Oak Mountain State Park — Attraction in Pelham

Where do I begin? This place is awesome! There are so many possibilities that you can partake in ,no matter what age you are!

My most recent visit was my first visit after 10 years of not visiting. So I wasn’t as familiar with the areas, updates, and activities available, but it did not matter at all. April 15th was my “middle” son’s 12th birthday and he couldn’t decide what he wanted to do, however after showing him an informational video about Oak Mountain State Park he immediately made his decision to visit there.

The first thing he wanted to do was fish and the second was to find this “waterfall” he saw while watching the video.

So off we went , only equipped with 2 poles, 1 tackle box and worms, water, a change of boots for exploring, and a fishing license.

As soon as we arrived at the side , I believe day pass gate, we were greeted with a helpful friendly face at the booth you pay at. He could have just said that’ll be $7 and sent us on our way, but instead he was warm, conversational, and gave us many tips on where to go fish depending on what my son was wanting to fish for. He was extremely kind and began our visit on a very inviting note.

We fished at the oldest lake first, hoping to snag one of the 7-10lb bass that swim there. No luck, but that was ok.

We then ventured to the lake by the damn that is known for smaller fish, but gave us a chance at a higher quantity caught.

It was very nice with shaded areas on the side bank and sunny areas next to the road. We didn’t end up having much luck with the fish that day , but we were satisfied regardless. Everything is easy to find when you want to fish.

The next time we go we will go on a weekend so that we can rent a peddler boat or try a kayak or paddle board. They are available to rent on Saturday and Sundays.

After hours of him fishing and me half fishing half laying out on the pier next to the beach area, we headed out to explore.

Explore we did, apparently I set a record number of miles my iPhone had ever recorded me walking! 8 miles to be exact.

We hiked several trails and learned some lessons on what to do and not to do for next time. Also, making sure your phone is charged , you have bug spray, you don’t wait til 2 hours before dark to go down trails you aren’t familiar with, etc. You know, rookie /lack of common sense mistakes…bc duh!

Anyhow, our 2nd hike /exploration had a mission. We were going to find this mysterious “waterfall” he saw in the video.

Yes, we found it. We also found that we shouldn’t have already hiked 4 miles before trying to trek up and down this particular trail. It was very steep and difficult for us being novices in these types of activities, and we weren’t really prepared for the terrain we encountered, but pushed thru because he really really wanted to this this hidden gem of a waterfall!

It was beautiful and worth the bruises I received trying to get down to it. He smiled so much while there, skipping rocks and walking around in the water at the bottom of the fall in complete awe.

The journey back up…we’ll honestly had a difficulty level well above what my body was ready for. But he loved it. I mean absolutely loved all the climbing and the unknowns. We even saw an actual “dung” beetle hard at work!

We also stopped at the look out and took in the view.

We didn’t do 5% of what the park offers and had a blast.

Take your family and explore! Figure out what you do and don’t like. And...

A Sunday Funday turned into a nightmare.

Beware of State Park RANGERS! Not too friendly of colored .

My younger sister and I toke the wrong turn Sunday , March 30, trying to go to Oak Mountain State Fair. We wasn’t aware this was not the correct way to the fair nor that we had to stop by the gate before entering what we thought was the road to the fairgrounds.

Shortly after pasting through the gate and driving further down the road. The female Ranger working on March 30, to pull me over. She approached the window very aggressively, she did not introduce herself. She questioned why was I here? Why did I pass through her gate? A lot of other questions without a chance to answer. Then proceeded to tell me to go back through the gate n leave her park n have a good day. I stated I was just trying to get to the fair. She refused to give directions and insisted I live immediately.

I did as told , after the female ranger left. I turned around to leave and begin driving down the road. Towards the end of the road, Ranger M. Hicks follows behind me doing 30mph on Terrace so was I. As I approached the gate I stopped to apologize to the gate attendant and ask if there was anything I needed to do or if I could get directions to the fair. The male Ranger M. Hicks turned on his lights , once he approached the window. He stated I was speeding doing 33 in a 25 but he turned his lights on because I stopped in the middle of the road. He then asked for my license … he questioned if I was under the influence.. don’t drink or do drugs this was very offensive. He questioned the car I was driving and where I got it from .. my father purchased the car as a graduation gift. I called him to assist, along with all necessary paperwork. I was terrified by the erratic behavior and unfriendliness of the staff at the park.

The wrong turn to the Oak Mountain State Fair turned into a Sunday Funday Nightmare. My 18yr old younger sister and I were surrounded with over 5 Pelham...

Small $5 entrance fee plus $1 paper map. Park fee attendants were very nice and chatty (sorry I didn't stop back by but I was heading north lol). I chose to do the Blue trail, which most trails start at the North Trailhead which is just past the first lake, parking on the right. Huge lot, trails are across the road, all are marked well and have 1/4 mile marker posts, which I found helpful - you cover ground quicker than you think! I had to visit King's Chair for a few nice valley views (seen grey lizard here - Eastern fence I believe it's called). The harder part of the trail I'd say is the first 2 miles, typical hillside trail, good bit of upward but after 2 miles it's def easier and more gently rolling, more earth and less rock. About 7 total miles to Peavine Falls one way, short but pretty steep and rocky trail down to the creek falls, and back up the other side is a fun scramble. Falls are small but very pretty, small pool at the base, you can get right up on it if you wish, but you'll get your feet wet. To save time I opted to take Red Trail back, an old service road turned trail. To reach it I first found the Green trail, then red connector. Green trailhead is a lil hidden. Towards the back right of Peavine Falls parking lot - you reach the lot after the scramble on the other side of the falls, walk on a wide path up to the lot, felt like a quarter mile - the trailhead is a bit obscured. Glorified outhouse at the parking lot too, thankfully, but hold your nose. While on Red trail I realized I was on the CCC trail and not a road - CCC will run parallel to the road trail for a short ways and you can see it on your right, I walked up a lil bank but there is a path to it eventually. Red road trail is obviously an old road, gentle hill, no great views, but it is quiet and you'll see and cross several stream areas, which you can jump across or bridge. 5 miles to main trailhead, I completed about 13 total and really wish I had time to explore more...