Moss Rock Preserve

Very nice park and hike. We went on a weekday and only saw a few people. The limestone boulders were huge and very interesting as you come in but hike to the bottom to see the stream and cross the bridge for the two waterfalls. Very pretty and calming. We definitely will be back in fall for the colors.

This is a lovely forest with cool rock formations and an enticing creek. The signage here is abysmal. No maps of the preserve, nothing telling you which way to go to get to the falls, nothing telling you where the other entrances are. Trying to reach the High Falls, Google maps took me to three entrances with closed gates -- one near Chapel Rd. and Verdure Ln., and two on Shadeswood Dr. Eventually I ended up at the "Sulphur Springs Rd." entrance, where a local told me that the best way to get to the falls was to drive counterclockwise around the preserve until I reached a shopping area called "City Center" on the right, park there, cross the road, and then head right on the trails. (Another review mentioned parking at a shopping center, too.). I never found any "City Center", but I did find an entrance with a dirt parking lot on the Preserve side of Preserve Parkway, near Village Green Circle. There are a few shops there; maybe this is "City Center"? Walking in from there and heading downhill to the right led quickly to a creek, with a small cascade and small "swimming hole", if you can call it that. That would be a great place to visit, but not really a waterfall. I think some people may be calling this the waterfall, when they say it's only a 10 minute walk to the falls. A local there said that the shortest hike to the falls was to park in the Simmons Middle School bus parking lot, and hike in from there, but that even from there, it was about a mile, with a steep slope. Indeed Google Maps shows a Simmons Trailhead, if you zoom in far enough. I ran out of time and did not try it.

This address as of 3/2/25 was closed. Looks like they were updating it. There are two other parking areas that we did see that were open. One was across from a shopping plaza. That’s the one we ended up using. Lots of people here the further you get into the trail the less people there are lots of kids in the first area as there are many little spots in tunnels for them take explore very cool beautiful beautiful area. There are some graffiti, which is sad people can’t just leave it be And some trash, so be sure to take your trash back out with you. they did have Porta potties at this area and trash cans.

We love hiking at Moss Rock Preserve. The trail map at the trailhead isn't super helpful due to topography, but we always have fun just exploring since I can't seem to find a downloadable version that doesn't cost money.

Moss Rock Preserve in Hoover, Alabama, is a peaceful and scenic nature spot perfect for those looking to enjoy the outdoors. The preserve features a variety of walking trails surrounded by waterfalls, rocks, and boulders offering a tranquil escape from city life. It's a hidden gem in the Hoover area, perfect for a peaceful outdoor experience. P.S. it's free! Parking was super easy too.