In “When it All Goes South,” local boy Randy Owen implies that there’s a little “Southern” in everybody. He warns that this inclination can “creep up on you like a kudzu vine” and leave you “cravin’ hominy grits and George Jones hits.” And, while coming here may not compel you to trade in your cream of wheat and croon along with The Possum, a visit to Oak Mountain State Park will surely spark a southern song in your heart.

This gorgeous stretch of wooded highland just south of Birmingham offers outdoor fun for everyone: swimming, fishing, hiking, golf, horseback riding and one of the most beautiful public campgrounds you will find anywhere. We visited in mid October, when the water was a bit too chilly for swimming, but the campground beach was so inviting, we were enticed to stick a toe in anyway. Brrrrr.

But the water wasn’t the only thing to give us chills. The drive up Double Oak Mountain was stunning and the views from the top were breathtaking, reminiscent of the more celebrated vistas of the Smokies, and a reminder that this central Alabama peak is a bookend for the southern Appalachians.

OAK MOUNTAIN ACTIVITIES

Peavine Falls
At nearly 10,000 acres, Oak Mountain is Alabama’s largest State Park, and the park service makes terrific use of the land, while enhancing, and not detracting from, the natural beauty. When you come, plan to stay at least a long weekend. Otherwise you may leave with your “git-r-done” list longer than your “got r done.”

  • The scenic drive up to Peavine Falls trail is gorgeous, but take it slow and careful and keep your eyes on the road. The single lane and multiple hairpin turns make for some interesting driving, particularly when you meet someone coming the other way. Do not try this in an RV.
  • The hiking trail to Peavine Falls starts off relatively level and easy. Come during autumn and it’s like stepping into a post card. But, be warned, towards the end, the trail descends suddenly into the steep streambed that feeds the falls, all but disappearing into slick rocks and tree roots. This last bit is challenging, but the view at the top, especially in the heart of fall, is well worth the effort.
  • The kids will love the demonstration farm, a place for them to interact with a paddock full of cute barnyard critters. You, and your camera, will love the memories made. Hay rides also available. Call 205.620.2526 for more information.
  • The BMX track provides good fun for both the serious rider and the novice who wants to end up on YouTube. Sanctioned competitive races are held throughout the summer. Call park headquarters for schedules.
  • The Alabama Wildlife Rescue rehabilitates nearly 1,800 birds each year. Some of these cannot be released back into the wild, so they find a home in the Treetop Nature Trail. This elevated walk through the woods offers a unique encounter with rehabilitated raptors. Call 205.663.7930 to arrange a Rescue Center tour.
  • Guided trail rides are a fitting way to explore this naturally beautiful park. 45 minute rides cost $30, and you can go twice as long for $20 more. For reservations, call 205.620.3575. For those who wish to bring their own mounts, 12 horse-friendly full hookup campsites are available on a first-come basis.
  • Enjoy a more cultivated natural setting on the 18-hole championship golf course. Call 205.620.2522 to arrange your tee time.
  • Bird watchers can expect a riot of feathery color including cardinals, warblers, woodpeckers, wrens and orioles as well as a host of raptors and waterbirds. Pick up a checklist at the visitors center. Add an Audubon field guide and turn a hike into a fun family scavenger hunt.
  • Roughly 50 miles of hiking, biking and equestrian mixed-use trails wind in and around the park. The trails include 3 loops of various lengths – Shackleford (6.5 miles), North Loop (3.5 miles) and Maggies Loop (2.5 miles).
  • Beginning mountain bikers can challenge the family trail while experienced riders can brave more advanced courses. Find the trailheads near the day use area off Terrace Drive.
  • Anglers can drop a hook in one of three fishing lakes routinely stocked with bream, bass and catfish. Rent a boat and gear at the fishing center. 205.620.2529. If you need a fishing license, pick one up at the park office near the day use area.
  • Rent a canoe, kayak or pedal boat at the marina on Terrace Drive. $12 per hour.
  • Swim at the campground or mingle with other visitors at the public lakeside beach. A snack bar and dressing rooms are available in the summer season.

GETTING THERE

Oak Mountain State Park is located just south of Birmingham at 200 Terrace Dr. Pelham, AL 35124. GPS: 33.321814, -86.751592. The park is just a few miles away from I-65, but, once you turn onto Terrace Drive, you feel a million miles from the hustle and noise of the city.

OAK MOUNTAIN SIDE TRIPS

Zoo alum Babec recipient of first successful cardiac resynchronization therapy device
American Village (www.americanvillage.org)

This unique concept is equal parts classroom, living history exhibit, theater and museum. Each part combines to make a whole that immerses visitors in the visceral history of Revolutionary America. Hear the pipes and drums calling militiamen to war and feel the passion of patriots as you listen to speeches opposing the unfair taxes and laws that motivated colonists to revolt. The stated mission of American Village is to “rekindle the flame of liberty every day.” School groups and private party events are regularly scheduled. The general public is welcome Monday through Friday, 10 AM to 4 PM. American Village is located at 3727 Highway 119 Montevallo, AL 35115. Call 205.665.3535 for more information.

Birmingham Zoo (www.birminghamzoo.com)

Have a wild time meeting over 800 animals that make their home here. On any given day, visitors can brave the predator zone, get a close up look at sea lions, explore the savannah, feed the lorikeets and pelicans and chat with the primate keepers. Bring a change of clothes, because your kids will definitely want to visit the splash zone. Come in the summertime and you’ll want to join them. Admission is $14 for adults and teens and $9 for kids and seniors. Birmingham Zoo is located about 18 miles north of Oak Mountain at 2630 Cahaba Road Birmingham, AL 35223. For additional information call 205.879.0409.

Heart of Dixie Railroad Museum

Heart of Dixie Railroad Museum (www.hodrrm.org)

This is the official railroad museum of Alabama. Exhibits include working standard and narrow gauge trains, restored depots, artifacts, memorabilia and a collection of decommissioned railroad cars. Visitors can get tickets to hop aboard the train for a rail trip through the Shelby County countryside. The railroad museum is located at 1919 9th Street Calera, AL 35040. Purchase ride tickets at the website. For more information call 205.668.3435.



Kelly Ingram Park

Forever capturing and memorializing a major moment in

The statue of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. at Kelly Ingram Park
American history, this “Place of Revolution and Reconciliation” was an epicenter of the American Civil Rights Movement. In addition to celebrating the heroes of the movement, the park’s exhibits remember the courage of peaceful protestors who, among other things, braved dogs and fire hoses to demand equality under the law. Located at the intersection of Sixth Ave. N and 16th St. in the Civil Rights Historic District
Birmingham, AL 35203.



CAMPGROUNDS NEAR OAK MOUNTAIN STATE PARK

Oak Mountain State Park Campground (www.alapark.com/OakMountain/Camping)

Open all year, this campground is bordered by Beaver Lake and surrounded by the foothills of the Appalachians. There is plenty to do around the park, so this campground focuses on a traditional camping experience. Enjoy picnic tables, fire rings and a layout that allows you to be as private or neighborly as you prefer.

  • Full hookups: water, sewer and electric (no 50 amp as of October 2011)
  • WiFi available in the Campground and the Pro Shop at the Golf Course
  • Pull thrus with big rig access
    Campground
  • Several clean restroom, bathing and laundry facilities
  • Plenty of shade trees and beach access for swimming and fishing
  • Family & pet friendly

The campground is located about five miles inside the park, but you will love every inch of the drive. Call 1-800-ALA-PARK or 205-620-2527 for reservations or more information. Visit the website to download a campground map.

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