HikersNestled in the foothills of the Appalaichan Mountains, Birmingham is a haven for outdoor enthusiasts. The flowing Cahaba River and the area’s plentiful lakes, ponds, and streams make Birmingham a Southeast oasis for nature lovers. Read on for ideas for your next outdoor activities in Birmingham.

  1. Auto Racing

    2. Nothing is better than being outdoors and hearing the rev of an engine, or a car spin out on a killer curve. Birmingham is the place to be if you are an auto enthusiast, amateur racer, or are looking for that pump of adrenalin that a good race brings. Check out Talladega Superspeedway, or Barber Motorsports Park for some of the best races in the country: whether its NASCAR, the Indy Grand Prix, or regular old drag racing. For Talladega Superspeedway please visit: www.TalladegaSuperSpeedway.com. For Barber Motorsports Park visit: www.BarberMotorSports.com.

  2. Fishing

    3. Birmingham’s area lakes and rivers make the locale a fisherman’s paradise. Largemouth bass have been pulled out of Alabama’s waters that are bigger than anywhere else in the country! Fish the local Cahaba River or East Lake or – if you are up for a trek – head to Smith Lake, Lake Logan Martin, Lake Neely Henry, or Bankhead Reservoir for some of the best fishing in the Southeast! For more information on outdoor activities in Birmingham and area fishing go to: www.DCNR.state.al.us.

  3. Golf

    4. Looking for outdoor activities in Birmingham? This Southeastern city has some of the best-groomed golf courses in the South; its Greystone Country Club hosts the Bruno’s Memorial Classics Senior PGA Tour each year. The Robert Trent Jones Golf Trail is the largest golf course construction project ever built and it consists of 468 holes at 11 different sites all across Alabama. Birmingham’s location Oxmoor Valley Golf Course is a famous stop for traveling golfers. Explore Birmingham’s pristine courses while working on your short game. For the Greystone Country Club please visit: www.GreyStoneCC.com. To learn more about the Robert Trent Jones Golf Trail go to: www.RTJGolf.com.

  4. Nature Walk

    5. Birmingham has many gardens and nature preserves within the confines of the city. Take a trip to the Birmingham Botanical Gardens and stroll through the Japanese Garden or lounge in Blount Plaza. The Ruffner Mountain Nature Center is another stretch of green inside the hustle and bustle of the city where you can wander on numerous trails, take a rigorous hike, or even a picnic lunch! The best news is that both outdoor activities in Birmingham are free! For the Birmingham Botanical Gardens see: www.BBGardens.org. For the Ruffner Mountain Nature Center go to: www.RuffnerMountain.org.


  5. Boating

    6. Birmingham’s East Lake and Cahaba River are perfect destinations for a quiet paddle away from life’s worries. Outside of Birmingham you will find Smith Lake, Lake Neely Henry, and others. Strap your canoe to your SUV or rent a kayak from the Five Mile Creek Canoe and Company and take to the water! For more information about outdoor activities in Birmingham and boating rentals go to: www.Canoe5mile.com.

  6. Horseback Riding

    7. There is no greater country for horseback riding than Alabama hill country. Travel outside of Birmingham to Tannehill Stables and take a gentle ride over an extensive wooded trail system. Sightsee while you ride: view rabbits, deer, quail, and more from your saddle. If you would like horseback riding lessons, there are many resources in Birmingham available to you such as: Stepping Stone Farm Riding Academy or Trot your Horses. To see Tannehill Stables location and hours go to: www.TanneHillStables.com. For Stepping Stone Farm Riding Academy please visit: www.SteppingStoneFarmASB.com. For information about Trot your Horses go to: www.TrotYourHorses.com.

  7. Hunting

    8. The Alabama hill country is perfect for hunting. Stocked with quail, deer, rabbit, and more, the Birmingham area will have you trigger-happy! If you are in Alabama during August and are up for a drive, you should head down to Mobile, Barbour, and Baldwin counties for alligator season! The Bobwhite Quail, White-Tailed Deer, and Wild Turkey are Alabama’s most popular game. For more information about outdoor activities in Birmingham and hunting in Alabama go to: www.OutdoorAlabama.com.

  8. Hiking

    9. Explore Birmingham on a myriad of trails that weave past historic cultural sites, nature reserves, and gardens. Light off on Mountain Brook Greenway for a 35+ mile trail that takes you past historic districts and through Jemison Park. Hike past Shades Creek on the Mountain Brook Parkway for a leisurely outdoor adventure. Get out and discover Birmingham from the trail! For more information about hiking trails in Birmingham go to: www.BamaTrails.com.

  9. Camping

    10. Head down to Birmingham South Campground and partake in a number of leisurely activities designed for family fun! Scuba dive at the Blue Water Park, canoe, swim, hike, the sky’s the limit! In close proximity to Oak Mountain State Park, the Birmingham South Campground gives you unlimited access to the great outdoors and has enough amenities to make you comfortable while you are “roughing it.” Also, head to Cherokee Campground for RV camping with water, electric, and sewage service. For more information about Birmingham South Campground go to: www.BirminghamSouthCampGround.com.

    For more information about Birmingham camping at the Cherokee Campground please visit: CherokeeCamp.Tripod.com.

  10. Disc Golf

    11. A new fad in outdoor sports is a combination of Frisbee and golf. Birmingham locals are out in the parks doing it, and you’ll find it on the campus quads. Check it out at George Ward Park’s 24 hole Disc Golf course or – for a bit of a drive – head to Citivan Park in Trussville. For more information about Disc Golf in Birmingham go to: www.DGCourseReview.com.