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Updated September 2025 by Katie Leigh Matthews

Fall foliage makes its debut a little later in Birmingham than 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 mid- to late November, so the best is still to come. Here are 10 of our favorite destinations around town and a short drive away for taking in the changing leaves!

Birmingham Botanical Gardens

Neighborhood: Mountain Brook
Commute from Downtown: 10 minutes
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 through their dozens of themed gardens and woodlands. The golden Ginkgo trees and Japanese gardens take our breath away every autumn.

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 gravel path in the Birmingham Botanical Gardens, surrounded by trees adorned with vibrant yellow and red fall foliage.Pin
Gingko trees make their golden debut at the Birmingham Botanical Gardens. Image: Facebook

Cheaha State Park

Neighborhood: Delta
Commute from Downtown: 1 hour, 20 minutes
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 “The Island in the Sky” 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.

Cheaha State Park offers hiking and biking trails, cabins and chalets, and oodles of scenic viewpoints. Favorites include Cheaha Road, the Bald Rock Boardwalk, Bunker Tower, and the Pulpit Rock trail. Plus, the park will be opening a brand new lodge in 2026, so start planning now for a leaf peeping weekend getaway next year.

Scenic view of a lush green forest covering rolling hills in Cheaha State Park under a clear blue sky, with rocky foreground and a small lake visible in the distance—an ideal destination for fall foliage admirers.Pin
Ring in the season early with a drive out to Cheaha State Park. Image: Facebook

Clarkson Covered Bridge and Park

Neighborhood: Cullman
Commute from Downtown: 50 minutes
More Info: cullmancountyparks.com

One of Alabama’s longest covered bridges, the Clarkson Covered Bridge is well worth the drive up to Cullman for a picturesque place to spend an autumn afternoon. The historic bridge was built in 1904 and is the site of the Battle of Hog Mountain during the Civil War. It was restored in 1975, and the surrounding park features trails, a grist mill, log cabins, and picnic tables.

When the park’s lush forest frames the bridge with vibrant red, orange, and yellow hues each fall, this quaint landmark is transformed into something out of a storybook!

The Clarkson Covered Bridge with a tin roof crosses over a wooded area, surrounded by fall foliage and fallen leaves, with a historical marker sign on the left.Pin
One of the longest covered bridges in Alabama, Clarkson Bridge is a beautiful day trip destination from Birmingham, especially in the fall. Image: @barrysnapp on Instagram

Moss Rock Preserve

Neighborhood: Hoover
Commute from Downtown: 20 minutes
More Info: hooveral.org

There are almost 12 miles of hiking trails and countless climbing spots throughout Moss Rock Preserve’s 349 acres. Despite its location in the heart of Hoover, once you wander into the preserve, you’ll feel worlds away from the hustle and bustle of everyday life. Spend the whole day exploring the trails, streams, waterfalls, and rock outcroppings, all set against the stunning backdrop of the season’s colors.

A dirt path winds between large, weathered rock formations surrounded by vibrant fall foliage and trees, all beneath a partly sunny sky at Moss Rock Nature Preserve.Pin
Escape the buzz of Birmingham proper and soak up the autumn views at Moss Rock Preserve. Image: Facebook

Noccalula Falls

Neighborhood: Gadsden
Commute from Downtown: 1 hour
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 with trails following the water downstream.  The park grounds offer something for everyone, including picnic areas, a botanical garden, and mini golf.

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 genuinely awe-inspiring. Make the trip up after a heavy rain for an unforgettable sight.

Aerial view of a waterfall with vibrant fall foliage at Noccalula Falls among trees and a park, with roads, buildings, and forested hills stretching into the background.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: @etowahthebeautiful on Instagram

Oak Mountain State Park

Neighborhood: Pelham
Commute from Downtown: 20 minutes
More Info: alapark.com

At almost 12,000 acres, Oak Mountain State Park is the largest state park in Alabama, and a must-add to your local leaf-peeping bucket list. Whether you prefer kayaking, hiking, mountain biking, golfing, or even horseback riding, autumn at Oak Mountain is brimming with activity.

Some of the most popular fall hikes are the King’s Chair Overlook and Peavine Falls. If you’re looking for stunning autumn vistas without the hike, take the winding drive up Peavine Falls Road and stop at the pullouts along the ridge for spectacular views.

Several people sit on a rocky cliff overlook at Oak Mountain State Park as fall foliage glows in the sunset, with clouds scattered across the sky.Pin
Take in the season’s peak colors from the King’s Chair Overlook at Oak Mountain State Park. Image:@weavers_of_the_web on Instagram

Ruffner Mountain

Neighborhood: East Lake
Commute from Downtown: 15 minutes
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 for a bird’s-eye view of Birmingham’s fall glory.

Dirt hiking trail with rocky outcrops and sparse trees offers views of BHAM-Area’s distant city skyline under a cloudy sky at Ruffner Mountain.Pin
Soak up the sweeping autumn vistas in Birmingham’s backyard at Ruffner Mountain. Image: Instagram

Red Mountain Park

Neighborhood: Homewood
Commute from Downtown: 15 minutes
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 autumn wonderland, making it an ideal spot for leaf peeping.

A person stands on a rope suspension bridge in Red Mountain Park, surrounded by trees adorned with fall foliage. Autumn leaves are scattered across the bridge, and a clear blue sky stretches above.Pin
Immerse yourself in the season on Red Mountain Park’s treetop trails. Image: @egoddard93 on Instagram

Shades Crest Road in Bluff Park

Neighborhood: Hoover
Commute from Downtown: 10 minutes
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. Be sure to stop for lunch at Bluff Park Diner, right across the street from a scenic overlook, or grab a sweet treat at Bluff Park Ice Cream Shoppe just a few minutes up the road.

Sunset over a forested landscape with fall foliage, the sky displaying shades of orange, yellow, and blue as the sun sits partially above the horizon at a lookout along Shades Crest Road.Pin
There’s nothing like a sunset cruise along Shades Crest Road in peak fall. Image: @trailrod.hikes on Instagram

Vulcan Park and Trail

Neighborhood: Five Points South
Commute from Downtown: 10 minutes
More Info: visitvulcan.com

The Vulcan statue is a Magic City icon, and its accompanying park and trail are some of the best spots in town to enjoy the changing seasons. The trail is just over four miles long and relatively easy, perfect for a brisk stroll in the crisp autumn air. 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: @cotton_state on Instagram

Happy fall, Birmingham!

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