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Fall foliage makes its debut a little later in Birmingham than it does in the more northern parts of the state, but the breathtaking displays of scarlet, orange, and gold are well worth the wait. According to this year’s forecast maps, fall colors won’t hit their peak around Birmingham until early to mid-November, so the best is still to come. Here are 10 of our favorite destinations for taking in the changing leaves!

Birmingham Botanical Gardens

Neighborhood: Mountain Brook 
More Info: bbgardens.org

Many people consider visiting the Birmingham Botanical Gardens in the spring and summer, but don’t underestimate the views in October and November! Stroll through 67 acres of fall splendor as you take in all the colors. We especially love the golden Ginko trees and Japanese gardens this time of year.

The Birmingham Botanical Gardens is also a fabulous spot for family photos if you’re planning ahead for your holiday card!

A stone bench sits on a path surrounded by autumn trees with vibrant yellow and red leaves in a garden setting.Pin
Ginko trees make their golden debut at the Birmingham Botanical Gardens. Image: Facebook

Cheaha State Park

Neighborhood: Delta 
More Info: alapark.com

At 2,407 feet above sea level, Cheaha State Park is the highest point in Alabama. Because of this, fall colors grace Cheaha leaves a bit sooner than other parts of the state, making it a go-to destination for those of us who have been ready for autumn since early August!

The “island in the sky” offers hiking and biking trails, camping accommodations, and oodles of scenic viewpoints. Favorites include Cheaha Road, the Bald Rock Boardwalk, Bunker Tower, and the Pulpit Rock trail.

View of a rocky cliff overlooking a vast landscape of forested hills during autumn, with colorful foliage and a partly cloudy sky above.Pin
Fall comes a little sooner at Cheaha State Park, the highest point in the state. Image: Alabama State Parks

Clarkson Covered Bridge and Park

Neighborhood: Cullman
More Info: cullmancountyparks.com

One of Alabama’s longest covered bridges, the Clarkson Covered Bridge is a picturesque place to leaf-peep. The historic bridge was built in 1905 and is the site of the Battle of Hog Mountain. In 1975, it was restored, and the surrounding park features trails, a grist mill, log cabins, and picnic tables.

When the surrounding trees light up in shades of red, orange, and yellow, this quaint landmark is transformed into something out of a storybook!

A wooden covered bridge spans a small river in a forested area, supported by stone pillars. Trees surround the structure, and the ground is covered with grass and leaves.Pin
One of the longest covered bridges in Alabama, Clarkson Bridge is a fall destination that’s worth the drive. Image: Facebook

Moss Rock Preserve

Neighborhood: Hoover
More Info: hooveral.org

There are almost 12 miles of hiking trails at Moss Rock Preserve, a 349-acre nature preserve. Wander the trails and soak in views of fall foliage, wildlife, waterfalls, streams, and rock outcroppings. While Moss Rock Preserve is right in Hoover, you will feel miles away from the hustle and bustle of everyday life!

A rocky cliff with trees and leaves.Pin
Escape the buzz of Birmingham proper at Moss Rock Preserve. Image: Facebook

Noccalula Falls

Neighborhood: Gadsden 
More Info: noccalulafallspark.com

Just an hour outside Birmingham, Noccalula Falls Park and Campground is situated on 500 acres of Appalachian land. The park is divided in half by Black Creek, and at the very center is a 90-foot waterfall that runs four miles downstream.

While Noccalula Falls is worth the drive to Gadsden any time of the year, the combination of the majestic waterfall with jewel-toned leaves is truly awe-inspiring!

A large waterfall cascades into a river, surrounded by lush green trees. A wooden building is visible in the background under a foggy sky.Pin
We’ll take fall foliage any way we can get it, but when it’s accompanied by a waterfall, we can’t resist it! Image: Facebook

Oak Mountain State Park

Neighborhood: Meadowbrook
More Info: alapark.com

At almost 12,000 acres, Oak Mountain State Park is the largest state park in Alabama. Whether you prefer kayaking, hiking, mountain biking, or even horseback riding, autumn at Oak Mountain is brimming with activity. Some of the most popular hikes for leaf peeping are the King’s Chair Overlook and Peavine Falls.

A small waterfall cascades over rocky cliffs surrounded by autumn trees and leaves.Pin
Soak in the fall color as you hike, bike, kayak, and more at Oak Mountain State Park.Image: Alabama State Parks

Red Mountain Park

Neighborhood: Five Points South 
More Info: redmountainpark.org

Named for Birmingham’s rusty iron-filled soil, Red Mountain Park pays homage to the city’s famous iron industry. The park boasts 16 miles of hiking and biking trails filled with artifacts from the Iron City’s industrial golden age.

In October and November, Red Mountain’s 1,500 acres of hardwood forests transform into a vibrant wonderland, making it an ideal spot to soak up fall color.

Two people walking on a forest trail, surrounded by green trees and sunlight filtering through the leaves.Pin
Learn about Birmingham’s famous iron industry as you stroll through the hardwood forests of Red Mountain Park. Image: Instagram

Ruffner Mountain

Neighborhood: East Lake
More Info: ruffnermountain.org

Ruffner Mountain is a 1,038-acre urban nature preserve that connects East Lake, Irondale, Roebuck Springs, and Greater Birmingham. The privately owned preserve has 14 miles of trails, an impressive Nature Center, and acres of forest.

The breathtaking view of Birmingham from the Ruffner Mountain overlook is well worth the $5 admission fee, especially in the fall months! This is the perfect spot if you want a bird’s-eye-view of Birmingham’s fall glory.

A lake with a tree in autumn colors on the right, city skyline in the background under a blue sky.Pin
Did you know Birmingham has its very own urban nature preserve running through the city? Image: Instagram

Shades Crest Road in Bluff Park

Neighborhood: Hoover
More Info: hooveral.org

Hoover’s Bluff Park neighborhood has some of the best views in the Magic City, and the drive from Oxmoor Road to Shades Crest to Highway 150 is perfect for a windows-down cruise in the fall months. Soak in the foliage, and be sure to stop for lunch or dinner! Bluff Park has several great spots, including Mr. P’s Deli and Bluff Park Diner.

An overlook of autumn trees against a blue sky. Pin
Bluff Park residents know there’s something special about being on “the mountain,” especially in the fall months! Image: Homes.com

Vulcan Park and Trail

Neighborhood: Five Points South
More Info: visitvulcan.com

The Vulcan statue is a Magic City relic, but did you know there is a park and walking trail right beside it? The trail is just a little over four miles long and is a relatively easy route, perfect for a brisk stroll. Vulcan Park has breathtaking views of Birmingham, made even more beautiful by the fall colors!

A statue stands atop a hill surrounded by vibrant autumn foliage under a clear blue sky.Pin
Nothing says fall in Birmingham like a view of the Vulcan surrounded by changing leaves. Image: Instagram

Happy fall, Birmingham!

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Author: Sarah Morgan Johnson
About the Author
Sarah Morgan Johnson