Moss Rock Preserve — Attraction in Hoover

This is a lovely forest with cool rock formations and an enticing creek.

The signage here is abysmal. No maps of the preserve, nothing telling you which way to go to get to the falls, nothing telling you where the other entrances are. Trying to reach the High Falls, Google maps took me to three entrances with closed gates -- one near Chapel Rd. and Verdure Ln., and two on Shadeswood Dr. Eventually I ended up at the "Sulphur Springs Rd." entrance, where a local told me that the best way to get to the falls was to drive counterclockwise around the preserve until I reached a shopping area called "City Center" on the right, park there, cross the road, and then head right on the trails. (Another review mentioned parking at a shopping center, too.).

I never found any "City Center", but I did find an entrance with a dirt parking lot on the Preserve side of Preserve Parkway, near Village Green Circle. There are a few shops there; maybe this is "City Center"? Walking in from there and heading downhill to the right led quickly to a creek, with a small cascade and small "swimming hole", if you can call it that. That would be a great place to visit, but not really a waterfall. I think some people may be calling this the waterfall, when they say it's only a 10 minute walk to the falls.

A local there said that the shortest hike to the falls was to park in the Simmons Middle School bus parking lot, and hike in from there, but that even from there, it was about a mile, with a steep slope. Indeed Google Maps shows a Simmons Trailhead, if you zoom in far enough. I ran out of time and...

We were energized and relaxed after a hike and walk in this free preserve on the south side of Birmingham in Hoover. We parked in the gravel lot just off the round-about on Preserve Parkway. Across the street is a small town-like development with restaurants and houses. We particularly enjoyed the scale of the boulders that are readily visible just inside this parking area. You can wander in that area and have very little exertion; or you can follow trails up by waterfalls, or down along shady creeks. There are two bridges over the creek. We pulled up a map on our iPhone to help guide us.We also followed the waterfalls and walked up on some rocks. Having on hiking shoes helps with this segment.You can google this site and get more history of this unique area, the sandstone glade, and the boulder formations.The park is well maintained. It appears that walking and hiking areas are becoming more refined and defined for future hiking.Right now there are two portable restrooms at the parking area. I carry Wet One’s for things like this.We recommend the place for a nice daytime activity. A lot of places to picnic “leaving no trace” so have a backpack. We did not find tables but rock formations are handy. Also eating is available in the restaurants across the street. You will want to check their hours with your schedule.We just spent about an hour and a half wandering and walking and would come back again when...

As far as moderate hiking trails go, this is a good one.

Very nice trails. Very wooded... very variable, not too long if hiking/walking thru the woods isn't really your thing. Even if it is, there's enough to see and have a great time. Helpful to have a trail map of course, but the one I found online seemed to be drawn slightly off when coming to certain junctions/trail connections. Not all the junctions have signs with arrows, some do though. Also, if you happen to be on the white trail... the white paint on the trees, rocks etc has faded and unless you've seen how it's done in the other colors... you wouldn't notice that it's white paint. Blends in very well.

Nice sights include a boulder field where people partake in rock climbing, a nice stream and small waterfall, and just good old mother nature! Once, in part of the boulder field, did come across a guy who appeared to be living there perhaps... or maybe a hippy just enjoying himself, not really sure. He had a small fire going with some canned food, was smoking, dirt black soles... shrugs. We spoke and kept it moving.

Again, I enjoy this place. Next I need to check out some of the shops/restaurants at...