Oak Mountain offers active way to enjoy fall weather
Dirty Spokes’ XTERRA Trail Run and Duathlon
Oak Mountain State Park, 200 Terrace Drive
Nov. 10, 7 a.m.
dirtyspokes.com/oak-mountain-state-park/
Those who run or run and bike can immerse themselves in 51 winding miles of fall color during Dirty Spokes’ XTERRA Trail Run and Duathlon on Nov. 10.
For the fourth year in a row, Dirty Spokes’ Alabama Off Road Duathlon will take place at Oak Mountain State Park. The race, which starts at 9 a.m., consists of a 3.1-mile run and 11-mile bike ride through the park’s winding trails.
If you are hoping to tackle the race with your friends, take advantage of the team registration option. Medals and prizes will be awarded to the overall top three male and female finishers and the top three male and female finishers in each age group.
For those who prefer to take in the sights of Oak Mountain on foot, the Trail Run begins at 8:30 a.m. Runners can choose from either the 21K, 10K or 5K trail runs. Dirty Spokes will hand out medals and prizes to the overall top three male and female finishers in each mileage category. Runners 14 and up are also eligible to win medals for the top three place finishers in individual age groups. Walkers are encouraged to participate in the various runs as well.
A portion of the proceeds from all the events go towards BUMP (Birmingham Urban Mountain Pedalers), which maintains Oak Mountain’s trails.
Packet pickup for both the Trail Run and Duathlon is from 7-8 a.m. on race day.
Not into trail running or mountain biking? Oak Mountain still has plenty to offer this fall.
Biking. Ride the mountain bike trails, road trails or bicycle pump track.
Hiking. Choose from six trails of varying difficulty.
Picnicking. Picnic tables and grills throughout the park. Pavilions are available for rent. Call 620-2524.
Treetop Nature Trail. Walk the elevated boardwalk and see recovering birds of prey.
Petting Farm. Visit friendly animals such as goats, sheep, peacocks and ducks. Open 8 a.m.-4 p.m. Wednesday-Friday and 9 a.m.-5 p.m. Saturday and Sunday.
Interpretive Center. Learn about Alabama’s biodiversity through interactive exhibits. 9:30 a.m.-4 p.m. 5 days a week, 1 p.m.-5 p.m. Sunday.
Golf. Public, 18-hole championship course, driving range and snack bar. Reserve your tee time five days in advance. Call 620-2522.
Geocaching. Make sure to submit a signed permit before hiding your geocaches. For more information visit alapark.com/oakmountain/Geocaching/.
Fishing. Three lakes stocked with largemouth bass, bream, catfish and crappie.
BMX Track. Open to the public except during race weekends. Check availability at oakmountainbmx.com or call 680-5827.
Alabama Wildlife Center. Visit orphaned or injured animals being cared for at the shelter. Call 663-7930.
Cabin Rentals. Ten private cabins available for rental. Make reservations at 620-2524.
Camping. RV friendly campground including primitive sites, equestrian campground and backcountry campsites offered. Make a reservation at 620-2527.
Park hours are 7 a.m.-sundown. Day use fees are $3 for adults and $1 for children ages 6-11 or seniors ages 62 and up. For more call 620-2520 or visit alapark.com/oakmountain/.