Moss Rock Preserve has nearly 12 miles of trails; Veterans Park a 5K course; Black Creek 5 miles of bike trails. EXPLORE splash pad is free. Parks: 205-444-7703.
Last checked Oct. 17, 2026. Facts on this page come from the City of Hoover’s Parks & Facilities and Trails, Greenways & Blueways pages.
Hoover’s parks run from a 349-acre nature preserve with waterfalls and a boulder field to neighborhood lakes with walking loops. The city says it has 20 miles of Cahaba River frontage inside city limits, and its parks plan calls for more greenways to connect them. Most parks are run by Hoover Parks and Recreation.
Who to call
- Hoover Parks and Recreation: 205-444-7703; athletics, 205-444-7750
- Pavilion and facility rentals: Reserve a Facility
- Rule violations at Moss Rock Preserve: Hoover police non-emergency, 205-822-5300; emergencies, 911
- Find a park map: City park story map
Moss Rock Preserve
A 349-acre nature preserve with forest, rock outcrops, streams and waterfalls, according to the city’s Moss Rock Preserve page. It has nearly 12 miles of hiking trails and a Boulder Field with technical climbing routes for all skill levels. The city says the preserve is home to six rare plant species and a rare variant of Little River Canyon sandstone glade, thought to be one of only 35 known occurrences in the world.
Rules adopted in 2003 under Ordinance 03-1973 are posted at the trailheads. The city publishes a hiking map and trail guide, a Boulder Field map and directions and parking (PDF). Volunteers who help build and maintain trails can sign up through Parks and Recreation at 205-444-7750.
Parks and trails at a glance
| Park | Address | Highlights |
|---|---|---|
| Veterans Park | 4800 Valleydale Road | 82 acres; 5K cross-country trail; walking trail around a 4-acre lake and 1-acre pond; playgrounds; three beach volleyball courts; two pavilions (first come, first served); veterans memorial |
| Black Creek Mountain Bike Park | 5571 Stadium Trace Parkway | 73 acres, 5 miles of trails for all levels, opened June 2019 |
| EXPLORE Playground and Splashpad | 1060 RV Trace | Inclusive, universally designed playground and splash pad; free; restrooms and family restroom |
| Inverness Nature Park | 98 Inverness Center Parkway | 77 wooded acres, hiking trails, picnic areas, 18-hole disc golf course; in the Shelby County part of Hoover near U.S. 280 |
| Cahaba Riverchase Greenway | 1930 Old Montgomery Highway | Half-mile paved trail along the Cahaba River with two bridges and wetlands; no restrooms |
| Star Lake | Star Lake Drive | 5 acres beside Hoover Country Club; 4-acre lake; walking trail (2.5 laps is a mile); picnic area |
| Bluff Park Community Park | 517 Cloudland Drive | Playground and restrooms; Shades Cliff Pool (private, memberships) |
| Hoover Archery Park | 3308 Afton Circle | Covered, accessible shooting area and permanent targets; home of the Hoover Archery team |
Addresses and details are from each park’s page on the city website.
Stadium Trace
The city describes Stadium Trace as a 400-acre outdoor recreation area off Exit 10 of I-459, with parks and trails for walking, hiking and biking near the Cahaba River, according to its Stadium Trace page. Black Creek Mountain Bike Park and the EXPLORE playground are both in this area, beside the Hoover Met Complex.
Aldridge Gardens
Aldridge Gardens, 3530 Lorna Road, is a public garden that opens daily from 8 a.m. to 7 p.m., unless weather or a special event closes it. It holds classes, walks and events most weeks; call 205-739-6558.
Indoors: the Hoover Recreation Center
The Hoover Recreation Center on Municipal Drive, next to the library, is open to Hoover residents. It has an indoor pool, walking track, gym, racquetball and basketball courts and a fitness center.
Renting a pavilion
Veterans Park pavilions are first come, first served for birthday parties, showers and reunions. Other city facilities can be booked through the city’s Reserve a Facility page.
What this means for you
- For a real hike, go to Moss Rock; for a stroller loop, Veterans Park or Star Lake.
- The EXPLORE splash pad is free and built for children of all abilities.
- Report trail damage or rule breaking to Parks and Recreation or the police non-emergency line.
Related: things to do this month, history and landmarks and getting around Hoover.
Frequently asked questions
How many miles of trails are in Moss Rock Preserve?
Nearly 12 miles of hiking trails run through the 349-acre preserve, which also has a boulder field popular with rock climbers, according to the City of Hoover.
Is there a splash pad in Hoover?
Yes. The EXPLORE Playground and Splashpad, 1060 RV Trace near the Hoover Met Complex, is an inclusive playground and splash pad that is free and open to the public.
Where can I mountain bike in Hoover?
Black Creek Mountain Bike Park, 5571 Stadium Trace Parkway, has 5 miles of trails for all levels on 73 acres. It opened in June 2019.
What is at Veterans Park in Hoover?
The 82-acre park at 4800 Valleydale Road has a 5K cross-country trail, a walking trail around a 4-acre lake, playgrounds, three beach volleyball courts, two pavilions and a veterans memorial.
How do I report a problem at a Hoover park?
Call Hoover Parks and Recreation at 205-444-7703. Rule violations at Moss Rock Preserve go to Hoover police at 205-822-5300; call 911 in an emergency.
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