Big Canoe Creek Nature Preserve — Attraction in Alabama

2/25/24 We hiked fallen oak and the slab creek trail today. Fallen oak was about 1.4 miles with a lot of uphill hiking. Slab creek was around 2.5 miles with some hills. Both trails are wide and there aren't many rocks or roots. These trails would be ideal for runners. The trails are marked well and all 4 trails loop back to their starting points making it very difficult to get lost. There is a nice entry way with two parking lots that hold around 50 vehicles. There is also a parking area for trailers with horses. Two Porta potties are on sight. There is a creek running thru both of these trails. It was Saturday afternoon around 2 when we started and the lot was full. Other than organized hiking events this was the most people I've ever seen on a trail. Very glad to have this preserve so close. Awesome place.

3/3/24 we hiked easy rider and creek loop today. Creek loop was about 1.5 miles with some good elevation gain. Smooth trail that went down to the creek and looped back up. Easy rider was 2.8 miles long. This was the worst trail we've ever hiked on. Sections of the trail were totally underwater and it was very slippery and muddy. I wouldn't hike it again especially not if it rained recently.

1/04/2025 We hiked easy rider again today trail was much better than before. Several new benches added to grab a breather if needed. Trail was dry and around 2.8 miles. Great place to hike!

We ranked the trails as follows. 1 creek loop 2 fallen oak 3 slab creek 4 easy rider.

10/30/25 there is another restroom now at the lower parking lot as well as a paved path on part of the slab creek trail which leads to a rest area with a...

I have hiked several Forever Wild tracts and they are all fantastic, but with Big Canoe Creek they really hit it out of the park. Trails are very well marked- the best I've seen on any trail- with directional arrows and color coded trail markers- perfect for solo or novice hikers or just those who are directionally challenged. Maps and large trail signs mark intersections. Even on a rainy day, the Slab Creek trail had breathtaking views and the trail has enough elevation change and a creek hop to make it interesting. Forest Oak Trail is a lovely peaceful stroll through forest oaks, ferns and moss covered boulders with some elevation, although it's the shortest trail in the preserve at 1.2 miles. Slab Creek is so named because if you start off at the trailhead in the lower parking lot the first section is slab (paved asphalt) that leads to a beautiful creek overlook with a picnic table and benches, making it accessible and stroller friendly. If you want to hike the whole loop you can continue on the dirt path to the left. This preserve is definitely a new favorite, especially since shorter trails can be combined to make a longer hike with...

I was able to check out a couple of trails with the permission of the park and recreation manager (Doug). The park should be open early Nov. Around the 7th. Hiking, bicycle, and horseback trails will be fantastic. This is country Hiking with hills. Wear proper attire and take water. Trails will be easier to follow with use. They are not groomed. It's a nature trail with some steam climbs. Wild life is awesome. Wild turkeys and deer crossed my path a few times. See my attached pictures for a better idea. Once again, the park is not open. Please check the website for...