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'''Oak Mountain State Park''' is the largest | '''Oak Mountain State Park''' is a 9,940-acre [[Alabama State Parks|State Park]], the largest in [[Alabama]]. It is located 15 miles south of downtown [[Birmingham]], encompassing the forested [[Double Oak Mountain]], one of the last foothills of the Appalachian range. The park provides hiking, camping, golf, waterfalls, swimming, a BMX track, a demonstration farm, horseback riding, mountain biking, and fishing among other attractions, and is managed by the [[Alabama Department of Conservation and Natural Resources]]. | ||
Oak Mountain | Oak Mountain State Park houses the [[Alabama Wildlife Center]], which is responsible for the rehabilitation of over 2,000 injured and orphaned wild animals each year, and the [[Oak Mountain Interpretive Center]], which provides classroom and laboratory space for biology and ecology classes along with nature exhibits for visitors. It is the site of the annual [[XTERRA Southeast Championship]] in the Spring and the [[Peavine Falls Run]], held each [[July 4]]. | ||
==History== | |||
Oak Mountain State Park was created under the [[Alabama State Land Act of 1927]], and originally consisted of only 940 acres. An additional 8,000 acres surrounding the park was acquired by the National Park Service in the early 1930s. Beginning in [[1937]] the [[Civilian Conservation Corps]] developed roads, pavilions, cabins and the [[Lake Tranquility Dam]]. Those properties were donated to the State Park in [[1943]]. | |||
==Activities== | |||
Oak Mountain State Park's prime natural attractions are [[Peavine Falls]], a 60-foot cataract, [[Maggie's Glen]], a streamside hollow, and an expanse of forested hillside slopes accessed by a 50-mile network of walking and horse trails. | |||
Additional trails for mountain biking have been extended by [[Birmingham Urban Mountain Pedalers]] (BUMP) into a world-class challenge course. Other [[cycling]] facilities include a BMX course and paved roads popular with racing bike owners. | |||
Four artificial lakes provide areas for fishing, recreational boating, and swimming. [[Double Oak Lake]] has a sand beach and a marina for canoes and paddle boats available for rent. [[Tranquility Lake]] has a fishing pier. [[Beaver Lake]] is the centerpiece of the park's camping area, with cabins and sites for RVs and tents. | |||
The park is also the setting for the [[Oak Mountain Golf Course]], an award-winning public course, and has a demonstration farm and several picnic areas. | |||
==External links== | ==External links== | ||
* [http://www.alapark.com/parks/park.cfm?parkid=9 Oak Mountain State Park] at Alapark.com | * [http://www.alapark.com/parks/park.cfm?parkid=9 Oak Mountain State Park] at Alapark.com | ||
* [http://itunes.apple.com/itunes-u/discovering-alabama-videos/id383699006 Oak Mountain State Park], [[Discovering Alabama]] on iTunes U | * [http://itunes.apple.com/itunes-u/discovering-alabama-videos/id383699006 Oak Mountain State Park], [[Discovering Alabama]] on iTunes U | ||
[[Category:Oak Mountain State Park|*]] | [[Category:Oak Mountain State Park|*]] | ||
[[Category:1927 establishments]] | |||
Revision as of 18:27, 18 March 2011
Oak Mountain State Park is a 9,940-acre State Park, the largest in Alabama. It is located 15 miles south of downtown Birmingham, encompassing the forested Double Oak Mountain, one of the last foothills of the Appalachian range. The park provides hiking, camping, golf, waterfalls, swimming, a BMX track, a demonstration farm, horseback riding, mountain biking, and fishing among other attractions, and is managed by the Alabama Department of Conservation and Natural Resources.
Oak Mountain State Park houses the Alabama Wildlife Center, which is responsible for the rehabilitation of over 2,000 injured and orphaned wild animals each year, and the Oak Mountain Interpretive Center, which provides classroom and laboratory space for biology and ecology classes along with nature exhibits for visitors. It is the site of the annual XTERRA Southeast Championship in the Spring and the Peavine Falls Run, held each July 4.
History
Oak Mountain State Park was created under the Alabama State Land Act of 1927, and originally consisted of only 940 acres. An additional 8,000 acres surrounding the park was acquired by the National Park Service in the early 1930s. Beginning in 1937 the Civilian Conservation Corps developed roads, pavilions, cabins and the Lake Tranquility Dam. Those properties were donated to the State Park in 1943.
Activities
Oak Mountain State Park's prime natural attractions are Peavine Falls, a 60-foot cataract, Maggie's Glen, a streamside hollow, and an expanse of forested hillside slopes accessed by a 50-mile network of walking and horse trails.
Additional trails for mountain biking have been extended by Birmingham Urban Mountain Pedalers (BUMP) into a world-class challenge course. Other cycling facilities include a BMX course and paved roads popular with racing bike owners.
Four artificial lakes provide areas for fishing, recreational boating, and swimming. Double Oak Lake has a sand beach and a marina for canoes and paddle boats available for rent. Tranquility Lake has a fishing pier. Beaver Lake is the centerpiece of the park's camping area, with cabins and sites for RVs and tents.
The park is also the setting for the Oak Mountain Golf Course, an award-winning public course, and has a demonstration farm and several picnic areas.
External links
- Oak Mountain State Park at Alapark.com
- Oak Mountain State Park, Discovering Alabama on iTunes U