Oak Mountain State Park

Oak Mountain State Park is Alabama's largest state park, with more than 9,940 acres of land.

History

Oak Mountain State Park is one of Alabama's oldest and largest state parks. The park was originally established in 1927 and was granted 940 acres between Double Oak Mountain and Little Oak Ridge under the State Land Act. 

Starting in 1934 and lasting for seven years, the Civilian Conservation Corps (CCC) and the Works Progress Administration improved infrastructure within the park with foundations, bridges, and other structures made of stone quarried right from the park. In 1943, the National Park Service (NPS) deeded 8,000 acres of surrounding land acquired in the 1930s to the state park.

Activities

It offers plenty of outdoor activities for visitors, such as

• Hiking: With more than 50 miles of trails, visitors can explore the park’s beautiful terrain and native vegetation.
• Biking: There are plenty of biking paths throughout the park that offer a variety of surfaces to bike on.
• Fishing: The park features five lakes that provide excellent fishing opportunities.
• Picnicking: Oak Mountain State Park features numerous picnic areas and shelters, perfect for a family outing.
• Camping: The park has several campgrounds, with primitive to modern sites available.
• Boating: Visitors can rent boats or bring their own to explore the lakes within Oak Mountain State Park.
• Golfing: There is an 18-hole championship golf course within the park.
• Fishing: Oak Mountain State Park has plenty of fishing opportunities, with five lakes and various fish. Popular species include largemouth bass, channel catfish, and bluegill. The park also offers fishing tournaments throughout the year.
• Horseback riding: Horseback riding is allowed on the trails of Oak Mountain State Park. Some trails are appropriate for all experience levels, and visitors can bring their horses or rent them at the park.
• Hunting: Hunting is also permitted in certain areas within Oak Mountain State Park. To hunt, visitors must purchase a hunting license from the Alabama Department of Conservation and Natural Resources.
• Educational Programs: Oak Mountain State Park offers a variety of educational programs for visitors, such as guided hikes, bird walks, and lectures about the park's history and ecology.
• Interpretive Center: The park also features an Interpretive Center with interactive exhibits that teach visitors about local plants and animals. The center also holds live animals, including turtles, snakes, and frogs.
• Events: Oak Mountain State Park hosts various events throughout the year, such as outdoor concerts, movie nights, stargazing parties, and holiday celebrations. The park also regularly holds art shows and other special events.

Attractions in the Area

The park also has a beautiful lake named Double Oak Lake. This lake is a popular spot for kayaking, fishing, swimming, and other recreational activities. 

The Double Oak Recreation Area includes two new playgrounds, an outdoor amphitheater, and a picnic pavilion.

Nearby attractions such as Barber Motorsports Park, Alabama Adventure Theme & Water Park, Birmingham Zoo, and the McWane Science Center are all located within 30 minutes of Oak Mountain State Park.

Oak Mountain State Park is a great place to explore, relax and enjoy nature. With plenty of outdoor activities, educational programs, and nearby attractions, there’s something for everyone.

For more information, please visit the Oak Mountain State Park website or call 205-620-2527.