Alabama's Mountain Biking Trails: Hidden Gems That Rival the Nation's Best
From purpose-built jump parks to ridge-line singletrack, Alabama’s MTB trails
deliver serious riding without the crowds
—These are the ones to know.
I ride Oak Mountain all the time, but only recently started to realize how much Alabama really has going on. Between the newer trails, the downhill park in Birmingham, and underrated spots like Auburn, it’s legit.
After a week in Bentonville, I expected to come back and miss it. I didn’t. The riding here holds its own—fast, technical, and fun without the crowds. Alabama’s mountain biking scene is growing, and honestly, now’s the time to ride it. I’m mostly alone on the trails at Oak Mountain. That wasn’t the case in Bentonville—or most other well-known spots.
Mountain Biking Oak Mountain State Park – Birmingham’s Top Trail System
Oak Mountain is about two miles from my mom’s house—basically in her backyard. Her mailing address is Birmingham, which tells you how close this park is to the city. I ride here almost daily when I’m visiting, and even after all the laps I’ve put in, it still delivers.
It’s the largest state park in Alabama, and the trail system has a little of everything: long climbs, techy descents, fast singletrack, and now, purpose-built downhill runs and jump lines. It’s the kind of place that rides well no matter your mood or skill level—and somehow still flies under the radar.
Best Mountain Biking Trails at Oak Mountain
These are the ones I keep coming back to:
Johnson’s Mountain – a great mix of climbing, speed, and rhythm
Watch my ride: Johnson’s Mountain – A Climb Worth the Ride! 🔥Centipede – fast and flowy with tight corners and good line choices.
Watch my ride: Centipede Trail – Flow and Fun at Oak MountainBlood Rock – short, rocky, and always a bit slick; a local rite of passage
Watch my ride: Why This Quarry Ridge Trail Section Lives Up to Its Name.Room Service – smooth, fun, and perfect for stacking miles
Watch my ride: Alabama’s Smooth and Rocky Ride.
I’ve filmed more trails—check out my Mountain Biking playlist for more from Oak Mountain.
New Downhill Trails at Oak Mountain
The top of Oak Mountain now features a growing network of trails designed for fast, feature-filled descents. These aren’t just add-ons—they represent a shift toward more progressive, bike-park-style riding in Alabama. Built by respected Southeast trail builders such as Barry Smith Trail Design and Trail Visions, this area offers variety for riders seeking more than cross-country loops.
Rodeo Clown (Black | ~1 mile | One-way downhill)
Tech-heavy and raw. Starts with a boulder roll-in into a tight switchback, then stays rocky and off-camber through the upper section. Opens up toward the bottom with better sightlines, speed, and creative line choices.
Fish Whistle (Green | ~1 mile | One-way downhill)
Dropping into Fish Whistle at Oak Mountain—expect rocks, tight corners, and a fast, punchy descent from the start.
More playful than Rodeo, but still has bite. Begins with rock features and a steeper pitch, then eases into smoother berms, tabletops, and solid flow. Great entry point to the gravity zone.
The Roman Road (Black | ~1 mile | Bi-directional)
Photo by @dirtlifemediadesigns
Built by Trail Visions, Roman Road is located on a different ridge than the others and rides like a black-level tech trail—with bypass options for all major features. It’s raw, challenging, and designed for versatility. You can climb it or descend it, depending on your loop.
Valhalla (Black | One-way downhill)
One of the newer additions, Valhalla, starts raw and technical before transitioning into a black jump line near the bottom. Expect chunk up top and sendy, well-built features toward the end. Built for progression, but still a black trail all the way.
Oak Mountain’s Black Jump Lines: Lightning, Thunder & Tails
There’s also a cluster of black-rated jump trails—Lightning, Thunder, and Tails—for riders looking to progress or catch air. No lift access here, but these ride like mini bike park lines. Short, steep, and feature-packed. I’ve ridden all three, and they’re well built with clean takeoffs and rollable landings if you’re not sending it full throttle.
Why Oak Mountain Is My Favorite Place to Ride
I keep coming back because I love riding here—for all it offers. The mix of terrain, the climbs, the tech, the rock—Oak Mountain has all the stuff I actually enjoy riding. And being based in flat northern Illinois, the elevation is a bonus. It’s not about checking boxes. I just have fun here.
Even with all the new trail work, it’s still quiet out here. I’ve had full rides without seeing anyone. That’s rare. You don’t get that kind of space in places like Bentonville.
Want to Ride Oak Mountain?
Get the full trail map and local updates before you go:
📍 Trail Info + Map on BUMP.org – includes Trailforks
integration, trail updates, events, and how to support local trail building
Coldwater Mountain – Long Rides and Legit Descents in Anniston
Coldwater Mountain Forever Wild Land sign marking protected public land in Anniston, Alabama.
Coldwater Mountain is one of the most established and dynamic trail systems in Alabama. It’s built for mountain bikers who want more: more elevation, more miles, and more commitment. This place has big climbs, long descents, technical terrain, and a backcountry vibe that sets it apart from more session-oriented parks.
It’s not a one-lap wonder. Coldwater performs best when you invest time and get to know the network. The climbs can be sustained, but they’re worth it—especially when they lead to trails like Bomb Dog, Rock Slot, or the rowdy upper sections of Gaza.
Even the green trails here don’t feel like filler. From flowy downhills like Papa Bear to longer blue climbs like Baby Bear, the network feels well-thought-out and well-connected. You can build a full-day ride with real variety and zero fluff.
Check out my pre-ride on Talladega: Riding Talladega Trail for the First Time: Coldwater Mountain, Alabama.
Coldwater Is Worth the Drive
Whether you're coming from Birmingham, Atlanta, or Chattanooga, Coldwater deserves a spot on your list. The parking is easy, the signage is solid, and the ride options are deep. There’s a reason it’s become one of the South’s most talked-about MTB destinations.
Check out my full Coldwater review: Coldwater Mountain Mountain Biking: Trail Flow, Features, and Ride Feel.
📍 Trailforks: Coldwater Mountain
Mountain Biking at Chewacla State Park – Creative Trails in Auburn
Chewacla packs a lot into a small park. Thanks to CAMP (Central Alabama Mountain Pedalers) and Dirt Sculpt, the trails here punch above their weight. It’s perfect for sessions, skills work, and fast loops.
Favorite Trails at Chewacla
The Great Wall of Chewacla – includes a wooden wall ride, berms, drops, and a creative layout
For Pete’s Sake – smooth and flowy with small tabletops
Tiger Woods – tighter, rooty, and more old-school
Rock Bottom – chunky and punchy
📍 Trailforks: Chewacla State Park
🛠 CAMP Website
Mountain Biking at Tannehill Ironworks Historical State Park – Growing Trails + Adaptive Focus
I recently visited Tannehill, a historic park just southwest of Birmingham that’s quietly building out a solid trail system. Maintained by BUMP (Birmingham Urban Mountain Pedalers), the trails here blend old-growth ridgelines with fresh, new-school builds.
You can link together a loop of around 20 miles—and I like that. It’s enough mileage to get a proper ride in without repeating too much.
Tannehill is also becoming a hub for adaptive mountain biking, with ongoing trail work focused on creating inclusive, accessible options. That effort alone sets it apart. I’ve ridden here a few times now, and the system continues to evolve. It’s a good mix: some raw and rocky stretches, a few faster flow sections, and room to grow.
📍 Trailforks: Tannehill Ironworks
🛠 More from BUMP
Why Mountain Bikers Should Ride Chewacla State Park
I hadn’t really thought of Auburn, Alabama, as a mountain biking destination—until my brother, who went to school there, told me about the trails. He said, “If you like the wooden features in Bentonville, you’ll probably like Chewacla.” That got my attention.
I haven’t ridden it yet, but based on what I’ve seen and what he described, it looks like the kind of place I’d have fun riding. The lines are tight, the features are smart, and it’s all packed into a park that’s easy to lap without wasting time. It’s definitely on my list.
Plan Your Chewacla State Park Mountain Biking Trip
🛠 Trail updates + local support via CAMP – trail work, events, and community info
Pro Tip: Download
Trailforks Before You Ride
I can’t count how many times someone’s stopped mid-ride to ask where a trail is—and I just pull out my phone and load up Trailforks. If you’re riding Alabama (or anywhere new), this app is essential.
Final Thoughts: Why Alabama’s Worth Riding
Alabama’s not always on the radar when it comes to mountain biking—but it should be. Between the downhill lines at RideBHM, the massive variety at Oak Mountain, and the creative builds at Chewacla, there’s a lot here that holds up against more hyped riding destinations.
The scene is growing, the trails are getting better, and the crowds are still minimal. If you like sessioning jumps, riding rock, or just exploring new places that ride well—get here before everyone else figures it out.
More from My MTB Setup
I’ve pulled together the gear I use—bike, GoPro setup, and trail essentials.
You can also watch more of my trail footage, ride breakdowns, and gear reviews on my YouTube channel @overlandgirl.
Michele Underwood writes Overland Girl, where she shares gear she uses on real trips—from the Northwoods of Wisconsin to the Ozarks. She values quality and craftsmanship in everything she buys—from outdoor gear to everyday clothes and furniture. Her choices may seem expensive to some, but she believes in buying less and buying better. Longevity matters, both in terms of function and style. Her couch is five years old and still sold at Design Within Reach—that's the kind of timelessness she looks for. Some of the links in this review are affiliate links, which means she may earn a small commission if you buy through them. It doesn’t cost you anything extra, and it helps support her work. She only recommends gear she’d bring herself.
