Oak Mountain State Park

Located within a few hour's drive of Alabama's largest city, Birmingham, Oak Mountain State Park is the state's most sprawling park at nearly 10,000 acres. It offers a wide variety of amenities and is hugely popular.

History

Created in 1927, Oak Mountain State Park was extensively developed by the Civilian Conservation Corps during the 1930s and remains of the CCC buildings are still evident. In the 1970s a golf course was added along with all the attendant buildings, and more recent plans call for renovation of the CCC buildings as campsites.

Scenery and wildlife

Dominated by Double Oak Lake, the park's water is famous. Oak Mountain offers thick woods and mountainous terrain, as well. Though much of the park's natural wildlife is now gone or protected, it still draws visitors by the thousands. Oak Mountain is home to Alabama Wildlife Center, which is the state's largest wildlife rehabilitation facility.

Things to do

As befits a park located so close to a major city, the amenities in Oak Mountain are first class. From the Oak Mountain Golf Course that is consistently rated in the top 50 public courses in the nation to the internationally famous mountain biking Red Trail that stretches 22 miles, Oak Mountain caters to sportsmen. For more pedestrian entertainment, the park's hiking is considered first-rate and camping options include roughing it in the wild or relaxing in the comforts of home provided by the electricity of the improved campsites. Paddle boats and canoes are ready for renting, and swimming is available during the summer months.

A small entrance fee is charged by the park's personnel, but it is well worth the price of admission for a day or more of wilderness that is practically on the doorstep of Birmingham.