Saturday, October 16. Fresh Air Family is proud to roll out a hike series geared towards getting teens & parents out of the house and onto the trails together! This is an 8 hike series with the last hike being a one night backpacking trip to the Walls of Jericho. The hikes will showcase some of Alabama’s favorite hiking destinations; Sipsey Wilderness, Pinhoti, Oak Mountain and others. These hikes will be at least 4 miles and no more than 11 miles long. Some are moderate and some difficult. See hike details for specific information. Teens & parents are encouraged to attend together yet we welcome groups or individuals lacking that element. These hikes are essentially for everyone.
Our first hike in the series is at Oak Mountain State Park where we will follow the white trail to Shackleford Point, the highest point in the park and connect to the yellow trail via the white/yellow trail connector and then reconnect to the white which leads us back to the trail head. This hike begins easy as we follow it to Maggie’s Glen, approx. 1.5 miles. At this point, the trail begins to climb its way up to Shackleford Point which is 1,286 feet elevation. Here we will break for lunch/snacks. After the point, the trail levels off and moderately rolls until we reach the yellow/white connector. The connector is a moderately steep descent. After reaching the yellow trail, it is a nice rolling hike back to the trail head. There are many highlights along the yellow trail such as Tranquility Lake. There is a dam there and usually lots of wildlife in the area to observe. Total length is around 9 miles and should take us 4-5 hours to complete depending on the size of our group and how long we stop to eat. The hike will take place rain or shine unless there are severe thunderstorms.
Our informal trail topic for this hike will be the principles of Leave No Trace. LNT is wilderness ethic to be familiar with if you spend any substantial time in the backcountry. LNT translates to your own backyard so listen closely, you will learn a great deal!
Please see our website under “Forms & Waivers” to download the “Ten Hiking Essentials” and Fresh Air Family’s waiver. Only one waiver per family is needed. Please have it ready upon arrival.
Make sure you wear sturdy hiking boots as there are some rocky points on this trail.
We need to have a solid head count for this trip so we will know how many guides to have with us. Please email us at
events@freshairfamily.org with your names & ages & a good cell phone number in case last minute changes occur.
Directions to the North trail head are as follows;
Take I-65 to exit 246 (US 119/Cahaba Valley Road). Turn right at the light onto 119, then make a quick left at the first light onto State Park Road. Travel 2 miles to a four-way stop. Turn left onto John Findlay Drive and soon enter the park. The information Center will be on the right (with restrooms and maps). Stop your car, pay the day-use fee at the entrance-gate kiosk, then continue along Findlay Drive for 5.5 miles to the North Trailhead parking area, which will be on your left. Park and cross Findlay to the trailhead cluster. There is a port-a-potty at the trailhead.
See you on the trail!
