Mountain Biking at Oak Mountain State Park: An Adventure in Birmingham, Alabama.
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My brother and his family live near one of my favorite mountain bike trail systems. I love that when I visit, I also get to ride at Oak Mountain State Park. And, to boot, my nephew is a mountain biker, too—he used to race for his high school team. Riding with him is always a blast. If you're looking for a great mountain biking spot with a mix of trails set in a beautiful Southern landscape, Oak Mountain State Park in Birmingham, Alabama, is a place worth checking out. With winding singletrack trails, tough climbs, and fun downhill sections, Oak Mountain offers a little bit of everything for riders, no matter their skill level.
Entry sign to Oak Mountain State Park at the North Entrance.
Oak Mountain State Park: A Mountain Biker’s Playground.
Oak Mountain State Park, Alabama's largest state park, has over 50 miles of mountain biking trails, that is, 68 trails—more than enough to keep you busy, whether you’re just here for the day or planning to stay a whole week. I’ve been coming here for years and still haven’t ridden all the trails. I could easily spend a week riding here and not get bored. The park offers a little bit of everything, from easy-going loops for beginners to more technical routes. You'll find a nice mix of terrain.
Signs at North Trailhead, Oak Mountain State Park.
Several trailheads are throughout the park, and the trails are well-marked. The South Trailhead is my favorite as it has many trails, including the famous Blood Rock. The South Trailhead, near the main entrance, has more green trails than not.
Mountain Biking Trails at Oak Mountain State Park.
The trail intersection on Slingshot Trail leads to Room Service Trail at Oak Mountain State Park.
Oak Mountain State Park has a trail for every type of rider, whether you're a seasoned pro looking for a challenge or a beginner just getting started. We are talking Enduro, Cross Country, and downhill options. The most infamous is the Black Diamond section of Quarry Road Trail called Blood Rock. The trail got its name from someone who was face-planted while riding the trail, and there is a rock colored red. I have not done this trail for many reasons, but the word “double” is the main one. The Blood Rock part of the trail is super rocky and technical. Riders come from all over to take on this trail. Let’s take a look at the trails you’ll find at Oak Mountain State Park:
A TrailForks map of Oak Mountain State Park's mountain bike trail system, with callouts highlighting my favorite trails.
Advanced (black) Trails:
Quarry Road Trail (Blood Rock) (4266 ft): Famous for its Blood Rock section, this trail is full of jagged rocks and tight lines that demand precise bike handling. With steep, rocky descents, it’s ideal for riders who thrive on technical challenges and navigating rock gardens
Storyteller (3058 ft): A newer trail that combines fast, flowing sections with sudden rock gardens and switchbacks. It requires quick reflexes and good bike handling, making it a great choice for those who enjoy a mix of speed and technical terrain in a single ride.
Tails (2776 ft): A fast, flowing downhill trail known for its twisty turns and quick elevation drops. I’ve ridden Tails and loved the twist and speed.
Thunder: Another favorite of mine, Thunder, is a speedy downhill trail featuring steep descents and jumps. With quick drops and rapid elevation changes, this trail is perfect for those who love fast, aggressive riding and want to feel the rush.
Boulder Ridge (Double Black): The most challenging trail at Oak Mountain, Boulder Ridge, is packed with large boulders, steep drops, and tight turns. This double black diamond trail is a test of endurance and precise bike handling, reserved for the most experienced riders.
Intermediate (blue) Trails:
The intermediate trails at Oak Mountain State Park are a good mix of challenge and fun.
Johnson’s Mountain Trail (2 miles): This trail combines moderate climbs and descents with a few technical sections, making it a great choice for building confidence and sharpening your skills. I’ve done this trail a few times.
Rattlesnake Ridge Trail (2 miles): One of my go-to trails, Rattlesnake Ridge has a great mix of flowing terrain with just the right amount of technical features, including sharp turns and rocky sections. There are also some optional man-made features for those looking to add excitement to their ride. I often ride this one—it’s always a good time.
Seven Bridges (2 Miles): This trail offers a bit of everything, with rolling terrain and some technical sections. It gets its name from the seven wooden bridges that cross various small creeks, adding a bit of variety and fun to the ride. This is one of the easier blue trails. You can watch a video we made riding the trail, Mountain Biking Seven Bridges Trail with My Nephew | Oak Mountain State Park, Birmingham, Alabama.
Slingshot (3 miles): This trail begins with a steep climb, but it becomes flowing fun soon after. It’s great for practicing cornering at speed and maintaining momentum through tighter sections.
Pro Tip: Here’s the deal with trail ratings: they’re based on your location. Intermediate trails here can be challenging, with the added Southern heat and humidity, since they're on a mountain. So, come prepared for a bit of a workout, and bring lots of water.
Beginner Trails (green):
Oak Mountain has several beginner-friendly trails for those new to mountain biking or just looking for a more relaxed ride. They even have a trail called Family Trail.
North Lakes Connector Trail (2 miles)
Lake Trail (2 miles)
Flow and Downhill Trails:
Oak Mountain recently added some great downhill trails. If you’re into speed and smooth rides, Oak Mountain has some downhill and flow trails designed just for that. The Lightning Trail is a favorite for those who love to ride fast, with berms, jumps, and descents that make for a fun, adrenaline-pumping experience from start to finish.
My Favorite Trails at Oak Mountain.
There are so many I have not tried. But, my favorite trails I will always ride when I am there are below and why I like them.
Rattlesnake Ridge: I like this trail because it is flowy, has few climbs, and has enough technical parts, with rocks and roots, to keep me entertained.
Tails: I like this trail because it is just downright fun. It is downhill with table tops and one giant fun turn on the side of a hill.
Slingshot: Although Slingshot has a narly climb in the beginning, it is super fun after that. It is pretty much downhill after the climb but has a lot of berms and good flow. You can get speed on this trail.
North Lake Connector Trail: This trail is labeled green, but it has its challenges with quick-rolling climbs and descents over the course of the 2 miles. I like this trail because it is great for increasing endurance and practicing tight turns.
The Community Behind the Trails: Birmingham Urban Mountain Pedalers (BUMP).
Behind every great trail system, there's a dedicated group of folks keeping things in shape. At Oak Mountain, much of the credit goes to the Birmingham Urban Mountain Pedalers (BUMP). This local nonprofit is made up of passionate mountain bikers who are all about promoting and preserving mountain biking in Alabama. They’ve been vital in developing and maintaining the trails at Oak Mountain State Park, ensuring they’re well-kept and fun for riders of all levels.
But BUMP isn’t just about trail maintenance; they’re also focused on growing the biking community by organizing events and races that bring riders together. To learn more about the community's efforts to maintain these great trails or get involved, check out the Birmingham Urban Mountain Pedalers (BUMP) website.
Mountain Bike Races at Oak Mountain State Park
All the major mountain bike races at Oak Mountain State Park are organized by the Birmingham Urban Mountain Pedalers (BUMP) or XTERRA. I’ve done the Bump N’ Grind before, and it was a fun but challenging race in the heat of an Alabama June. Here are some of the key races:
Female racing in the Bump N' Grind race at Oak Mountain State Park. Image courtesy of BUMP.
Bump N Grind: The largest race of the year, celebrating its 30th anniversary in 2024. Held every June, it features multiple race formats, including Enduro, Short Track, and Cross Country, with routes through iconic sections like Blood Rock. There’s a category for every skill level. Find more details here.
Chainbuster 3/6 Hour Race: Typically held in March, this endurance race challenges riders to complete as many laps as possible within either 3 or 6 hours on Oak Mountain’s technical trails.
Oak Ass 100: Held in November, this long-distance endurance race offers options for 25, 50, 75, or 100 miles. It’s a tough event that rewards the first 100 finishers with custom patches.
XTERRA North American Championship: This world-class triathlon features a 1.5K swim, 33K mountain bike race, and 10K trail run at Oak Mountain. Learn more about the event here.
Mountain biker on the infamous Blood Rock section going over his handlebars—image courtesy of BUMP.
These events offer a great way to experience the trails and connect with the local and international biking community. For more information, check out the BUMP or XTERRA websites.
Tips for Riding in Southern Conditions.
Riding at Oak Mountain, or anywhere down South, comes with its challenges—mainly the heat and humidity that can hit you like a wall. It hit me the other day when I had to sit a few times and pour water over my head. It is no joke there. To make sure you have a good time out there, here are a few things I've learned over the years:
Time Your Ride: Trust me; early mornings or late afternoons are your best bet. Avoid the midday sun when it’s hottest.
Stay Hydrated: Water is your best friend out here. And if you’re going to be sweating buckets (which you will), bring along some electrolyte drinks or fancy salt tablets.
Protect Your Skin: Remember your sunscreen. Even with the shade from the trees, the Southern sun sneaks up on you.
Dress for Heat: Wear lightweight, moisture-wicking gear. Trust me, you don’t want to be in a sweat-soaked cotton tee halfway through your ride. I’ve been there.
By being prepared, you can enjoy your ride and stay out longer.
Experience the Best of Mountain Biking at Oak Mountain.
I love Oak Mountain State Park for mountain biking. There are so many options for every type of rider. I like that I can do green for recovery days, miles and miles of trail for endurance days, and downhill and more technical trails to build my skills. I highly recommend checking this trail system out if you are visiting Birmingham or passing through. It is one of the best trail systems I have enjoyed riding. For more information on the trails, facilities, and events at Oak Mountain, visit the Oak Mountain State Park website.
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