Explore the best rated trails in Gardendale, AL, whether you're looking for an easy walking trail or a bike trail like the BMRR North Trail and Ensley-Pratt Greenway . With more than 23 trails covering 52 miles you're bound to find a perfect trail for you. Click on any trail below to find trail descriptions, trail maps, photos, and reviews.
This is a beautiful and easy trail to ride. There are several roads to cross that connect the trail, all are well marked except the last part of it that leads into Brookside, thankfully some other bikers road next to us to tell us where the rest of the trail picked up. It is also very well shaded. I would recommend this trail.
BMMR North is a pleasant trail with adequate shade, some stunning vistas of Jones Valley & beyond (imgine there would be more to see in dormant foliage). Intersting relics of mining operations. Trail appears to be true rail trail for about 1.25 miles, though trail length is list at 2.0. There is no asphalt beyond parking lot; embedded rail ties still visible in most areas. Once reaching X with Redding Trail at some an impressive structure, the trail narrows and trends toward rougher surfaced until sweeping uphill on a grassy swale to connect with BMMR South.
Connectors between the trails are more difficult than typical railtrail; Wenonah Connector is great, until surface goes rustic to jump the ridge. Both better as out & back, from Venice Rd. Better yet, park off Bessemer Super Highway in Midfield & ride the High Ore Trail; carefully cross a marked crossing at moderately busy 2 lane, and do the BMMR North & Wenonah, then back to Midfield for about a 11 mile O/B.
parked at Frankfurt Circle, road part of BMRR South, connected to BMMR North , rode to Venice Ave, reversed, took Wenonah Connector back to BMMR South for return to Frankfurt. Would not recommend the connectors i used on any bike.
nothing extraordinarily scenic, but mostly forested trail. Outside of a few housing developments, the overall landscape likely hasn't changed much since the last trains ran this route, especially on the north end (terminus at Newfound Creek ravine. I found the trail a well-maintained path, although it is crushed stone, and may not be suitable for all bikes or riders. There was evidence of recent treefalls being cleared, and no noticeable trash on trail (benches & trash receptacles are scattered at random intervals). Trail is mostly shaded, although there are enough clea spots to feel the sun.
Traffic was considerably thin once clear of Black Creek Park, with only 2 joggers between I65 and Shady Grove Road; one lone cyclist who trailheaded on Powder Mill Road; on the way back a few more cyclists between the Shady Grove Road & Black Creek Park.
We ride our etrikes here a couple of days a month. It’s so beautiful and the shaded trails make every the hottest days (today was in the 90’s) bearable. Don’t miss this wonderful hidden gem just north of Birmingham.
Rode this trail today, had a Great time, trail is in good condition and is 8 miles long, round trip of 16 miles, good parking in Fultondale at the ballpark.
Concrete path for walking and bike riding that is 5 or 6 feet wide. We really enjoyed it. Met some friendly people and animals. The fallen soldier memorial was impressive.
A nice crushed rock trail with lots of shade. It is very pretty but parts of the trail between Fultondale and Gardendale are washed out exposing large gravels that are difficult to ride without a mountain bike. Overall I am excited to see the ongoing work to expand this trail and hope that it continues to travel farther north.
This trail is a hidden gem. The slope is minimal. Other riders, runners, and cars at the FEW road crossings are very courteous. We cannot wait for the full trail to be completed.
I rode this scenic trail from east to west and back on June 1, 2023. Nice and shady at this time of year, the trail is gravel, well groomed, graded, and quiet. The traffic noise as it passes beneath US 31 and Interstate 65 is minimal and quickly fades as one proceeds down the trail. At the western end at Powder Mill Road, I met a kind gentleman who informed me that an additional two mile extension has been completed and will officially open Friday, June 2, 2023, bringing the total to about 7.5 miles. Look for the extension near the gate of the Cornerstone Ranch, which is private property. Please respect all landowners and their property.
The greater Birmingham community has a priceless treasure in this trail. To those responsible for its acquisition, construction, and maintenance, thank you very much!
We started the trail yesterday from the Fulton dale trailhead and parking lot. It was very hard to find because there’s no signage on the highway. It’s in a city little league baseball park. The trail is crushed limestone which requires fat tires. Very scenic and shaded old growth hardwoods. We really enjoyed it and plan to do it again.
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