Kayaking for Kids Open
Oak Mountain State Park
4.7(4,906)4.7 out of 5 stars, 4906 reviews Birmingham, AL
About Oak Mountain State Park
A massive, beautiful state park offering a wide range of outdoor activities including hiking, biking, golf, RV camping, and water sports like kayaking and fishing, featuring both gentle trails and challenging rock scrambles.
What parents should know
Summarized from real visitor reviews.
Best for: Active families who love hiking, climbing, and exploring natureWeekend RV camping tripsCasual fishing days with kidsMiddle schoolers and teens (ages 12+) who can handle strenuous hikes, rock climbing, and golfAll ages for lakeside fishing, beach lounging, and flat service road walks
Why families love it
- Well-marked trails with helpful 1/4-mile marker posts
- Scenic valley views from King's Chair
- Fun rock scrambling and wading at the base of Peavine Falls
- Great fishing spots with helpful tips from friendly gate staff
- Clean, spacious RV campground sites
- Excellent pro-shop with a cozy atmosphere and delicious brunch
Insider tips
- Fully charge your phone before heading out on the trails
- Bring bug spray and a change of boots/shoes for wet and rocky terrain
- Do not start hiking unfamiliar trails within 2 hours of dark
- Purchase the $1 paper map at the entrance gate for easier navigation
- Plan watercraft rentals specifically for Saturday or Sunday
- Look for the Green trailhead tucked away toward the back right of the Peavine Falls parking lot
Good to know before you go
- Attempting the steep descent to Peavine Falls if you are already fatigued or unprepared for rough terrain
- Late afternoon hikes close to sunset
- Expecting to rent pedal boats or kayaks on weekdays
- Peavine Falls trail is very steep, rocky, and physically demanding for novices
- Watercraft rentals (kayaks, paddleboards, pedal boats) are restricted to Saturdays and Sundays only
- Crowds
- Quiet and peaceful on the service road trails
- Value
- Great value for money with a low entry fee of $5 per person (or $7 day pass) plus $1 for a paper map, though some event attendees may still be charged gate fees.
- Food
- Brunch and dining options are available at the golf course pro-shop
- Accessibility
- The Red Trail is a flat, gentle old service road suitable for easier walking
- Safety
- Trails are clearly marked with 1/4 mile posts to help hikers track their pace and location
What parents say
"Small $5 entrance fee plus $1 paper map. Park fee attendants were very nice and chatty (sorry I didn't stop back by but I was heading north lol). I chose to do the Blue trail, which most trails start at the North Trailhead which is just past the first lake, parking on the right. Huge lot, trails are across the road, all are marked well and have 1/4 mile marker posts, which I found helpful - you cover ground quicker than you think! I had to visit King's Chair for a few nice valley views (seen grey lizard here - Eastern fence I believe it's called). The harder part of the trail I'd say is the fi"
a week ago
"Where do I begin? This place is awesome! There are so many possibilities that you can partake in ,no matter what age you are! My most recent visit was my first visit after 10 years of not visiting. So I wasn’t as familiar with the areas, updates, and activities available, but it did not matter at all. April 15th was my “middle” son’s 12th birthday and he couldn’t decide what he wanted to do, however after showing him an informational video about Oak Mountain State Park he immediately made his decision to visit there. The first thing he wanted to do was fish and the second was to find this “w"
2 weeks ago
"Oak Mountain is a great place for an all around good time.. It has everything you need.. With just $5 a person to get in, it's worth the price. I hike out here nearly every week once it warms up. Now im waiting for the pedal boats to be able to be rented on any day, then I'll add that with my hikes."
2 weeks ago
Reviews sourced from public Google data.
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