1.
Lake Trail Trailhead β Oak Mountain State Park Office loop from Oak Mountain Lake Dam Number Two
19.3km
00:57
250m
250m
Easy road ride. Great for any fitness level. Mostly well-paved surfaces and easy to ride.
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The best road cycling routes in Oak Mountain State Park
By Fede from komoot
Β·
Updated June 2, 2026
If you've ever tried to plan road cycling in Oak Mountain State Park, you know how quickly the options can feel overwhelming. With so many trails, it's hard to tell which routes are genuinely worth your time and effort, and which are just filler. That's where we come in: komoot's community has mapped, ridden, and reviewed these routes, so we've got you covered with a curated shortlist of the ones that are truly worth your legs. We're here to save you the guesswork.
Road cycling in Oak Mountain State Park is all about those scenic, rolling hills and the peaceful stretches around its multiple lakes. Alabama's largest state park offers a diverse landscape, from heavily forested areas to open views, making every ride feel like a mini-adventure. You'll find everything from easy loops perfect for a relaxed spin to more challenging moderate routes that will give you a good workout.
If you only do one ride, we'd start with the Lake Trail Trailhead loop from Oak Mountain Lake Dam Number Two, an easy 10.7 miles (17.2 km) that offers fantastic lake views and is a local favorite. For something a bit longer and more varied, the Lake Trail Trailhead β Oak Mountain State Park Office loop from ATM is a moderate 14.4 miles (23.2 km) that connects key park areas with beautiful scenery. With more than 100 road cyclists already exploring here on komoot, you're in good company.
If you only do 3 of these routes
Compare these routes at a glance
Trail | Distance | Elevation | Difficulty |
|---|---|---|---|
| Lake Trail Trailhead β Oak Mountain State Park Office loop from Oak Mountain Lake Dam Number Two | 19.3Β km | 250Β m | Easy |
| Lake Trail Trailhead β Oak Mountain State Park Office loop from ATM | 23.2Β km | 300Β m | Moderate |
| Oak Mountain State Park Office β Lake Trail Trailhead loop from Nature Center Parking | 17.2Β km | 310Β m | Moderate |
| Double Oak Lake Trail loop from South Trailhead | 87.4Β km | 720Β m | Moderate |
| Lake Trail Trailhead β Oak Mountain State Park Office loop from Practice field | 32.4Β km | 400Β m | Moderate |
| Lake Trail Trailhead β Double Oak Lake Trail loop from Practice field | 48.9Β km | 510Β m | Moderate |
| Lake Trail Trailhead β Oak Mountain State Park Office loop from Pelham | 37.8Β km | 510Β m | Moderate |
| Roadbike loop from Shoal Creek | 64.8Β km | 630Β m | Moderate |
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2.
Lake Trail Trailhead β Oak Mountain State Park Office loop from ATM
23.2km
01:18
300m
300m
Moderate road ride. Good fitness required. Mostly well-paved surfaces and easy to ride.
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3.
Oak Mountain State Park Office β Lake Trail Trailhead loop from Nature Center Parking
17.2km
01:07
310m
310m
Moderate road ride. Good fitness required. Mostly well-paved surfaces and easy to ride.
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4.
Double Oak Lake Trail loop from South Trailhead
87.4km
04:03
720m
720m
The Double Oak Lake Trail loop from the South Trailhead offers a diverse road cycling experience through Oak Mountain State Park. You'll pedal past scenic views of Double Oak Lake and through varied forested hills, encountering gentle rolling terrain and numerous switchbacks. Keep an eye out for local wildlife and birds as you navigate the route, which blends paved and unpaved sections.
Planning your ride on this popular route means being ready for mixed surfaces; some segments are unpaved and might challenge thin road bike tires. The park is Alabama's largest state park, so be aware of potential entrance fees. Parking is available at the South Trailhead, and it's always a good idea to arrive early, especially on busy days.
This moderate 54.3-mile (87.4 km) loop, with 2359 feet (719 metres) of elevation gain, is estimated to take about 4 hours and 2 minutes. It's known as the most popular no-traffic road cycling route in the park, making it a great option for cyclists seeking a substantial ride away from cars. The presence of unpaved sections means it's best for those with good fitness and a bike that can handle varied terrain.
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5.
Lake Trail Trailhead β Oak Mountain State Park Office loop from Practice field
32.4km
01:44
400m
400m
Moderate road ride. Good fitness required. Mostly well-paved surfaces and easy to ride.
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6.
Lake Trail Trailhead β Double Oak Lake Trail loop from Practice field
48.9km
02:32
510m
510m
The Lake Trail Trailhead β Double Oak Lake Trail loop from Practice field offers a fantastic road cycling experience through Oak Mountain State Park. You'll navigate rolling terrain and forested hills, with the highlight being the picturesque views of Double Oak Lake as you circle its shores. This moderate 30.4-mile (48.9 km) route includes 1686 feet (514 metres) of elevation gain and takes about 2 hours and 32 minutes, featuring a mix of paved roads and some challenging unpaved sections.
Planning your ride means heading to Oak Mountain State Park, which typically requires an entrance fee. While the park is popular year-round, consider the mixed surfaces, including roughly 1.1 miles (1.77 km) of unpaved trail, when choosing your bike. Parking is available at the Lake Trail Trailhead, making it a convenient starting point for your adventure.
This loop is part of Alabama's largest state park, a highly-rated destination for outdoor enthusiasts. The route is known for its numerous switchbacks, which add an engaging element for cyclists, and it's highly regarded by the community for its scenic beauty and moderate challenge.
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7.
Lake Trail Trailhead β Oak Mountain State Park Office loop from Pelham
37.8km
02:03
510m
510m
Moderate road ride. Good fitness required. Mostly well-paved surfaces and easy to ride.
View route
8.
Roadbike loop from Shoal Creek
64.8km
02:55
630m
640m
Moderate road ride. Good fitness required. Mostly well-paved surfaces and easy to ride.
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Tips from the Community
Ingo P.
October 6, 2024, Trailhead and Map at Oak Mountain State Park
Hiking map and information board. Several hiking trails start from here
Translated by Googleβ’
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Ingo P.
August 20, 2023, Double Oak Lake Trail
Double Oak Lake Round Trail goes around the lake. Most of the time the path goes through the forest. Parallel to this and in some sections there is also a mountain bike trail
Translated by Googleβ’
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Curt
November 5, 2022, Oak Mountain State Park Office
Park office. Trail maps are 1$ and they also sell drinks and snacks.
1
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Curt
November 5, 2022, Lake Trail Trailhead
Closest entry point to the trail system from the park entrance
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Frequently Asked Questions
What kind of terrain can I expect when road cycling in Oak Mountain State Park?
Oak Mountain State Park offers a diverse environment with scenic, rolling hills and well-paved roads. You'll encounter varied terrain, including routes that wind around the park's six fishing lakes, providing engaging rides for different fitness levels.
Are there any easy road cycling routes suitable for beginners or a relaxed ride?
Yes, for an easier ride, consider the Lake Trail Trailhead loop from Oak Mountain Lake Dam Number Two. This 10.7-mile (17.2 km) route is rated as easy and offers pleasant views of the park's lakes and natural landscape.
What are some notable attractions or scenic points I can see while road cycling in the park?
While road cycling, you'll experience the park's natural beauty, including its six fishing lakes. For specific points of interest, consider exploring areas near Peavine Falls or the Treetop Nature Trail, which offer picturesque destinations and educational opportunities.
Are there any fees or permits required for road cycling in Oak Mountain State Park?
As Alabama's largest state park, Oak Mountain State Park typically requires an entrance fee. It's advisable to check the official park website for the most current information regarding daily passes or annual permits for park access, which would cover road cycling.
Where can I park my car when visiting Oak Mountain State Park for road cycling?
The park offers various parking areas. Routes often start from convenient locations such as the Oak Mountain State Park Office or Nature Center Parking, providing accessible points to begin your ride. For example, the Oak Mountain State Park Office β Lake Trail Trailhead loop starts near the Nature Center Parking.
What is the best time of year for road biking in Oak Mountain State Park?
Oak Mountain State Park is enjoyable year-round, but spring and fall generally offer the most comfortable temperatures for road cycling. These seasons provide pleasant weather for tackling the rolling hills and enjoying the natural scenery without extreme heat or cold.
Are there any longer or more challenging road cycling routes for experienced riders?
Yes, for a more challenging experience, consider routes like the Double Oak Lake Trail loop from South Trailhead. This moderate route spans approximately 54.3 miles (87.4 km) and features significant elevation changes, making it suitable for experienced cyclists seeking a longer ride.
Can I find loop routes for road cycling in Oak Mountain State Park?
Absolutely. Many of the road cycling routes in Oak Mountain State Park are designed as loops, allowing you to start and finish at the same point. Examples include the Lake Trail Trailhead loop from Oak Mountain Lake Dam Number Two and the Lake Trail Trailhead β Oak Mountain State Park Office loop from ATM.
What do other road cyclists appreciate most about riding in Oak Mountain State Park?
The road cycling experience in Oak Mountain State Park is highly rated by the komoot community, with an average score of 5.0 stars. Cyclists often praise the park's scenic, rolling hills, the presence of multiple lakes, and the diverse natural surroundings that make for engaging and beautiful rides.
Are there any road cycling routes that are particularly family-friendly?
For families or those looking for a less strenuous ride, the easier routes around the lakes are a great option. The Lake Trail Trailhead loop from Oak Mountain Lake Dam Number Two is an easy route that provides scenic views without excessive difficulty, making it suitable for a family outing.
How long are the typical road cycling routes in Oak Mountain State Park?
The road cycling routes in Oak Mountain State Park vary in length. You can find shorter loops, such as the 10.7-mile (17.2 km) Lake Trail Trailhead loop, up to longer, more extensive rides like the 54.3-mile (87.4 km) Double Oak Lake Trail loop, catering to different preferences and fitness levels.
What makes Oak Mountain State Park a unique destination for road cycling?
Oak Mountain State Park stands out as Alabama's largest state park, offering 11,861 acres of diverse natural beauty. Its combination of scenic, rolling hills, well-maintained roads, and numerous lakes creates a unique and engaging environment for road cyclists, allowing them to immerse themselves in nature while enjoying a ride.
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