Oak Mountain State Park near Birmingham has expanded by approximately 1,600 acres and safeguarded one of the largest undeveloped tracts along a major highway corridor.
The addition to Alabama’s largest state park, along the U.S. 280 corridor, was made thanks to a land purchase facilitated by the Alabama Forever Wild Land Trust. State Parks officials joined local leaders, members of the Forever Wild Land Trust Board of Trustees, representatives from EBSCO, which sold the property, and The Nature Conservancy for a celebration at the new property on April 15, 2022.
“This project is a great reminder that securing land and expanding our state parks provides even more recreational opportunities for Alabamians and tourists alike,” Gov. Kay Ivey said. “For 83 years, it has taken a conscious effort on the part of our state to invest in our parks to create campgrounds, trails and other amenities that help our citizens access and enjoy all of these special places.
“That is why I also support the State Parks Amendment on the May 24 primary ballot and hope voters will approve it so similar enhancements throughout the state parks system can be made.”
Key Preservation
The property – a 1,644 acres known as the Belcher Property – expands Oak Mountain State Park to more than 11,000 acres. It preserves a rare mountain longleaf pine forest near the Greystone and Chelsea communities.
“This is a great addition to Oak Mountain State Park,” said Chris Blankenship, Commissioner of the Alabama Department of Conservation and Natural Resources. “It is a beautiful piece of property in fast-growing Shelby County. It’s gratifying to secure this land so Alabamians and visitors can enjoy it. I appreciate the dedication of the Forever Wild Land Trust and the work of the Board members to approve and fund this purchase. I also very much appreciate EBSCO for selling this property to Forever Wild so that it can be preserved in perpetuity. EBSCO continues to be a great public steward.”
The Forever Wild Land Trust approved the purchase in 2021.
“This addition to Oak Mountain State Park is a wonderful legacy for the people of Alabama,” said Mitch Reid, Director of The Nature Conservancy in Alabama. “This mountain longleaf tract is some of the most unique habitat in the country, and we are fortunate to have it, and be able to protect it, here in the Birmingham metro area. EBSCO’s decision to put the land into conservation is a true gift, as well as an opportunity to expand one of the most popular parks in Alabama. This is truly a win-win for people and nature.”
Plans could include an extension of hiking, biking and horseback riding trails from the existing park. In addition, improved access from U.S. 280 is also being considered as a future project.
About Oak Mountain
Alabama’s largest state park features more than 50 miles of trails. It also has an 18-hole golf course and driving range, horseback riding facilities, fishing lakes, boat rentals, picnic and beach areas, demonstration farm and Peavine Falls.
The Alabama Wildlife Center, located inside OMSP, offers rehabilitation services to injured native birds to return them to the wild. Resident birds can be viewed from the Tree Top Nature Trail, an elevated boardwalk winding through a secluded woodland valley.
Running, Biking in Parks
Alabama’s state parks have long been utilized by hikers, runners and mountain bikers, along with other recreational users. More than 21 state parks encompassing nearly 50,000 acres of land and water offer a variety of activities. The parks system spans from the Gulf of Mexico at Gulf State Park to the mountains of Monte Sano State Park in Huntsville.
Oak Mountain State Park is a favorite spot for trail runners and bikers. Easy and technical trails offer a variety of challenges. Southeastern Trail Runs holds several events at the park each year. The park’s biking track is the oldest continually running track in the state, USABMX certified and offers racing for riders age 2 and up.
The popular Running Lane Events trail runs make stops at DeSoto, Guntersville, Monte Sano, Joe Wheeler and Lake Lurleen state parks. Mountain biking is popular at the state parks, too, including the HAMR series that offers competition, training and learning.
(Photo: Alabama State Parks)
