
Conquer two mile-long hills in the Ellis Porch III Statue to Statue Run.īeginning at Birmingham’s Vulcan statue and ending 9.3 miles away at the city’s Liberty Park, the Statue to Statue, held each April, is considered one of the toughest road races in Alabama. If you conquer the physical and mental challenge of hiking more than 100 miles, you might be ready for an even longer trail, like the AT. Plus, the trail passes through two wilderness areas, so you should be prepared to navigate through remote woods.
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For the most part, the hiking in Alabama is moderate to strenuous, including several mountain ascents, so you need to be in good shape. Hone your backpacking skills on a Pinhoti Trail thru-hike.įinishing the 171-mile Pinhoti Trail is a must-do for aspiring to take your backpacking skills to the next level? Try thru-hiking the Pinhoti Trail, which stretches 171 miles across Alabama and another 100 miles in Georgia. Typically, racers finish in four to six hours, so the Coosa River Challenge will definitely test your strength and endurance. You still have to mountain bike 7 miles, complete a trail run, rappel 100 feet, kayak several miles of Class I and Class II water in the Coosa River, slither through 55-gallon drums, conquer a Crossfit-style challenge, and swim about a quarter-mile. Once you’ve completed a 7-mile obstacle run, you’re only though the first leg of the Coosa River Challenge adventure race that takes place in October in Wetumpka.

Swim, kayak, rappel, and more in the Coosa River Challenge Adventure Race. If you’re a fan of steep face climbing, head to the slightly overhanging Lizard Wall, where a 30-foot-high roof lords over eight routes ranging from 10c to 12a. But it’s worth the effort as you’re greeted with crags like The Concave and its 5.14 classic, Southern Comfort. While the climbs are steep and burly, you’ll also face awkward approaches in the narrow, rugged canyon. With few routes graded below 5.11, Little River Canyon is home to a fantastic collection of challenging sport routes. The Little River Canyon is brimming with challenging rock-climbing routes. Send some serious routes in Little River Canyon. And getting up may not be the hard part: From the summit, competitors dash down steep terrain riddled with ankle-twisting roots, rocky streambeds, and slippery moss-covered boulders.
ALABAMA ADVENTURE PLUS
Considered a classic on the 100-mile circuit, the Pinhoti 100 includes a daunting 15,000 feet of vertical climbing, plus an ascent of Alabama’s high point, 2,413-foot Mount Cheaha. Grind up 15,000 vertical feet in the Pinhoti 100 Trail Run.Įach November, runners from around the world venture to Alabama’s rugged Talladega National Forest to challenge themselves on this 100-mile race along the Pinhoti Trail. (Bonus: Many of them take place in the fall, so you can use the summer to start training and prepping.) 1. Here, 10 of the toughest outdoor challenges in the state that can serve as great inspiration for your next big adventure.

Whatever type of adventure you’re seeking-kayaking, biking, climbing, running, or adventure racing-you’ll find it in Alabama. And many simply relish the relief and sense of accomplishment that comes with achieving a tough goal. Some people discover a greater sense of humility, while others will increase their confidence by pushing the limits. Whether it’s slogging your way through an adventure race with friends, grunting up a gnarly mountain climb, or knocking out a long-distance event, you’ll always gain something from going big in the outdoors.Įven if you don’t finish, whether Mother Nature or some other circumstance is to blame, the benefits of tackling a serious challenge are numerous. Every once in a while, it’s good to take on an outdoor challenge that really pushes you mentally and physically.
