South Rim-Shackleford Point Trails

While all of Alabama's state parks are spectacular in their own right and offer their own unique outdoor experience, Oak Mountain State Park just south of Birmingham is the state's oldest and one that offers more options for activities than most. Here you can find swimming, golf, disc-golf, horseback riding, a demonstration farm, and, of course, hiking and backpacking.

The hike described here is only one of many different treks you can take at Oak Mountain. We advise that you contact the park office before heading out or upon arrival for a copy of their trail map, which is free, so that you can plan other hikes during your visit.

The South Rim-Shackleford Point hike described here can be tackled in two ways. The first is as a day hike along the blue-blazed South Rim Trail ending at Peavine Falls. This would require a shuttle vehicle or a ride back to the north trailhead.

The second option is a 13-mile overnight backpacking loop, starting out on the South Rim Trail, then meeting up with the white-blazed Shackleford Point Trail at Peavine Falls for the return trip to the trailhead.

The two trails are the most popular in the park and feature wonderful vistas from the mountain tops, a visit to spectacular Peavine Falls, and the serenity of Maggie's Glen. And, of course, combining these two trails offers a unique backpacking opportunity only minutes from Birmingham.

Starting to the north on the blue-blazed Shackleford Trail, it is a rather steep climb to the top but well worth it as the mountain views unfold around you. It is an easy walk just below the ridgeline. You will want to hike off the trail slightly to get to the ridge itself to take in the view of the valley below. Along this section of trail, many overnight backpackers have pitched camp here, overlooking the lights of the towns below. If you decide to do the same, please reuse the campsites already established to minimize your impact on the environment.

The trail dips down into a small valley where the waters of Peavine Branch begin to build and soon you will hear – and see – the 65-foot cascade known as Peavine Falls. If you go near the water's edge, be careful of your footing along the outcroppings. It is very slick.

This is where you will have two options. If this is a day-hike, you should plan on a second shuttle vehicle to be parked at the Peavine parking area (refer to the map) to transport you back to the north trailhead. There is a separate trail that branches off here that will lead you to the parking area.

If this is an overnight backpacking trip, then you will continue on past the falls as you come to the white blazes of the Shackleford Point Trail. Remember that camping is not allowed at the falls, so you will have to move farther down the trail to pitch your tent.

The Shackleford Point Trail begins by following the banks of Peavine Branch for a time before heading up to the park's highest peak, Shackleford Point (1,260 feet) with yet more mountain views.

Just before returning to the northern trailhead, the trail heads downhill into Maggie's Glen, a grassy area in a hollow along the banks of a wide stream. During the spring, dogwoods and beeches add more color to this serene location.

These trails are very well maintained thanks to the combined efforts of the park and the Vulcan Trail Association. A box at the trailhead asks for a small donation to help this volunteer organization continue their work. As you will see on this trip, it is a donation well spent.