Trail running is a challenging sport that combines running with hiking on unpaved surfaces for a unique and fulfilling mental and physical workout. If you are looking for the best trails to run in Alabama, we have compiled a list of the top trail-running areas from Florence to Birmingham to the Gulf Coast.

Birmingham running trails

Red Mountain Park

Red Mountain Park offers more than 1,500 acres of trails to run at your own pace. One of our favorite trails at Red Mountain is the route to Rushing Rendezvous which is 2.05 miles from the welcome center. Red Mountain is also pet-friendly: They have Remy dog park for your furry friends when you are done on the trails. 

Oak Mountain State Park

Located in Pelham, Oak Mountain has more than 100 miles of trails for hikers and mountain bikers alike. The park is Alabama’s largest state park with over 11,000 acres and offers a wide variety of trails, from a 3-mile loop around Double Oak Lake to a 6.2-mile moderate path to a 14-mile difficult trail.

Moss Rock Preserve

Located in Hoover, Moss Rock Preserve is a 349-acre nature preserve with about 12 miles of hiking and running trails. Moss Rock is also very popular for climbers as it offers around 40 easily accessible bouldering problems. Be sure not to miss the beautiful waterfalls while you are there!

Ruffner Mountain Nature Preserve

Located in Birmingham, about 15 minutes from downtown is Ruffner Mountain Nature Preserve. Ruffner Mountain has around 12 miles of trails and offers some spectacular overlooks and views of The Magic City. 

Florence/ Shoals Area trails

Cane Creek Canyon

Located in Tuscumbia, Cane Creek Canyon Nature Preserve is about 15 miles south of Florence. This preserve has 700 acres of beautiful nature filled with over 15 miles of trails great for hiking and trail running. As you run or wander through the nature preserve you will find stunning overlooks and waterfalls.

Shoals Creek Preserve 

Shoals Creek Preserve is a beautiful nature preserve just north of Florence. The preserve is around 300 acres and has over 4 miles of trails for hiking, running, biking, and even horse riding. Be sure to check out the waterfall on the Lawson Branch trail!

Wildwood Park

Wildwood Park is just a couple miles from downtown Florence. The park has plenty of nature trails and even 3-5 miles of mountain biking trails ranging from beginner to advanced. Not to mention it is so easy to access if you are looking for a beautiful spot for a quick run.

Mobile area trail runs

Blakely State Park

Blakely State Park is a historic park in Spanish Fork with more than 2,000 acres of very diverse habitats. Located within the Mobile-Tensaw Delta, the park also offers boat tours through the rivers. So after your run or hike, you can sit back, relax, and enjoy the sights of the park from the boat. 

Hugh S. Branyon Backcountry Trail

Located in Orange Beach, Hugh S. Branyon Backcountry Trail is made up of seven trails, with six different ecosystems that stretch around 15 miles. The trail systems will take you through Orange Beach, Gulf Shores, and even Gulf State Park. Not only are the trails great for hiking and trail running, but each also offers something different, so make it a weekend trip and explore all the attractions it has to offer. 

Chickasabogue Park ( Chickasabogue Park Temporarily Closed for Amenity and Infrastructure Upgrades)

Chickasabogue Park is a 1,100-acre park just 20 minutes north of Mobile. With over 17 miles of hiking and biking trails, there are plenty of options for you, whether you are looking for an easy stroll through the wildlife refuge or a longer trail run. This is another great park for a full day of activities as they also have a disc golf course, a white sandy beach with a swimming area to relax, and campsites for when you are ready to call it a day. 

Read a review of trail-running shoes and socks here. Find all your trail-running 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, curbside pickup, or delivery. #BeOutdoors