Moss Rock Preserve & Waterfalls, Alabama, United States

5moonpie424 5:00 PM Mar 22, 2019

I Needed More Time
My daughter and I went to Moss Rock Preserve this morning around 8:00. We tried to obey the trails, but investigating and following our senses proved to be more fun. I’m not in my best shape, but I was able to keep up. Next time, I will make sure I pack my hiking boots. My Aisics weren’t as supportive as the Keen’s would have been. Climbing the boulders as we tried to trace the waterfall to the top was a ton of fun. A few times I had to sit or lie down on my belly and pull my legs up. Again...I’m working on getting in shape!?. I definitely broke a sweat. I want to go back. We only had a little while to spare this morning before check out time at the hotel. An hour is not NEARLY enough time to explore this place.

4ThisIsSerious 5:00 PM Jun 12, 2018

Nature in the Middle of Hoover
I visited Moss Rock Preserve 3 times in the past week. The preserve is minutes from my Hoover hotel, so it gave me a nature fix with only a short drive. My first experience was not good. We visited the boulder field, mainly by accident, as our gps took us to this section of the preserve. This area was littered with both litter and broken glass in numerous places. Our dog was with us, and this was obviously a safety concern for him. This area did not seem like a nature trail, it was random and without a clear walking path. We did not stay long because of the heat, and because of the depressing state of the trail in this area. Our second visit was much more pleasant. We stayed away from the boulder field, in hopes of an actual nature trial, as there are a number of them at the preserve. Fortunately we found one. And to my surprise and happiness, this trial was virtually litter free, and no glass was found. We had a pleasant 40 minute walk with nature. Our third visit was equally as pleasant. We talked to a woman on the trial and she told us of another entrance to the preserve. She said the entrance by the school has a much better, paved parking lot, and the trail off of this entrance is maintained. If we make it back again we will check out that entrance for sure. The entrance/parking lot off of Preserve Parkway definitely needs some care with litter clean up. The boulder field area is in sad shape and it truly needs attention and monitoring. We should respect the beauty and gifts of nature and not turn it into a fun hang out/party spot. It is a great place to go for nature within a city setting, as long as you know the problem area to avoid. Earth Day Everyday!