Scenic Drive from Birmingham
2.5 hours north through Alabama and into Tennessee — rolling hills, the Tennessee River Valley, and beautiful countryside.
Pickwick Lake, Tennessee
Close Enough to Escape.
Far Enough to Feel Free.
Birmingham is the heart of Alabama — but for the best SXS rental experience in the region, Outpost Outdoors at Pickwick Lake is just 2.5 hours north. Worth every mile of the drive.
Day trip guide
Birmingham Is Great. The Trails Are Better.
Birmingham is a great Southern city with a rich history and growing food scene. But when you're ready for open trails and real off-road adventure, you need to head north to the Tennessee border.
At 2.5 hours, Outpost Outdoors is a perfect weekend trip or ambitious day trip from Birmingham. Head north on I-65 and US-72, and you'll find yourself in a completely different world — Tennessee wilderness, creek crossings, and Pickwick Lake.
Book NowHour by hour
Your Perfect Birmingham Escape
Here's how a day trip from Birmingham to Outpost Outdoors looks — from morning departure to back home by dark.
- 1 6:30 AM
Early Start from Birmingham
Leave early to make the most of the day. Head north on I-65 toward Decatur, then west on US-72. The drive through the Tennessee River Valley is worth waking up early for.
- 2 9:00 AM
Cross Into Tennessee
Pass through Florence and cross the state line. The landscape shifts — rolling hills, farmland, and the quiet of West Tennessee replace the city behind you.
- 3 9:30 AM
Arrive at Outpost Outdoors
Check in at Pickwick Lake, get briefed on the Can-Am, and get strapped in. We'll walk you through everything — no experience needed.
- 4 10:00 AM – 2:30 PM
Full Day on the Trails
With the longer drive, you've earned a full day of riding. Creek crossings, forest trails, open fields — miles of Tennessee backcountry that Birmingham can't offer.
- 5 7:00 PM
Back in Birmingham
Head south on US-72 and I-65 back to Birmingham. Long day — but one of the best you've had. Most Birmingham riders start planning their next trip before they hit the city limits.
Why riders choose us
Why Birmingham Riders Choose Outpost Outdoors
Real Tennessee Trails
Miles of wooded trails, creek crossings, and open fields around Pickwick Lake — nothing like what you'll find in Alabama.
Top-of-the-Line Machines
We run Can-Am Side-by-Sides — powerful, safe, and built for any terrain.
No Experience Required
First time in an SXS? No problem. We'll walk you through everything.
Stay the Weekend
Several great lodging options near Pickwick Lake make this a perfect weekend escape from Birmingham.
Pickwick Lake Views
One of Tennessee's most beautiful lakes, right at the edge of the trail system.
Directions
Getting Here From Birmingham, AL
We're located near Pickwick Lake in Hardin County, Tennessee — just ~2.5 hrs (~145 miles) from Birmingham. The drive is easy and scenic.
- 01Head north on I-65 from Birmingham toward Decatur, AL
- 02Take US-72 west toward Muscle Shoals / Florence
- 03Continue west on US-72 through Florence into Tennessee
- 04Head north on TN-57 or US-64 toward Pickwick Dam
- 05Call us at (731) 607-0386 for exact directions
Real Rides. Real People.
Life at Outpost Outdoors
Common questions
Birmingham Riders Ask Us
Is 2.5 hours worth the drive from Birmingham?
For a real off-road SXS experience, absolutely. There's nothing like this near Birmingham. Most visitors from Birmingham make it a weekend trip — come Friday evening, ride Saturday, explore Pickwick Lake on Sunday.
Can we do a day trip from Birmingham?
It's doable — leave early (7 AM), arrive by 9:30, ride for 4 hours, lunch, and head back. You'll be home by 7 PM. Many Birmingham riders prefer making it a weekend trip to get the most out of the drive.
Do I need experience to ride a Side-by-Side?
No experience needed. We walk every rider through the machine before you head out.
Can we bring a group from Birmingham?
Yes! We love group bookings — bachelor parties, birthday trips, corporate outings. Call us at (731) 607-0386 to plan your group adventure.
Birmingham Can Wait. The Trails Can't.
Book your Side-by-Side rental online in minutes, or give us a call to plan your perfect day trip from Birmingham.