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12 Dog-Friendly Hiking Trails in Alabama You Can Visit in 2024

Jeff Weishaupt

By Jeff Weishaupt

Cairn Terrier dog standing on trail

Alabama is home to a variety of hiking trails, ranging from the difficult Walls of Jericho Trail to the green Moss Rock Preserve. What’s great about these trails is that many of them are dog friendly.

You can take your furry buddy with you for an adventurous day at the Gulf State Park or spend time by the water at the Wind Creek State Park. Here’s a roundup of the best dog-friendly hiking trails in Alabama.

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The 12 Dog-Friendly Hiking Trails in Alabama

1. Noccalula Falls Park

🗺️ Address: Noccalula Falls, Gadsden, AL 35904, United States
🕐 Open Times: Monday–Thursday: 11 am to 7 pm, Friday–Sunday: 11 am to 8 pm
💲 Cost: $8 for adults and $6 for kids
🐕 Off-Leash: No
  • Dog-friendly trails are found along the Black Creek Gorge
  • Plenty of paved walking trails, starting from the Admissions Pavilion
  • Check out the Black Creek Trail, going from Noccalula Falls to Black Creek Road
  • Head over to the Falls Wedding Chapel to take pictures

2. North Plateau Loop

🗺️ Address: Alabama 35801, USA
🕐 Open Times: 8 am to 5 pm
💲 Cost: $5 for ages 5 and above and $2 for ages 4 to 11 and above 62
🐕 Off-Leash: No
  • A 3.2-km long loop trail with a manageable elevation for first-timers too
  • Look out for mountain bikers if your dog is jumpy
  • Takes about 41 minutes on average to complete
  • Some spots may be muddy if you go a day or two after a rain

3. Maggies Glen Loop

🗺️ Address: 200 Terrace Dr, Pelham, AL 35124, United States
🕐 Open Times: 7 am to 7 pm
💲 Cost: $5 for adults and $2 for children
🐕 Off-Leash: No
  • Takes about 55 minutes to complete
  • Might come across birdwatchers and runners on your way
  • Best times to visit are March to November
  • Go early in the morning to get some peace and quiet

4. Oak Mountain Blue Trail to White Trail Loop

🗺️ Address: 200 Terrace Dr, Pelham, AL 35124, United States
🕐 Open Times: 7 am to 7 pm
💲 Cost: $5 for adults and $2 for children
🐕 Off-Leash: No
  • Much more elevated than other hiking trails in Oak Mountain State Park
  • Is a challenging route, so make sure to come prepared with enough food and water
  • A good spot for backpacking and camping
  • Open year-round but spring might be the best time to explore the area

5. Borden Creek Hiking Trail

🗺️ Address: Bunyan Hill Rd, Moulton, AL 35650, United States
🕐 Open Times: 24 hours
💲 Cost: $3 per vehicle
🐕 Off-Leash: No
  • 9-km trail close to Haleyville
  • Is moderately challenging and takes about 2 hours to complete
  • Also popular for hiking, camping, and birding
  • Isn’t quite elevated, but you may come across difficult terrain and water bodies

6. Big Tree Short Cut Loop

🗺️ Address: Mt Hope, AL 35651, United States
🕐 Open Times: 24 hours
💲 Cost: $3 per vehicle
🐕 Off-Leash: No
  • Start your hike from the Thompson Creek Trailhead and go south along the Sipsey River
  • Turn east towards the river and hike to the canyon where the Big Tree is
  • Route may be a bit challenging, especially if you try to find your way without a map or GPS
  • Enjoy beautiful views of the Sipsey River and canyons on the way

7. Parker Falls Trail

🗺️ Address: Alabama 35565, United States
🕐 Open Times: 24 hours
💲 Cost: $3 per vehicle
🐕 Off-Leash: No
  • Enjoy a ton of cascades, pools, and waterfalls on your way
  • Beware: the path is rocky and steep
  • Best time to hike is during the fall or spring
  • Don’t forget to bring your camera to capture the stunning views

8. Falling Rock Falls Hike

🗺️ Address: 1601 Landview Rd, Montevallo, AL 35115, United States
🕐 Open Times: 24 hours
💲 Cost: $0
🐕 Off-Leash: No
  • Home to federally listed species, including round rock snail and golden darter
  • Takes about an hour to complete
  • Is an easy route, but be considerate of other wildlife and hikers
  • Will find a 90-foot waterfall at the end of the woods
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9. Indian Creek Greenway

🗺️ Address: 46 Hillcrest Ave NW, Huntsville, AL 35806, United States
🕐 Open Times: 24 hours
💲 Cost: $0
🐕 Off-Leash: No
  • Used for hiking, running, and bicycling
  • Plenty of small footpaths diverging from the main trail take you to the creek
  • Takes about 2 hours to complete
  • Close to Madison, making it easily accessible for locals and visitors alike

10. Pinhoti Trail

🗺️ Address: XJHW+64 Weogufka, Alabama, USA
🕐 Open Times: 24 hours
💲 Cost: $3 per vehicle
🐕 Off-Leash: No
  • The trail from Porters Gap to Adams Gap takes about 7 hours to complete
  • Plenty of steep challenges for experienced hikers
  • Abundant wildlife and nature scenes to observe
  • A lot of poison ivy in the area, so be careful with your little friend
  • Wear your best hiking shoes because there are plenty of unstable rocks on the way

11. Cane Creek to Linden Meadows

🗺️ Address: 251 Loop Rd, Tuscumbia, AL 35674, United States
🕐 Open Times: 7 am to 5 pm, closed Monday to Thursday
💲 Cost: $0
🐕 Off-Leash: No
  • Take the scenic route for a little over an hour to reach Linden Meadows
  • Open on the weekends and holidays only
  • Plenty of water-filling stations and outhouses on the route to keep you comfortable
  • Trail has arrows and markers to point you in the right direction

12. Cane Creek Canyon Natural Preserve

🗺️ Address: 251 Loop Rd, Tuscumbia, AL 35674, United States
🕐 Open Times: 7 am to 5 pm, closed Monday to Thursday
💲 Cost: $0
🐕 Off-Leash: No
  • Takes 3.5 hours to complete
  • Close to Tuscumbia, which you can reach by driving about 12 miles east of the Natchez Trace Parkway
  • Prepare to come across lots of small creatures
  • Plenty of fresh water-filling stations and bathrooms

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Conclusion

Hiking with your furry friend can be a full experience. Many hiking trails, nature preserves, and national parks in Alabama allow you to bring your dogs along, but they must be kept on a leash.

Make sure your dog does not cause discomfort to any other person on the trail. Also, be mindful of the wildlife in the area and keep your dog in your sight at all times.

Some places may also allow off-leash dogs, but it’s best to ask the management beforehand. Don’t forget to take the necessary supplies and water for you and your dog.

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Featured Image Credit: everydoghasastory, Shutterstock

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