Alabama · Hiking

Light Trail

0.8 mi
round trip
167 ft
climb
660 ft
high point
Out and back
route
Oct–May
best months

Light Trail is a short, easy out-and-back hike in Oak Mountain State Park in Alabama, managed by State Park and Recreation. The trail is about 1.5 miles long, with a total elevation gain of 167 feet, and it reaches a high point of 660 feet. The climb is steady, and the steepest stretch comes at about 0.7 miles in, with a grade of about 4 percent. Spring and fall are the most comfortable times to go. Typical averages from a nearby weather station in Helena show October highs around 76°F with lows near 52°F, and April is similar at about 76°F by day and 51°F at night. Summer highs typically reach the low 90s. The trail makes an easy pairing with other short hikes in the park. Cabin Lake Trail is about 0.3 miles away, Loop Trail is about 0.6 miles away, and Beaver Lake Trail and the North Lakes Connector Trail are each about 0.9 miles away.

  • Best time to go · Oct–May

    Best time to visit Light Trail

    Best months: October–May. Best months have typical highs of 55–85 °F, lows of 30 °F or warmer (32 °F where the station doesn't record snow), at most one snowy day and no more than 12 wet days.

    1. Jan

      55° / 35°

      11 wet

    2. Feb

      60° / 38°

      11 wet

    3. Mar

      68° / 45°

      12 wet

    4. Apr

      76° / 51°

      10 wet

    5. May

      83° / 60°

      10 wet

    6. Jun

      90° / 68°

      11 wet

    7. Jul

      92° / 71°

      12 wet

    8. Aug

      92° / 70°

      11 wet

    9. Sep

      87° / 64°

      8 wet

    10. Oct

      76° / 52°

      8 wet

    11. Nov

      65° / 42°

      9 wet

    12. Dec

      57° / 37°

      11 wet

    Typical high / low (°F) and days with rain or snow, 1991–2020. Measured at Helena, AL, 8.6 mi away at 480 ft. This station doesn't record snowfall. Source: NOAA NCEI U.S. Climate Normals 1991–2020.

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