Great Runs in Birmingham, Alabama
Note: For the Full Guide to running in Birmingham, see the GR Website
The most populous city in Alabama, Birmingham is a historically significant city in the north center region of the Jones Valley. It’s known as a center of the Civil Rights Movement, a railroad and steel hub, and an artistic hotspot of the southeast. Running in Birmingham, Alabama is diverse and interesting, with a good mix of centrally located multi-use trails, pretty neighborhoods, and some fantastic trail running not far from the city.
Jemison Trail. This concrete path through Mountain Brook is one of the prettiest runs around Birmingham, right alongside scenic Shades Creek. It is incorporated into the 54 mile Jemison linear park.
Shades Creek Greenway. Located along Homewood’s Lakeshore Parkway, also as the Lakeshore Trail, is a 2.5 mile (one-way) paved multi-use path, following the lush floodplain of Shades Creek.
Homewood Neighborhood. A run through the desirable Homewood neighborhood, with beautiful sidewalks, cute homes, and several green parks.
Vulcan Trail. The 2 mile long (one way) flat paved and crushed stone Kiwanis Vulcan Trail is a popular path that arrives at the Vulcan statue on Red Mountain, which also has good views of downtown Birmingham.
Railroad Park and University. Explore the University of Alabama Birmingham and Railroad Park with this route that includes the campus green, train spotting opportunities, and an LED tunnel.
Ross Bridge Neighborhood and Greenway. Upscale neighborhood is a beautifully sidewalked collection of grand houses. Run the 2.7 mile \Ross Bridge Greenway or the intimate estate-line streets.
Botanical Gardens. Not only are the Birmingham Botanical Gardens are great place to spot blossoms in bloom, running is encouraged on the 2 miles of paths throughout the grounds.
Red Mountain Park, just 15 minutes from downtown Birmingham, is a dream for outdoor enthusiasts. There are 15 miles of trails. There’s the flat 2.4 mile BMRR South Trail or the more challenging 2.9 mile Ike Maston Trail.
Oak Mountain State Park is considered some of the best trail running in North America. Popular trails include the 2.3 mile multi-use Lake Trail and the 2 mile route to Peavine Falls.
Moss Brook Preserve. Another top running destination in the Hoover area, Moss Rock Preserve boasts 12 miles of trails — including both challenging singletrack and easygoing dirt roads.
Hillsboro Trail. A developing rail trail in Helena, a bit southwest of the city center, the Hillsboro Trail offers about 2 miles (one way) of running on a smooth asphalt surface.
Veterans Park. This 82 acre park in Hoover has a couple of different running options, including a 5 km cross country running trail and a 2 km walking/running trail around the perimeter of the park.
For the full running guide to Birmingham, see greatruns.com
