Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
Maps: USGS Chelsea, AL;
DeLorme: Alabama Atlas & Gazetteer,
page 31 G7;
trail maps available at entrance gate or camp store
Trail contact: Oak Mountain State Park, 200 Terrace Dr., Pelham, AL 35124;
(205) 620-2524; www.alapark.com/oakmountain
Finding the trailhead: From Pelham on I-65 at exit 248, take AL 119 South / Ca-
haba Valley Road 0.2 mile and turn left onto Oak Mountain Road. Travel 1.9
miles and turn left onto John Findley III Drive. In 0.3 mile you will arrive at the
entrance gate, where you pay your day-use fee. Continue straight (northeast) 5.8
miles on John Findley III Road. Watch for the many cyclists on the road. The
trailhead is on the right side of the road and well marked. Parking is on the left.
GPS: N33 21.453' / W86 42.285'
The Hike
If you are looking for a fun and relaxing walk in the woods or if you would like to
introduce your family to hiking, take a hike on the Maggie's Glen Loop at Oak
Mountain State Park near Birmingham.
This beautiful little 2-mile loop follows alongside a nice stream that flows
down from a hollow and Maggie's Glen. The stream tumbles down a rocky bed,
making small cascades. There are several short (10- to 20-foot) side trails that take
you to its banks, so you can take a look and maybe dip your feet in.
The trail's namesake Maggie's Glen is at the halfway point of the trip. There are
several benches here thanks to local Eagle Scouts and access to the stream. This is
a great place to just sit and take in the soothing sounds of the rushing water. It's
also a good place to bring along a picnic lunch and let the kids run around and en-
joy the forest. There is an informational kiosk here that provides plenty of inform-
ation about the local wildlife.
Speaking of which, along the trail you are very likely to meet up with eastern
gray and fox squirrels darting from tree to tree, white-tailed deer, or wild turkeys.
Listen carefully and you may hear the sounds of the yellow-billed cuckoo or pine
warbler.
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