What every cyclist needs to know about protecting their bike, health, and finances in 2026
Alabama cycling in numbers
50%
Bike ownership
60+
Miles of trails
35
State parks
45
Bike friendliness score
Alabama from a cyclist's perspective
Alabama can surprise a visiting cyclist. The state is not usually on national best of lists, yet it offers a mix of wild ridges, mellow coastal paths, and small city networks that can reward a curious rider. From the Appalachian foothills in the north to the Gulf Coast, cycling here is about stitching together pockets of good infrastructure with big helpings of scenery and quiet roads.
For road and rail trail riders, the Chief Ladiga Trail in the northeast is an obvious starting point. It rolls gently from Anniston to the Georgia line, where it links with the Silver Comet, creating one of the longest continuous traffic-free corridors in the region. On the coast, the Hugh S Branyon Backcountry Trail and the broader paved network threading through Gulf State Park give you car-free access to dunes, lakes, and pine forest, with beach towns close enough for an easy spin to coffee or dinner. Around Birmingham, the growing Red Rock Trail System offers an urban version of this experience, tying neighborhoods, parks, and riverfront together with a still-expanding web of greenways.
Mountain bikers know Alabama mainly for its state parks and land trusts. Oak Mountain State Park, just south of Birmingham, has become a regional destination with a well-developed singletrack network that mixes fast flow with more technical rock gardens and climbs. In the north, Monte Sano near Huntsville and Chewacla near Auburn offer compact but engaging trail systems where you can string together real elevation in an afternoon loop. These parks often sit close to towns that are large enough to support bike shops and decent post-ride food, which makes them natural hubs for a long weekend.
The big cities are a mixed bag from a cycling friendliness standpoint. Birmingham has made some of the most visible progress, especially near its central greenways and revitalized downtown, but major arterials still feel very much like car territory, and route choice matters. Huntsville has invested heavily in greenways along creeks and through new suburbs, so recreational riding and family trips can be pleasant if you stay on that network, while the standard road grid remains less inviting. Mobile and Montgomery both have pockets where cycling feels reasonable around parks and universities, yet the broader street environment is dominated by fast traffic and incomplete bike facilities.
Overall, Alabama is best approached as a state of strong nodes rather than seamless networks. If you build your trip around the marquee trails and state parks, the experience can be memorable. Using a bike for everyday city mobility, however, still requires patience, local knowledge, and a fairly high comfort level when mixing with cars.
Alabama Cycling Weather
New Mexico offers over 300 sunny days, featuring dry desert heat and crisp mountain air often cooled by brief summer afternoon monsoons.
Sunny days a year
210
Riding season
Sep - May
210 sunny days a year
Riding season
Alabama Cycling Destinations
Chief Ladiga Trail
Anniston, AL
~33 mi.
~800 ft.
Up to 4 hr.
The Chief Ladiga Trail in eastern Alabama is the state’s signature rail trail, threading from Anniston through Weaver, Jacksonville, and Piedmont before meeting Georgia’s Silver Comet at the state line. This is relaxed, big mileage riding through farm country, wetlands, and low forested hills rather than a technical challenge. Small towns punctuate the route with trailheads, convenience stores, and occasional cafes, making it easy to break the ride into segments for less experienced riders. The eastern end, near the Georgia border, feels noticeably more remote with long, quiet stretches that reward steady pacing and a touring mindset. Shade is plentiful, and the pavement surface is generally good, so many riders treat Ladiga as an early-season century builder or a two-day bikepacking warm-up before continuing toward Atlanta on the Silver Comet. Camping options near the trail, plus simple logistics, make it one of Alabama’s most approachable multi-day tours.
Hugh S. Branyon Backcountry Trail
Gulf State Park, AL
~29 mi.
Mostly flat
Up to 3 hr.
At the Gulf Coast, the Hugh S. Branyon Backcountry Trail offers a contrasting flavor of Alabama riding on a fully paved, multi-use network laced through dunes, wetlands, and maritime forest. The trail sits within and around Gulf State Park, linking Gulf Shores and Orange Beach with a tangle of loops that encourage slow exploration rather than point-to-point efficiency. Riders pass freshwater lakes, coastal oak groves, and occasional alligator-filled marshes, with frequent spur trails leading to overlooks and boardwalks. This is an ideal venue for families, casual cruisers, and e-bike users who want scenery without traffic stress. For stronger riders, the appeal lies in stringing together multiple loops for a longer session, followed by an easy spin to the beach. Early morning and shoulder season rides are particularly pleasant, when coastal light and relatively empty paths make the trail feel far removed from nearby condos and traffic.
Oak Mountain State Park
Shelby County, AL
~12 mi.
Varies on route
Up to 4 hr.
Oak Mountain, just south of Birmingham, is Alabama’s flagship mountain bike destination and a long-time favorite across the Southeast. The park’s singletrack network offers everything from beginner-friendly lakeside trails to rooty climbs and rocky descents along the ridges, so groups with mixed ability can still ride together by choosing smart loops. The forest canopy keeps much of the trail shaded, and long contouring segments give the riding a rhythmic quality that rewards fitness and basic technical skills more than extreme handling prowess. Classic routes weave in features like rock gardens, creek crossings, and optional drops without forcing novice riders into danger. Oak Mountain is also race-proven, hosting regional events that use the park’s signature red loop and foothills trails for serious endurance efforts. After the ride, a quick transition to nearby Pelham or Birmingham opens up lodging, breweries, and bike shop support that make repeat visits easy.
Monte Sano State Park
Huntsville, AL
~15 mi.
~1,800 ft.
Up to 3.5 hr.
Monte Sano rises directly above Huntsville, which gives its state park trails an unusually urban access point for such an old-school mountain landscape. The singletrack wraps around the plateau and drops off the flanks in places, offering riders a mix of smooth bench-cut sections and rock-strewn descents that feel more Appalachian than Deep South coastal. Many local riders pedal straight from town up into the park, but driving to the trailheads and using shorter loops also works well for visiting riders. The vibe is classic cross-country rather than bike park, with tight trees, hand-built lines, and glimpses of the city below through the canopy. Monte Sano pairs well with Huntsville’s expanding greenway network, allowing visitors to spend one day on forested dirt and another cruising paved paths along creeks and through neighborhoods.
Red Rock Trail System
Birmingham, AL
Up to 130 mi.
Varies on route
Varies on route
Birmingham’s Red Rock Trail System is an evolving network of greenways and multi use paths that is slowly stitching the metro area together for cyclists. Instead of one single trail, Red Rock is a collection of corridors along creeks, rail lines, and ridge toes that weave through neighborhoods, industrial districts, and emerging park spaces. For local riders, it has become the backbone of low-stress commuting and recreation, offering an alternative to the region’s fast multilane arterials. For visitors, a Red Rock ride is a way to experience Birmingham’s industrial history, revitalized downtown, and riverfront without battling heavy traffic. Segments connect parks, breweries, and food halls, so casual half-day explorations are easy to shape into a themed ride. The system is still growing, but even now it stands out as one of Alabama’s most promising examples of urban cycling infrastructure.
Chewacla State Park
Auburn, AL
~15 mi.
~1,400 ft.
Up to 3 hr.
Chewacla State Park on the edge of Auburn punches above its weight with a dense trail network wrapped around a small lake and forested hills. The local trail crew has carved out a variety of loops that range from smooth, flowy options ideal for new mountain bikers to more technical rock-armored lines and man-made features that keep experts entertained. Because everything is compact, it is easy to build a progressive session that starts with a warm-up lap, then adds more challenging segments as confidence grows. The park’s proximity to Auburn University means that on weekends, you are likely to see student riders, families, and visiting alumni all sharing the same space, which creates a lively but friendly trailhead scene. With camping, a swim-friendly lake, and close access to town for food and coffee, Chewacla is an excellent base for a low-key cycling weekend in east Alabama.
Coldwater Mountain Bike Trail
Anniston, AL
~35 mi.
~1,600 ft.
Up to 5 hr.
Located in Anniston, Alabama, the Coldwater Mountain trail system is a premier destination for mountain bikers. This Bronze-Level IMBA Ride Center features over 35 miles of purpose-built singletrack across 4,000 acres of scenic Appalachian foothills. Known for its technical rock gardens and flowy descents like the legendary Bomb Dog, it offers diverse terrain for every skill level. The meticulously maintained red clay paths provide high-speed thrills and breathtaking views of the surrounding valley. Whether you are seeking a grueling cross-country climb or a gravity-fueled adrenaline rush, this mountain delivers a world-class outdoor experience.
Alabama Cycling Events
Cycling is very popular in New Mexico, there’s a cycling event for every type of rider.
Cheaha Challenge Gran Fondo
The Cheaha Challenge is Alabama’s defining road event, a mountain gran fondo that tackles the state’s highest point plus a string of named climbs in the Talladega National Forest. Starting and finishing at Jacksonville State University, it combines big mountain atmosphere with Southern hospitality and stout organization. Riders can choose from multiple distances, but the 100-mile UCI gran fondo route is the marquee draw, regularly attracting a strong regional and international field. Long, stair-step climbs, fast descents, and often warm May weather make finishing this ride feel like a genuine badge of honor for any roadie.
Event website
Hot Hundred
The Hot Hundred markets itself as the “Hottest Ride in the South” and lives up to the name with a mid-summer date and a festive, charitable atmosphere based in Tuscaloosa. The route system rolls through rural West Alabama on low traffic roads that mix gentle farmland with enough rollers to keep things honest rather than brutal. Riders can choose shorter options, but the full hundred remains the classic, supported by frequent rest stops, strong SAG coverage, and a post-ride social scene that leans into the college town vibe. The event also raises funds for local disability services, giving the ride an added sense of purpose.
Event website
Birmingham Bicycle Club Century
The Birmingham Bicycle Club’s annual century is a long-running fixture on the Alabama calendar that blends a classic rural century with a weekend of riding and socializing. Now staged out of Columbiana, it serves up a mix of quiet country roads, small town scenery, and well-stocked rest stops, drawing club riders from across the Southeast. The organization offers multiple distances so less experienced cyclists can share the day without committing to triple digits. A Saturday time trial adds a spirited edge for those who want to test their legs before the big ride. Overall, it feels like a club ride scaled up to regional status.
Event website
All You Can Eat Century
Huntsville’s All You Can Eat Century is exactly what it sounds like a fully supported, food-forward ride through the hills and valleys north of the city. Hosted by the Spring City Cycling Club, the event is known for its plentiful, creative rest stop offerings, which can range from homemade baked goods to hot dishes and cold treats. The routes wind through rural scenery on mostly quiet roads, serving up a steady rhythm of climbs that earn the post-ride meal. With multiple distance options and a welcoming club culture, it manages to feel both challenging and highly approachable for riders stepping up toward their first century.
Event website
Standard Deluxe Dirt Road Century
The Standard Deluxe Dirt Road Century is Alabama’s cult favorite gravel event based out of Waverly, a tiny artsy crossroads between Auburn and Opelika. Starting at the music venue and print shop that gives the ride its name, participants head out on an intricate web of red dirt and gravel roads that define this corner of east Alabama. The vibe leans relaxed and community-oriented, with a post-ride hangout that often features live music, food, and camping. Riders can expect long, quiet stretches past farms and pine forests rather than large crowds, which makes the day feel more like a shared adventure than a tightly scripted race.
Event website
Alabama Backroads Century Series Highlight Rides
The Alabama Backroads Century Series is not a single event but a curated collection of independent centuries across the state that collectively define Alabama’s long-distance road culture. Events in the series have included rides through the Tennessee Valley, Wiregrass region, Black Belt, and Gulf Coast, each with its own character and local organizing club. Together, they encourage riders to sample different landscapes, from river valleys to cotton country and coastal plains, while chasing series challenges or personal goals. The series has raised substantial funds for charities and boosted tourism in smaller communities, making it influential well beyond the cycling niche.
Event websiteAlabama's best bike insurance
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Why Velosurance is best for your bicycle
Not all types of insurance are created equal. Velosurance levels the playing field by offering stand-alone bike insurance, where claims won’t affect your homeowner's or renter’s policy premiums.
| Policy Coverage |  | Homeowner/Renters Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Insured at Full Value | Yes | Possibly |
| Crash Damage | Yes | No |
| Theft Coverage | Yes | Limited |
| Theft by Force | Yes | No |
| Theft of Accessories | Yes | Limited |
| Theft Away From Home | Yes | Possibly |
| Vehicle Contact | Yes | No |
| Personal Liability | Yes | Possibly |
| Permissive Use Policy | Yes | No |
| Replacement Bike Rental | Yes | No |
| Event Fee Return | Yes | No |
| Cycling Apparel Coverage | Yes | No |
| Medical Payments | Yes | Possibly |
| Racing Coverage | Yes | No |
| E-bikes | Yes | No |
| Coverage in-transit | Yes | No |
| USAC, USAT and IMBA Member Discount | Yes | No |
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Alabama's best bike insurance
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