[Scanned December 6, 2015 from 35mm negatives (Kodacolor II, 100 ISO). The colors have faded and aren’t great.]
I lived in the metropolitan Birmingham, Alabama from 1982 to 1994, first in Hoover and later in Shelby County. I visited Oak Mountain State Park a number of times, for hiking as well as other activities. For a while I attended meetings of the Shelby County Amateur Radio Club, which were held at the park.
At 9,940 acres, Oak Mountain State Park is the largest of Alabama’s state parks. The park has approximately 50 miles of trails. The photos below were taken from one visit, on or about May 1, 1983. One photo proves that I was on the Shackleford Point Trail, a 6.3-mile, one-way trail. Unfortunately, I did not take notes, so I do not know the exact route I took or how many miles I covered that day. I had no idea that some day there would be something called “the Internet,” where I would create a photo blog documenting my travels and adventures.
Vegetation
The park includes many deer, but this day I only saw reptiles and amphibians, such as this snake, probably a black racer:
Snake
And this toad, which I believe is a Fowler’s toad (Bufo fowleri), based on the fact that I see dark spots with three warts:
Toad
This photo of a geodetic survey marker proves that I was on the Shackleford Point Trail, reaching the highest point in the park, at 1286′ elevation.
Geodetic marker on Shackleford Point Trail
A view toward the north:
Scenic view from Shackleford Point Trail
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Vegetation
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Wildflowers
Another scenic view, probably toward the north:
Scenic view from Shackleford Point Trail
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Rocky Outcrop
While the park doesn’t offer spectacular views, it provides miles of hiking trails, at least one waterfall, a lake, and other recreational opportunities.