The Double Oak Trail at Oak Mountain State Park, also known as the Oak Mountain State Park Red Trail, has something for mountain bikers of any skill level, from kids and beginners to experts. Volunteers with the trail group Birmingham Urban Mountain Pedalers, (BUMP), maintain the Red Trail. Their annual “Bump and Grind” Cross Country Mountain Bike race takes place here each spring.

At 22 miles long (and growing), the mountain bike trail is a mix of mostly tight singletrack and “ doubletrack” trail with about 1600 feet of combined climbing if you ride the entire loop. Because of this, IMBA (International Mountain Bike Association) has added Oak Mountain to their list of Epic Rides. This makes it one of 52 “must ride” trails in the world!

You can find just about every trail condition imaginable. Smooth, fast, tight and twisty, knarly rooted sections, rock gardens, sand pits, plus challenging climbs with fast downhill sections with air inducing dips and rolls. Most of the trail is of intermediate skill level. However, more advanced riders will be challenged by “Blood Rock” and other sections of the BUMP trail.

For beginners, there is the relatively level “easy” Lake trail offering a scenic ride or walk around Double Oak Lake. BUMP is also building a new expert level trail on top of Double Oak Mountain to provide an extra challenge for more advanced riders.

Plan your trip

The Oak Mountain State Park Red Trail is easily accessible from the campground area. Convenient parking at the north and south trailheads, and throughout the park. In addition, changing rooms, water and a bike wash can be found between the South trailhead parking lot and the restrooms adjacent to the day use picnic area.

The trail is open to hikers and can be ridden in either direction. Therefore, be prepared to yield to climbers and walkers. Ride only on trails marked for cycling. Other trails are off limits to bicycles. Helmets are required by state law for all riders age 16 and under and strongly recommended for everyone.

For more information on the trail and each relevant trail segment, visit BUMP’s website. You can also download BUMP’s most recent map. Ride on!