Outdoors
in Birmingham, AL

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There’s nothing better than breathing fresh air and getting in touch with nature. State parks, botanical gardens, trails, lakes, and farms are exactly the place to do it – and this area is full of them.

Take a look at all the options within driving distance – you’ll be surprised at how close your next adventure is. We provide the driving directions, but the sunscreen’s on you!
Birmingham Botanical Gardens
Birmingham Botanical Gardens

(205) 414-3950

2612 Lane Park Rd
Birmingham, AL 35223   Directions Website

Birmingham's natural beauty, as well as the natural beauty provided by some of the most beautiful plants and flowers, shines brightly at the Birmingham Botanical Gardens. You will be breathlessly enchanted by the gardens of roses, camellias, wildflowers, ferns that flourish in this truly serene and calming setting. Other highlights include a Japanese garden and teahouse as well as the largest greenhouse in the Southeast. Forget the stress of your day and come and breathe in the beauty of the floral attractions in bloom at the Birmingham Botanical Gardens.

Birmingham Zoo
Birmingham Zoo

(205) 879-0409

2630 Cahaba Rd
Birmingham, AL 35223   Directions Website

If the idea of going on an actual safari doesn't quite fit into your schedule or your budget, then a trip to the Birmingham Zoo is the next best thing. This incredible zoo features over 1,000 animals and birds all presented in their meticulously recreated habitats and attractions. In addition to giraffes, lions, monkeys and hippos, the facility features a variety of special exhibitions as well as special presentations designed especially for the kids.

Oak Mountain State Park
Oak Mountain State Park

(205) 620-2520

Birmingham, AL
Website

Venture out into wide open spaces when you make plans to spend some quality time outdoors at Oak Mountain State Park. The popular attraction is the state's largest park and offers plenty for the nature lover to enjoy. In addition to offering some of the finest mountain bike trails in the country, you'll also find vacation cottages, golf, improved camping, picnicking, tennis, swimming, hiking, backpacking and horseback riding facilities. The park is also the home of the Alabama Wildlife Center.

Rickwood Caverns
Rickwood Caverns

(205) 647-9692

370 Rickwood Park Rd
Warrior, AL 35180   Directions Website

See some of the earth's most amazing natural beauty from the inside out when you visit the Rickwood Caverns. Located in western Blount County, it contains some of the most massive and visually arresting underground formations in the state. If you visit during the summer, you can even go for a dip in the swimming pool and enjoy a ride on the miniature train. Year-round camping is available.

Ruffner Mountain
Ruffner Mountain

(205) 833-8264

1214 81st St S
Birmingham, AL 35206   Directions Website

Nature lovers are not the type of people who can just admire natural beauty from afar—they enjoy getting as close as possible to various sites and areas in the great outdoors that attract their interest. One such place is Ruffner Mountain. This is a 1,000-acre nature preserve that is located just five miles from the center of Birmingham. This unique urban forest features 10 miles of hiking trails over ridgetops and through valleys that provide for stellar views of nature all along the way. The trail ends at a point that offers a spectacular view of the city. The forest not only features native plants and animals but also a small nature center with exhibits and a gift shop.

Sipsey Wilderness Area
Sipsey Wilderness Area

(205) 489-5111

Birmingham, AL
Website

Get ready for a wild time when you set out for Alabama's Sipsey Wilderness Area. This is the third largest wilderness area east of the Mississippi and is located in the Bankhead National Forest. Located just 90 miles northwest of Birmingham, the outdoor area offers camping, fishing, hunting, horseback riding as well as numerous streams that are perfect for a canoe ride. The amazing canyons and bluffs range from 50 to 200 feet high, and the trails were created by Native Americans and offer a unique way to view this rustic pocket of nature.

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