Shelby County: Trails, Water and History

Oak Mountain State Park is Alabama’s largest state park and is located in Shelby County. More than 100 miles of trails for hiking, mountain biking and horseback riding give the park a clear focus for active days. There are also seven lakes: several are open to the public and have boat launches; fishing is allowed on the six public lakes by canoe or kayak. This lets you plan your stay around trails and experiences on the water.

Every year, the Alabama Wildlife Center rehabilitates injured native birds in the park so they can return to the wild. The Treetop Nature Trail Boardwalk has six enclosures housing twelve non-releasable birds of prey cared for by the center. Admission to the Oak Mountain State Park includes entry to the Alabama Wildlife Center. Check current operating details before you travel.

Nature Parks, Scenic Overlooks and Trails

Limestone Park in Alabaster covers about 100 acres of locally rare habitats. These include a beaver swamp, a water tupelo swamp, wetlands and open grassland. The Cahaba River and Shades Creek meet in Cahaba River Park. Cahaba lilies, a rare spider-lily species found only in Alabama, Georgia and South Carolina, grow in the park. They bloom in the early summer months; the exact timing varies from year to year and with conditions.

Double Oak Park covers about 900 acres and includes Watchtower Overlook and other viewpoints overlooking the surrounding area. At the county level, the hiking and mountain biking trail network spans more than 150 miles; its total length may change over time.

The Dunnavant Valley Greenway is about 1.9 miles long, has a natural surface and runs along the North Fork of Yellow Leaf Creek between the Dunnavant Valley Fields Trailhead and the Hwy 41 Trailhead. Future trail work may change its length. The Columbiana Community Trail is a 1.48-mile loop through wooded, hilly terrain. It is open only during daylight hours and is open to the public outside school use. When choosing between the trails, consider not only their different lengths but also their surfaces, terrain and usage conditions.

Railroad History, Exhibits and Archives

In Calera, the Heart of Dixie Railroad Museum is the official railroad museum of the State of Alabama. The museum features operating standard-gauge trains, two restored depot buildings, and indoor and outdoor collections of railroad artifacts. Visitors can take a train through the scenic forests of Shelby County. Schedules vary by season and may change, so check them before planning a visit.

American Village is open to school groups and the public. Its public programs invite visitors to explore the ideals of American freedom and self-government. The site currently includes 24 replicas of buildings and monuments, each representing a significant part of American history; the exhibits may change. Check opening hours and possible holiday closures before your visit.

The Shelby County Museum & Archives is located in the historic Old 1854 Courthouse. Its holdings include books, microfilm and U.S. federal census records dating back to 1790. These historical documents complement the exhibits and collections you can find elsewhere in the county.

More Activities and Getting There

The Pelham Civic Complex & Ice Arena has two NHL-sized ice rinks. Offerings include public skating, youth and adult hockey leagues, and figure skating programs. Schedules vary by program; check dates before your visit.

Shelby County Airport is located in the southern part of the county off I-65 at Exit 234 and is a general aviation airport. Its facilities and services may change; check current information if you are considering it for your plans.

Discover More Destinations

Discover more destinations: Pelham, Calera, Alabaster, Escambia County, Macon, Barbour County, Etowah, Limestone County.

For the main travel overview: Alabama.