Pelham, AL

Pelham is a growing Shelby County city about 25 minutes south of downtown Birmingham, and it is the front door to Oak Mountain State Park. The park covers nearly 10,000 acres of forested ridges, with more than 100 miles of trails for hiking, mountain biking and horseback riding, plus lakes for fishing and paddling, a demonstration farm and the Alabama Wildlife Center. If you like being outside, Pelham makes an easy base, with hotels, groceries and gas stations a few minutes from the park entrance and Birmingham close enough for a dinner out.

Plan a full day at the park for outdoor recreation, then come back into town for dinner at one of the locally owned restaurants along US 31 and near the I-65 exits, including Mexican and Southern spots. The Pelham Civic Complex & Ice Arena offers public skating and hosts hockey, concerts and events, and the city’s parks add ballfields, walking paths and greenways. On weekends the trailheads and lakes fill up early, so aim to arrive in the morning. Gear up before a trip to Oak Mountain at a local outdoor shop.

Pelham questions, answered

What is Pelham known for?

Oak Mountain State Park. Alabama’s largest state park sits on Pelham’s eastern edge and draws hikers, trail runners, mountain bikers and anglers from across the Southeast. The city is also known for the Pelham Civic Complex & Ice Arena, one of the few public ice rinks in the area, and for its convenient spot on I-65 between Birmingham and Montgomery.

How do I get to Pelham?

Pelham is on I-65, with exits 242 and 246 serving the city, and US 31 runs through town. Birmingham-Shuttlesworth International Airport (BHM) is about 30 to 35 minutes north. Downtown Birmingham is about 25 minutes away, and Montgomery is roughly an hour and 15 minutes south.

What is there to do at Oak Mountain State Park?

A lot. The park has more than 100 miles of trails, including well-known mountain bike routes, hikes to Peavine Falls and ridge-top overlooks, horseback riding, fishing and paddling on its lakes, a beach area, golf, a demonstration farm and the Alabama Wildlife Center, which rehabilitates injured birds. There is a daily entrance fee, and campsites and cabins are available.

Where should I stay near Pelham?

You can camp or rent a cabin inside Oak Mountain State Park, or stay at hotels near the I-65 exits in Pelham and Alabaster. Hoover is about 15 minutes north with more choices. See our places to stay section for locally owned options.

When is the best time to visit Pelham?

Spring and fall are the sweet spots for Oak Mountain, with cooler temperatures, wildflowers in spring and colorful leaves in late October and November. Summer is hot, but the lakes and shaded trails help, and the ice arena is a good way to cool off.