01/10/2022
The 7 Best Places for Hiking in the Birmingham Area
Birmingham has a reputation for a good time and a great nightlife. The second thing people notice is its world-class restaurants and its culture. Birmingham has a great reputation for great weather, and it’s the perfect home base if you are a traveler looking to check out a large number of breweries and restaurants while discovering the wonders of the outdoors. Birmingham has a wide range of outdoor activities, from hiking to swimming to kayaking to sailing to wildlife watching. Here are the top places to visit in Birmingham for hiking, all of which have long and or narrow trails that will bring you through the countryside and city.
1. Chilhowee Park
Chilhowee Park is home to a number of trails, some short and some long, that vary in difficulty from beginner to advanced. The park’s great location is located in a historic area with an amazing view of the Birmingham skyline, and the trails range from easy to more difficult. The trails are surrounded by a variety of green spaces, allowing you to see all of the nature surrounding you. Walking through the park is an incredible experience, and there are also some scenic overlooks. Some of the trails are lined with towering live oaks, and there are also beautiful wildflowers and large blooming trees to enjoy.
2. Shades Mountain Park
Shades Mountain Park was established in 1973 and is an area of trails that make it a perfect hiking location for families or hikers. The park’s trails range from easy to moderate to advanced. You can go on the Mountain Trail, the Camel Trail, the Butterfly Trail, or the Griffin Trail. The Mountain Trail is the longest of the four, and it winds its way up through a beautiful area with waterfalls and forested areas. There are also two other trails here that will take you farther from the forest.
3. Vulcan Park and Museum
Vulcan, the symbol of Birmingham, is an incredible piece of work, and it can be easily seen from just about any point in the city. The original statue was erected in 1905, and it was recently restored and rededicated in 2007. You can’t miss the building, and it looks like a wedding cake. Even though the museum and the park have different functions, the combination makes for a perfect day trip. There are about 20,000 people that visit Vulcan’s head each year, and the building was constructed in 1935. There are exhibits on the history of Birmingham, including information about the many different cultures that have come to call the city home.
4. The Birmingham Zoo
The Birmingham Zoo is an attraction that attracts a large number of tourists to the city, and it is well worth the visit. In addition to the animals, there are also other things to do here, such as a number of playgrounds and several other spots for children to go to while their parents spend time at the zoo. There are several exhibit halls, the upper zoo is divided into different areas based on the animals that are housed there, and there are a number of animal shows throughout the day.
5. McWane Science Center
The McWane Science Center is a five-story building that has several exhibits on it. You can get tickets for exhibits on a monthly or yearly basis, but you can also get tickets to go to the main exhibit hall and see all of the different exhibits. The McWane Science Center is also an attraction for adults, and there is a bar on the third floor of the building. It is the only bar in the city that serves alcohol. The science center is a great place for children to go, and there are a number of activities for them to do while they are there. There are also many things to see, from the many exhibits on the first floor to the third floor, which is completely devoted to the news and technology.