22 May Paws & Paths: Dog-Friendly Memorial Day Weekend Adventures in Birmingham, AL
Memorial Day weekend is a time to honor our heroes and embrace the unofficial start of summer. What better way to celebrate than by getting outside and exploring Birmingham with your four-legged best friend? Whether you’re a fan of hiking, patios, or playtime at the park, Birmingham has plenty of dog-friendly adventures to enjoy over the long weekend.
Hike It Out: Dog-Friendly Trails Around Birmingham
Red Mountain Park
This 1,500-acre park features over 20 miles of trails and is perfect for a leashed hike with your dog. For off-leash fun, visit Remy’s Dog Park — a large, shaded space with areas for small, large, and special-needs dogs.
Ruffner Mountain Nature Preserve
Enjoy the scenic beauty of Birmingham from one of the city’s most beloved natural areas. With over 11 miles of hiking trails, Ruffner is great for a moderately challenging walk — just make sure your pup stays leashed and bring water for both of you.
Moss Rock Preserve (Hoover)
This preserve blends hiking with natural beauty. With waterfalls, boulder fields, and shady forest trails, it’s a great spot for adventurous pups and their humans.
Oak Mountain State Park
About a 30-minute drive from Birmingham, Oak Mountain offers extensive trails, swimming access (dogs allowed at certain non-designated swim areas), and even pet-friendly cabins if you’re planning a weekend getaway.
Patio Time: Where to Eat & Drink with Your Dog
The Filling Station (Crestwood)
A laid-back spot with a spacious dog-friendly patio. Known for pizza and cold drinks, it’s a great place to chill after a hike.
Back Forty Beer Company
Located near Sloss Furnaces, Back Forty offers a large outdoor seating area where dogs are welcome. Grab a local brew and a bite from their Southern-inspired menu while your pup lounges nearby.
Rojo (Highland Park)
This local favorite has a huge dog-friendly patio and serves a mix of Latin and American food. Plus, it’s walking distance from Rushton and Rhodes parks — perfect for a pre- or post-meal stroll.
Let Them Run: Off-Leash Dog Parks
Remy’s Dog Park at Red Mountain
One of the best off-leash dog parks in the region, with designated sections for small dogs and pups with special needs. Lots of room to run, shade, and water stations.
Loch Haven Dog Park (Hoover)
Fully fenced with a large grassy area and a separate space for small dogs. Open to Hoover residents and non-residents alike.
Pelham City Park Dog Park
If you’re closer to Pelham, this well-kept dog park is a local favorite — and it’s a great add-on if you’re already visiting Oak Mountain.
Quick Tips for a Fun and Safe Weekend
- Hydration is key: Bring water for both you and your pup — it gets hot fast in Alabama.
- Watch for ticks: After any hike or grassy park visit, give your dog a quick once-over.
- Leash up in public spaces: Even friendly dogs should stay leashed unless you’re in a designated off-leash area.
- Avoid midday heat: Early morning or late afternoon outings are best for avoiding hot pavement and sunburn (yes, dogs can get sunburned too!).
Dog-Friendly Adventures in Birmingham
This Memorial Day weekend, take some time to slow down, enjoy the outdoors, and make memories with your dog by your side. Whether you hit the trails or relax on a dog-friendly patio, Birmingham is full of ways to celebrate the holiday weekend together.
We all know that our dogs tend to play with things they shouldn’t, such as sticks and rocks, while on the trails. If you suspect that your dog got a tooth or mouth injury during your fun weekend together, contact us to schedule an appointment.
Images used under creative commons license – commercial use (05/22/2025) Image by Jolata from Pixabay