by When you think of Alabama hiking and trail running, the first thing that comes to mind is not elevation. But looks can be deceiving. And the list of the hardest hikes in Alabama will provide enough of a punch to give those legs a good pump. Highlights include a number of beautiful waterfalls, cliff jumps, swimming holes, and more views than you can count. So give yourself a challenge and check out our list of the toughest trails in the state.
Key Takeaways
- Alabama’s hiking and trail running scene may not be known for elevation, but it offers challenging trails with beautiful waterfalls, cliff jumps, swimming holes, and scenic views.
- Some of the toughest hikes in Alabama include the Odum Trail to Odum Point, known for overgrown thorns and wilderness challenges.
- The Bear Creek Back Country Trail features a canyon, waterfall, and tough climbs, making it a remote hiking and trail running option.
- The Walls of Jericho Trail leads to unique slot canyons and waterfalls, offering a hidden gem hiking experience.
- Cheaha Lake to Cheaha Mountain presents a steep climb with rewarding views in a state where tough climbs are rare.
- The Skyway Loop Trail is a challenging 17-mile loop with nearly 3,000ft of elevation gain, suitable for backpackers, hikers, and trail runners.
- These trails provide a range of challenges and scenic rewards for outdoor enthusiasts in Alabama, and more suggestions are welcome in the comments.
The Hardest Hikes in Alabama
Odum Trail to Odum Point
Distance: 7.5 Miles
Type: Out & Back
Elevation Gain: 1,256ft
All Trails Link / Map: All Trails Link Click Here
The Odum Trail to Odum Point hike isn’t difficult for the elevation. Rather nature has a few other challenges for those wanting to make the full trip. With 3 waterfalls in the first mile, many people only go this far on the trail. Past mile two is where things get really difficult in the form of overgrown thorns. It’s recommended to wear long pants and bring a machete to get through the overgrown areas of the path. And in the warmer seasons ticks and snakes can be a real problem. The reward is a trail that very few people get to hike and true “into the Alabama wilderness” experience. This is a popular scout trail for that reason.
Bear Creek Back Country Trail
Distance: 7.3 Miles
Type: Loop
Elevation Gain: 1,279
All Trails Link / Map: All Trails Link Click Here
Another great Alabama waterfall hike. The Bear Creek Back Country trail is a lollipop that goes down into a canyon, up the other side and loops. It’s not a tough trail for the most part the two climbs in and out of the canyon two times makes it tough by the state’s standards. Most people only go into the canyon to see the waterfall and don’t make it to the other side. Making for some great remote hiking a trail running.
Walls of Jericho Trail
Distance: 6.4 Miles
Type: Out & Back
Elevation Gain: 1,341
All Trails Link / Map: All Trails Link Click Here
One of Alabama’s hidden gems of a hike. The Walls of Jerico Trail leads you to a waterfall and then behind that, a second smaller fall in a small slot canyon. Creating what is considered the Walls of Jerico. A completely unique experience for the area, it attracts a lot of hikers. Just make sure you go past the first falls. You can also make the hike to the top of the falls but it’s an overgrown area and full of snakes in the summer months.
Cheaha Lake to Cheaha Mountain
Distance: 3.3 Miles
Type: Out & Back
Elevation Gain: 1,256ft
All Trails Link / Map: All Trails Link Click Here
Cheah Lake to Cheaha Mountain features 1,200+ feet of gain in just over a mile and half, with the same disctanc3 back down. This makes for a fun steep climb. And in a state where tough climbs are hard to find, this one at least pays off with some great views from a couple of location at and around the summit.
Skyway Loop Trail
Distance: 17.2 Miles
Type: Loop
Elevation Gain: 2,949ft
All Trails Link / Map: All Trails Link Click Here
My favorite trail in Alabama offers a lot of great views and sites. But you will have to work for them. At 17 miles and just under 3,000ft of gain, this is not an easy loop by any means. But with plenty of campsites and a few places to swim along the way this trail is perfect for backpackers, hikers and trail runners.
Conclusion
Alabama’s hiking and trail running scene may not boast significant elevation, but it offers a range of challenging trails that showcase the state’s natural beauty. The hardest hikes in Alabama, including the Odum Trail to Odum Point, Bear Creek Back Country Trail, Walls of Jericho Trail, Cheaha Lake to Cheaha Mountain, and the Skyway Loop Trail, present various challenges like overgrown paths and steep climbs. These trails lead adventurers to stunning waterfalls, unique canyons, and scenic vistas, offering a diverse outdoor experience. Whether you’re a seasoned hiker or a backpacker seeking a remote escape, these challenging trails promise an immersive journey into Alabama’s wilderness, making them a must-visit for outdoor enthusiasts looking for adventure and natural beauty. Share your experiences and suggestions in the comments to help others discover even more exciting trails in the state.
If you have any trails that you think I missed, and you feel are worthy of being one of the hardest hikes in Alabama. Shoot me a message in the comments below!
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