Moss Rock Preserve & Waterfalls
Moss Rock Preserve & Waterfalls
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Most Recent: Reviews ordered by most recent publish date in descending order.
Detailed Reviews: Reviews ordered by recency and descriptiveness of user-identified themes such as waiting time, length of visit, general tips, and location information.
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4.5
85 reviews
Excellent
43
Very good
35
Average
7
Poor
0
Terrible
0
David P
Homewood, AL13 contributions
Apr 2023
I had visited the two most popular spots at Moss Rock Preserve maybe 5 or 6 times during the first 4 years that we have lived within 1/3 mile of this wonderful 349 acre nature preserve! During the last couple months, I have begun hiking all 12 miles of hiking trails and thoroughly enjoyed it. There are huge boulders and water falls through the property! The trails are pretty well marked and well cleared. You have to watch almost every step due to the roots or stones. I've walked 35 miles there so far now and plan on many more. When you get off the first two scenic views, it is rare to see other people. No cost for admission.
Written 17 April 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
debster1121
Lewisville, TX189 contributions
Nov 2020 • Solo
Enjoyed taking an afternoon hike around the boulders and to the waterfall. The trails aren't well marked. You can explore in your own. The trails are rocky and have exposed tree roots. My dog and I were able to navigate them.
Written 4 November 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
ThisIsSerious
Bloomington-Normal, IL52 contributions
Jun 2018 • Couples
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!
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!
Written 13 June 2018
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Athenab
Maylene, AL266 contributions
Jun 2023 • Couples
First off people are not honest with their reviews. Very dishonest! First off let me b frank It’s primitive . This means not stroller friendly/wheel chair accessible. Outhouses for bathrooms. I liken it to Oak mountain. Gravel parking lot, rutted entrance. If you know that up front it’s fine but I wasn’t aware of this! Very limited trail signage so I couldn’t tell what trail I was on, nor how long the trail went. The trails are not for most seniors, maybe even children. From roots that can b tripped on to strenuous uphill parts not a relaxing trail but a challenge. Once again if a hike is your jam then so b it .. just know what you are getting yourself into. Be prepared..Bring water and snacks. I was not aware of how strenuous it was ! I walk close to 4 mi a day but it was a bit much. Granted the humidity probably made it harder then it should have been and when I went it was already scorching (it was before 10 am) This place is in the middle of a fancy schmancy subdivision that boasts its own pharmacy , restaurants, shops , etc. wow it must b nice right ? Lots of big boulders, Interesting rocks but honestly I dont get the fawning over this place. It’s a one and done for me.
Written 25 June 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
moonpie424
Lake City, FL73 contributions
Mar 2019
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.
Written 23 March 2019
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Saurav P
3 contributions
Aug 2018
This place was quite dry when I went on August , but looks like this place will be awesome once autumn starts. Also there are pretty good short hiking trails. You ll also meet some fellow hikers on the way. A nice short hike in Hoover.
Written 17 September 2018
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Jerri1221
Sebring, FL24 contributions
I love places that allow you to venture off wherever you want to go. However I must agree with other reviews about the graffiti and litter everywhere--it ruined some spots.
Written 12 April 2015
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Nessie B
Birmingham, Alabama, United States8 contributions
Oct 2018
Great place to take the kids and pets!! There is so much area to go through here. Great on a nice dry day!
Written 19 March 2019
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Exploring Adventures
2 contributions
Jul 2021 • Friends
A large nature preserve with tons of things to see, awesome waterfalls and easy hiking trails.
I definitely recommend taking the gorge trail, a very beautiful waterfall worth seeing!
I definitely recommend taking the gorge trail, a very beautiful waterfall worth seeing!
Written 23 July 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Jada
1 contribution
Jun 2020 • Friends
Great scenic view, however the preserve could use improvements. For example, the map at the beginning does not have a “You are here” mark, so you don’t even know where you are starting. Then, the trails are not appropriately marked and the preserve should have maps placed throughout for a quick reference for visitors. Another idea could involve placing a brochure at the beginning of the trails if they do not want to place maps throughout that visitors could use. The trails were pretty hard to follow due to the uncleared foliage thus forcing us to guess where the trail continued or ended.
Written 15 June 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Is it easy to get to the waterfall? I'm really out of shape
Written 13 April 2019
The next day I knew that worked out. I’m out of shape too, and it was very much a work out for my lower body. But it’s worth it!!
Written 30 May 2019
Yes, as the web site noted: Fido is welcome. Do consider the route you plan to take and the time. You may want to carry some water and a small bowl along for your dog on hot days. There is a lot of shade, and that is nice. We enjoyed our walking thoroughly there.
Written 21 May 2018
My son and I went today and loved it. We finally decided to hike to find the Frog Pond. There were a few confusing sections that branched right or left, but followed the white marks. We finally made it to a post near some water that seemed like we maybe found it. But it also said something about another .03mi. With a few other sites... We walked a little further, but only found water that appeared to be coming from a sewer drain again. Is this the frog pond? It's right next to the highway?? We were disappointed and decided to walk the sidewalk back to the car. I can not find any pictures of what the frog pond is supposed to look like.
Written 27 March 2017
There is a map of the park I only know by walking and following these directions. Give it another try I am sure yall will like it. Look up Trail descriptions -City of Hoover Ross Preserve.
Written 29 March 2017
Dixiemusicman
Foley, Alabama
Is there a waterfall here? If so, how long of a hike? Pictures I saw on al . Com do not match what im seeing on here.
Thank you!
Written 28 July 2016
Yes there is but I can easily see where certain times when it would be dry. It's not a waterfall that you would want to make a trip just to see it. It's more of an interesting sight to go along with your hiking.
Written 28 July 2016
There is no real water to fish in. A small creek runs through the back part but the area is mainly for hiking and rock climbing.
Written 4 June 2016
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