan to drive, hike, bike, or boat there) the time to hit the trail is now: Temperatures are cooling off, bugs have dissipated, and the fall camping season is in full swing. The wilderness is awaiting adventurers—and if you’re a camping newbie, here’s a rundown of some of the best spots for camping in Alabama.

Oak Mountain State Park

With over 11,000 acres, Oak Mountain is Alabama’s largest state park—and whether you’re looking for a relaxing getaway or a more rugged, off-the-beaten-path experience, this park has you covered. Oak Mountain boasts tent and RV sites, along with excellent hike-in backpacking sites for parties of up to eight.

It’s not just great camping: In addition to its hiking trails, this park’s mountain bike trail system was named to the international Epic Trail list by the International Mountain Bicycling Association in 2010. Oak Mountain rents canoes and SUPs for use on one of two 85-acre lakes—and, for those not ready to quite give up the summer, a beach specifically for campground guests.

Open Pond Recreation Area

Looking to skip the crowds? Open Pond Recreation Area has fewer amenities than many of Alabama’s state parks, but it also sees far fewer visitors each season—and, at just $8/night for a tent site, it’s a bargain. Sites boast panoramic views of the area’s namesake pond, as well as access to fishing, boating, biking, and hiking on the Conecuh Trail, which covers 20 miles of Conecuh National Forest. The trail—built by the Youth Conservation Corps—is open to backpackers, though it’s crucial to coordinate backcountry trips with the District Office to avoid scheduled deer hunts in the adjacent wildlife management area.

Cheaha State Park

Alabama’s oldest state park is also one of the best spots for great views—it encompasses the 2,413-foot Cheaha Mountain, the highest point in the state. The Civilian Conservation Corps built a stone observation deck on the summit of Cheaha in the park’s early days; visitors can still take in the sights from Bunker Tower today. Cheaha is also the starting point for the 335-mile Pinhoti National Recreation Trail, which winds through Talladega National Forest on its course to the Appalachian Trail.

The park’s semi-primitive tent sites allow campers to park adjacent to their spot along the Picnic Trail, while primitive sites feel isolated from the hustle and bustle of the park. Reserve either type in advance for the best spots.

Cathedral Caverns State Park

Cathedral Caverns is no longer called “Bat Cave,” but the moniker is still appropriate: The park’s main feature is its limestone cave system, which contains a forest of stalagmites—including Goliath, one of the world’s largest at 45 feet tall and 243 feet in circumference.

The park offers both improved and primitive campsites—no reservations required, and, unlike many state parks, no minimum stay, even on weekends—along with a backcountry site on Pisgah Mountain. Save a few bucks thanks to Cathedral Caverns’ cheaper camping fees (a benefit of its off-the-beaten-path nature), and splurge on a 90-minute cave tour, offered several times daily year-round.

Magnolia Branch Wildlife Reserve

With 12 miles of waterfront, Magnolia Branch is one of the best spots in the state to enjoy kayaking, canoeing, swimming, fishing, or tubing just steps from your tent. The reserve does have RV hookups and 15 tent sites with water. For folks looking to plan a last-minute trip, Magnolia Branch doesn’t put a limit on the number of primitive campsites—meaning you’re virtually guaranteed a spot, even on a busy weekend.

DeSoto State Park

This state park gets plenty of points for biggest variety both in terms of overnight options and daytime activities. In addition to its improved, primitive, and backcountry sites, DeSoto State Park is home to a wall tent site, four rustic CCC cabins, and the primitive Pioneer Cabin.

Start the morning off on the right foot by attending an hourlong session of outdoor yoga (schedule here; $5/person), then spend your days canoeing or kayaking a section of flatwater above 107-foot Desoto Falls—the park rents single sit-on-top kayaks for $15/hour or $25/hour for tandem—or hiking on the park’s 35 miles of trails.

Gulf State Park

Located on the shores of the Gulf of Mexico, the aptly named Gulf State Park is home to 2 miles of white sand beaches, along with over 28 miles of hiking and biking trails in the Hugh S. Branyon Backcountry Trail Complex, which covers six distinct ecosystems.

The developed campground at Gulf State Park is enormous—it offers nearly 500 sites with hookups—but the park has also added 11 primitive campsites for a more intimate experience, and 3 glamping sites. Along with myriad other forms of wildlife, this park is home to alligators, and though attacks on humans are rare, park management asks that visitors stay aware of their surroundings while in the park.

Written by Blane Bachelor for RootsRated in partnership with Blue Cross Blue Shield of AL and legally licensed through the Matcha publisher network. Please direct all licensing questions to legal@getmatcha.com.

Find what you need for your camping adventure here! We want everyone to enjoy the outdoors, and we work to build loyalty one connection at a time. Visit one of our stores or take advantage of our shipping or in-store pickup! #BeOutdoors

Ruffner Mountain hosts some of the best sunsets in and around Birmingham. Photo by Rain0975.

Alabama is blessed with more than a few spots in the great outdoors with vistas that are perfect for watching a sunset. From an easy walk on the Gulf Coast to a challenging trek in North Alabama, we have five favorite sunset hikes around the state.

A quick heads-up before you head out: Take caution when hiking during the sunset hours. Prepare for low-light conditions with flashlights, headlamps, and other essentials like a compass. The hikes listed here are all well-maintained and popular, yet hikers should always arrive prepared and navigate cautiously when visiting after dark.

1. Ruffner sunset hikes

Ruffner Mountain Nature Preserve is popular with Birmingham residents for many reasons. It’s accessible enough for a quick after-work hike; its 14 miles of interconnected trails give hikers and trail runners plenty of recreational opportunities, and the mountain’s abandoned mines recall an era of forgotten history.

The sunsets, though, are among the best around Birmingham. Ruffner Mountain offers numerous west-facing viewpoints for watching the sunset beyond the downtown skyline; a recommended favorite is the quick (yet moderately challenging) Overlook Trail. At less than a half-mile, the trail ends at a viewpoint above a quarry, where hikers can enjoy panoramic views of the sunset. The trail’s popularity and distance make it a safe bet for quickly returning to the car—even after dark.

2. Dauphin Island sunset stroll

Dauphin Island offers several beaches and viewpoints for watching the sunset. 

It’s almost impossible to talk about Alabama’s best sunset hikes without mentioning Dauphin Island, which bills itself as the “Sunset Capital of Alabama.”

Three miles south of Mobile Bay, Dauphin Island is the southernmost point in Alabama. The 14-mile-long island (population: 1,300) has become a popular, albeit low-key, tourist destination in recent years, thanks in part to its white, sandy beaches and numerous walking trails.

Hikers won’t have to go far—or work hard—for a breathtaking sunset. The island offers miles of mostly flat walking and cycling trails, with unobstructed viewpoints aplenty in East End Park, Magnolia Park, West End Beach, and Dauphin Island Public Beach.

3. Vulcan Trail at sunset

The mostly forested Vulcan Trail offers numerous clearings and viewpoints for enjoying the sunset. Photo by Lee Adlaf

The paved Vulcan Trail contains all the ingredients for an idyllic sunset hike. It gains less than 200 feet, so hikers won’t be too out of breath to enjoy the views; the path follows the ridge of Red Mountain, giving visitors a glimpse of the region’s natural beauty; and the short length (a mile each way) means that it’s a relatively easy jaunt to return to the trailhead after dark.

Trees line the vast majority of the Vulcan Trail, but the occasional viewpoint promises wide-open views of downtown Birmingham, nearby mountain ridges, and more. If you have time beforehand, head to nearby Vulcan Park to learn about the region’s rich mining history and enjoy other panoramic vistas.

4. McDill Point sunset trek

Ambitious hikers, this one’s for you: McDill Point offers an overnight trek near Cheaha State Park, so you can extend that sunset hike into a longer adventure. Hikers making the effort will be rewarded with gorgeous sunsets behind the tree line, not to mention starry night skies above.

Hikers start the 3.2-mile hike on the Pinhoti Trail, pass through the Cheaha Wilderness in the Talladega National Forest, take the McDill Point spur trail, and eventually arrive at their destination: a series of boulder cliffs at McDill Point. (Note: This area is protected from the wind and is an ideal spot to set up camp.)

A quick scramble up the boulders takes hikers to a west-facing outcrop with views of the surrounding forest and the wide-open night sky as the sun dips—quite a memorable way to end the day.

5. Gulf State Park sunset walk

Gulf State Park hosts two miles of sandy beaches for relaxing and watching the sunset. 

The Gulf Coast hosts dozens of viewpoints, parks, and trails for enjoying the sunset, but one that’s especially awesome is Gulf State Park. The picturesque park hosts two miles of white, sandy beaches and a fishing pier that extends more than 1,500 feet into the Gulf—both of which offer plenty of room and unfettered views as the sun descends behind the horizon.

Hikers and cyclists looking for added adventure can hit up the park’s 15-mile Hugh S. Branyon Backcountry Trail system. Gulf State Park’s seven, well-graded paths take hikers through a lush maritime forest, windswept sand dunes, and inland lakes. Along the way, hikers might spot a bobcat, white-tailed deer, or sunbathing alligator.

Written by Matt Wastradowski for RootsRated in partnership with BCBS of AL.

Need to upgrade your summer adventure gear? We can help! Alabama Outdoors wants everyone to enjoy the outdoors, and we work to build loyalty one connection at a time. Visit one of our stores or take advantage of our shipping or convenient in-store pickup! #BeOutdoors

Springtime in Alabama is about as good as it gets. And it’s a prime season for hiking. Birmingham has a wealth of destinations to stretch your legs and fill your lungs with fresh air in the woods.

Difficulty ranges from easy trails that are suitable for the whole family, to more secluded trails that are geared towards more experienced hikers. Whatever category you fall into, it’s time to put away the winter coat, kick a little dirt on your boots, and witness Birmingham in bloom. Here are some of our favorite hikes within a 60 mile radius of Birmingham’s city center that are perfect for tackling in the spring.

1. Ruffner Mountain Nature Preserve | 8.4 Miles from Downtown

Ruffner Mountain is a breather from city life, without driving a long distance for the destination. These trails are built for walking, hiking, or running. Take advantage of the learning center, grab a map, and enjoy the incredible mountainous views. At Hawk’s View Overlook, you can gaze over Birmingham’s skyline spearing into the horizon. The trails are well-maintained, so bring the kids and/or dogs on the Geology Trail and Nature Trail (.62 miles round trip). The Quarry Trail (3.1 miles round trip) is suitable for families with older children or for time in much-needed solitude. If you’re looking for a something a little longer, take the Loop Hike which incorporates several trails and includes hidden treasures such as old mine ruins along the way.

2. Oak Mountain State Park | 22 Miles from Downtown

If you live in the Birmingham area, Oak Mountain seems like an obvious choice for hiking. Only minutes outside the city’s limits, it is the largest state park in Alabama. It is a favorite because of its unique beauty and variety of hiking options. More than 50 miles of trails give you plenty to choose from, all of which are full of character and natural allure. The Red Trail is the longest, popular with bikers, and crosses a total of 24 bridges along the way. Be sure to check out the many scenic overlooks. Waterfalls (namely, Peavine Falls) and rock formations make Oak Mountain State Park trails a unique experience that will invite you to return again and again.

3. Falling Rock Falls | 39 Miles from Downtown

For a more organic, rougher trail, take a hike to Falling Rock Falls. This is a gated path that prevents vehicles in the area, so parking isn’t the best. But the gem at the end of the trail is worth any inconveniences. Falling Rock Falls is a sparkling 90-foot waterfall with a small cavern behind the cascade. Exploration of the falls may be treacherous, so take caution of slippery rocks and the height. Time the trip for when the dogwoods are in bloom, and inhale the perfume of wisteria peppered throughout the hike. Shaded and hidden away by mature trees, this is truly a diamond in the rough.

4. Tannehill Loop | 29 Miles from Downtown

Residents of Birmingham are very familiar with local Tannehill State Park. Restored pioneer cabins, furnaces, a cotton gin, and a working gristmill are popular attractions to this park, but the trails are equally awe-inspiring. They are wide and easy to navigate, parts of which follow the route of ore miners and furnace workers. Choose between Slave Quarters Trail, Furnace Trail, Iron Haul Road (which will take you past the Slave Cemetery), Grist Mill Trail, and the Tram Track which is newly restored. Or if you’re feeling ambitious, enjoy them all for a 5.1-mile round trip.

5. Veterans Park | 12 Miles from Downtown

Veterans Park, formerly known as Spain Park, is a 260-acre park that welcomes many activities for the whole family. But hiking stands out as a favorite past time through these shaded woods. The main loop circles the park and offers varying terrain over rocks, roots, wetlands and lake area. Take a detour down a branch trail and enjoy the peaceful quiet off the beaten path. Bring the kids and pack a lunch. This park entices visitors to stay long enough for a minimum of 1.3-mile round trip hike and a picnic.

6. Buck Creek Trail | 22 Miles from Downtown

For an easy and scenic hike, Buck Trail is a choice you won’t regret. It is about a 3 mile path—wide and smooth—that connects Buck Creek Park and Warrior Park. There are three different trailheads that a hiker can choose from for entry, one of which is an old mill site called Buck Creek Mill. The main trail is smooth enough for strollers, and pets are welcome. You’ll cross five bridges along the way across picturesque Buck Creek, and don’t forget to look for the waterfall behind the mill site.

7. Moss Rock Preserve | 14 Miles from Downtown

This 349-acre nature reserve is a gorgeous choice for hiking year-round. With nearly 12 miles of pristine hiking trails maintained mostly by volunteers, Moss Rock Preserve is a hidden paradise for the city weary. It is a fairly easy hike with about 1.2 miles best described as moderate. Rock outcroppings, wildlife, waterfalls, boulders, and streams are lovely features along with four rare species of plants.

8. Red Mountain Park | 10 Miles from Downtown

Red Mountain is a well-known area for Birmingham residents. This park is 1,500 acres with 12 miles of fun trails, and if you’re looking for a diverse experience, check out the historic mines, Red Ore Zip Line, a tree house called the Kaul Adventure Tower, and an off-leash dog park.

9. Turkey Creek Nature Preserve | 15 Miles from Downtown

The breathtaking Turkey Creek Nature Preserve is a place that hikers are not likely to forget. There are currently four trails with the potential of more in years to come. Follow the ridgeline above the creek, tour the varied terrain, and enjoy hours of natural beauty with easy to moderate trails, totaling about 3 miles. And during the warmer spring days, be sure to take a dip in one of Alabama’s best swimming holes.

10. Black Creek Trail | 6 Miles from Downtown

Black Creek Park has a unique and enjoyable trail that used to be an old rail bed. The ties and rails were pulled up to create a 3.5 mile trail appropriate for running, walking, and hiking. The trail runs along Black Creek and is complete with mile markers to help you track your distance. Pets are welcome and will find this track easy to navigate.

11. Hillsboro Trail in Helena | 27 Miles from Downtown

The Hillsboro Trail is another rail trail that offers roughly 2 miles of easy hiking for a quick afternoon outing. Part of the trail is wide and paved for those looking for smooth terrain. Most of the trail runs through a forest that used to be home to operating coal mines.

12. Jemison Park Nature Trail | 5.1 Miles from Downtown

The Jemison Trail is a 3 mile out-and-back that is great for satisfying the hiking itch year-round. Part of the trail is paved, and part is crushed gravel. What it lacks in seclusion, it does not lack in beauty. Walk or run beneath a canopy of trees that keep the path shaded and cool in the spring—the perfect place for a quick breather when city claustrophobia creeps in.

Written by Natalie Cone for RootsRated and legally licensed through the Matcha publisher network. Please direct all licensing questions to legal@getmatcha.com.