5 Stunning Sunset Hikes in Alabama

Sunset on Ruffner Mountain

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 at Sunset

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.

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5 Summer Day Hike Destinations in Alabama

July may not seem like a prime time for a day hike, considering it’s the hottest month of the year in Alabama. But few things can clear your head like a trek down a shaded trail in the wilderness. With a little bit of research and planning, you can find day hikes that offer beautiful views, some shade and solitude, maybe a waterfall, and maximum restorative benefits. Check out our five top summer day hikes in Alabama that the whole family will enjoy.

 

 

Chinnabee Silent Trail 

The Chinnabee Silent Trail in the Cheaha Wilderness area is a 7.3-mile out-and-back trail near Lineville that features a lake. Cheaha Falls is also accessible on a side trail. The moderately difficult trail allows leashed dogs. Recent hiker reviews note the gorgeous wildflowers along the way as well as the awesome views.  Visitors can access the trail from Turnipseed Campground on State Route 281.

 

 

Desoto Falls waterfall flowing into lake

Desoto Scout Trail

DeSoto Scout Trail is a 3.1 mile moderately trafficked loop trail that features a waterfall and is rated as moderate. Located in Northeast Alabama’s Desoto State Park, it’s actually part of a 16-mile hike with plenty of mountainous scenery that will leave you speechless.  Leashed dogs are welcome. The heavily shaded trail can be narrow and rocky.

 

 

Sunset from scenic overlook in Buck's Pocket State Park

     

Point Rock Trail

This 2.3-mile out-and-back trail in Buck’s Pocket State Park is considered moderate to hard, it leads to a scenic overlook. It starts on the floor of Bucks Pocket Canyon near the campground, and it ends 800 feet higher at Point Rock. Dogs are welcome on the trail, and you can take a break and have a picnic at and area right by the overlook.

 

 

Stone Cuts Trailmonte-sano-day-hike

The Stone Cuts Trail in Monte Sano State Park is a 2.4-mile loop trail near Brownsboro that provides gorgeous views of the state park.  The well-shaded trail ranks as relatively easy with only a 479-foot elevation gain. 

 

 

 

Hugh S. Branyon Backcountry Trail

The Hugh S. Branyon Backcountry Trail near Orange Beach is a 12.2 mile moderately trafficked loop trail that is perfect for cycling as well as hiking. The trail features an air station (for bikes), restrooms, rest benches, and plenty of outlooks to watch the wildlife.

 

 

 

Find the best summer gear at Alabama Outdoors. 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 curbside pickup! #BeOutdoors