Recently ranked one of the best places to live in the U.S., it offers a wealth of opportunities for health and fitness. Perhaps one of the most surprising things about this suburban city is its expansive outdoor scene.
With more than 30 parks and over 600 acres of parkland, Hoover makes it possible to experience the beauty of Mother Nature without having to travel far.
Children enjoy feeding baby ducklings every spring at Aldridge Gardens, while thrill-seekers want the adrenaline of the bumps and jumps of Black Creek Mountain Bike Park. Hikers and leisurely explorers can discover waterfalls, boulders, and even a good stretch of paved, flat trails.
Find your favorite Hoover park, and let time in nature become part of your daily life.
Lance Shores
Aldridge Gardens
Aldridge Gardens
Thirty acres of woodland gardens, complete with a five-acre lake and walking trails. Tour the gardens, birdwatch, feed the ducks or walk peacefully through nature.
Hours: Daily from 8 am–7 pm
Address: 3530 Lorna Road, Hoover, AL 35216
Contact: (205) 739-6558
Black Creek Mountain Bike Park
This 73-acre mountain bike park, opened in 2019, offers five miles of trails built into natural terrain. There are trails for riders of all levels.
Address: 5571 Stadium Trace Parkway, Hoover, AL, 35244
Blue Ridge Park and Trails
Situated behind Shades Mountain Elementary, there is a small playground with restroom access and walking trails. A creek flows near the trail as well.
Address: 1121 Blue Ridge Boulevard, Hoover, AL 35226
Bluff Park Community Park
A public playground surrounded by shade trees, plus restrooms for anyone to use. There is a pool, but it does require a membership.
Address: 517 Cloudland Drive, Hoover, AL, 35226
Cahaba Riverchase Greenway Trailhead
A half-mile asphalt trail that winds through an open field, shady pine thicket and over two bridges along the Cahaba River. No restrooms on site.
Address: 1930 Old Montgomery Highway, Hoover, AL, 35244
EXPLORE Playground and Splash Pad
Open to the public and free of charge. There is a playground for all ages and abilities, and a large splash pad all fenced in together. Restrooms and parking are plentiful.
Hours: Daily from 9 am–7 pm
Address: 1060 RV Trace, Hoover, AL, 35244
Flemming Park on the Cahaba & Cahaba River Boat Launch
A peaceful blend of green spaces, hiking and biking trails, and a boat launch that provides easy access to the Cahaba River.
Address: 3356 Trip Run, Hoover, AL 35244
Georgetown Park
A three-acre lake surrounded by a track under the lights. The track is made up of asphalt and a wooden walkway that is roughly a third of a mile in length. There is a playground and first-come, first-served grills and gazebos.
Address: 2224 Myrtlewood Drive, Hoover, AL 35216
Inverness Park and Nature Trail + Disc Golf
Seventy-seven acres of forested park. Peace and quiet, hiking trails, streams and picnic areas are plentiful. An eighteen-hole disc golf course is there, featuring a variety of shot options for all skill levels.
Hours: Daily from 6 am–8 pm
Address: 272 Inverness Parkway, Hoover, AL 35242
Loch Haven Park & Dog Park
A seventeen-acre dog park for an off-leash experience for small and large dogs alike. It includes a canine obstacle course, a half-mile walking track and a playground.
Address: 3469 Loch Haven Drive, Hoover, AL 35216
Allison Carpenter
Moss Rock Preserve
Moss Rock Preserve
A 349-acre nature preserve full of large rock outcroppings, streams and waterfalls. It contains about twelve miles of hiking trails, plus Boulder Field—a favorite among rock climbers.
Address: 617 Preserve Way, Hoover, AL 35226
Ross Bridge Historical Park
A local park featuring a playground, dense woods and a Civil War era bridge. The trail is about two miles down and back.
Hours: Daily from 7 am–8 pm
Address: Ross Bridge Parkway, Hoover, AL 35226
Russet Woods Park
A secluded and quiet small neighborhood park with a playground, pavilion and small walking trail.
Address: 105 Top O Tree Lane, Hoover, AL 35244
Star Lake
The park is located adjacent to the Hoover Country Club and Golf Course. There is a large picnic area, public parking, and a .4 mile walking trail around a four-acre lake.
Address: Star Lake Drive, Hoover, AL 35216
Veterans Park
An eighty-two-acre park complete with a 5K cross country trail, playgrounds, beach volleyball courts, two pavilions and a Veterans’ Memorial. There is also a four-acre lake, a one-acre pond and walking trails.
Hours: Daily from 5 am–8 pm
Address: 4800 Valleydale Road, Hoover, AL 35242
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