By EMILY D. COOK / Community Columnist

As you may have read from me before, Oak Mountain State Park has an extensive trail system with miles of biking, hiking and horseback riding trails.

Each trail has something unique to offer. I have chosen the Green Trail, or Peavine Falls Trail, to talk about today.

The Green Trail is a short (but steep) 1.9-mile trail that travels from Terrace Drive to the top of Double Oak Mountain, where you can connect to the White Trail to travel a short distance to Peavine Falls.

You can begin your journey on the Green Trail by parking at the Beach/Treetop Nature Trail parking lot on Terrace Drive.

The Green Trail is located across the street from the parking lot.

You must be looking for the entrance to the trail, as it is narrow and surrounded by trees.

From the entrance of the Green Trail you will climb a hill for a short distance before being placed in the valley below the Wildlife Center.

You can find several species of oaks, along with some beautiful ferns.

From there, you will begin to climb the mountain to where it joins the Red Road.

Be sure to note the changing terrain and foliage, but also be on the lookout for the trail crossings for the mountain bike riders and horseback riders.

You should notice a change from oaks to pines that are more adapted to the rocky soil of the area.

You will need to travel along the Red Road, formerly a logging access road, for a short distance to reconnect with the Green Trail.

From there, you will finish your hike to the parking lot of Peavine Falls.

There is an absolutely stunning sandstone rock pavilion that you can rest at, along with a newly installed bathroom.

If you would like to continue to Peavine Falls, jump onto the White Trail for about a half -mile to get to the waterfall.

Just remember, it has more water after a wet spell. Make sure that you carry plenty of water with you.

Please remember that you keep Alabama State Parks open by visiting them.

For more information on the park’s trail system, visit Alapark.com/oak-mountain-state-park-hiking-trails.