Find the top rated running trails in Alabama, whether you're looking for an easy short running trail or a long running trail, you'll find what you're looking for. Click on a running trail below to find trail descriptions, trail maps, photos, and reviews.
Went about 7 miles into Alabama from the Georgia line on our ride. It was a good, fairly smooth and flat ride. Compared to the Georgia side of the ride, however, there was a bit less shade and the path was significantly more narrow. It was hardly problematic in general, but it did have a larger impact when people were riding in pairs or passing relative to the wider Silver Comet portion.
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.
This was our first long/all day ride. The trail really was beautiful, well maintained and paved the whole way. We entered at mile 1 and rode to the GA/AL line. The trail beyond Piedmont, which is the last populated area you will pass, is fairly remote, and at a very, very slight incline. The return is much easier! There are a couple picnic tables at the state line but no bathrooms. We saw deer and turkey crossing the trail.
The north end has a historic b&b. Elkmont in 1/2 way with nice places and a nice side ride through pre civil war houses. Packed gravel. Could use some smoothing but we did 21 mile out and back on ebikes with no problem. All shady
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.
On a road trip and needed to stretch our legs. Great trail to walk and had the cleanest bathrooms I have ever seen on a walking trail! 5 stars all the way!
Camping at Cathedral Caverns with our Grands, loaded up our bikes and all went for ride on this trail, this is a very nice trail, it may only be 1.8 miles but it’s very scenic, two nice bridges crossing the Flint River.
We spent 4 days biking all the trails in the Gulf State Park - returning to many trails multiple times. The trails are in excellent condition, there are several areas to stop, relax and view the natural areas you’re biking through. The boardwalks are impressive and well maintained. This is a top-notch biking area and if we’re ever in the area again, we will definitely return to these amazing bike trails!
I can't improve upon the above Trail Description or the previous Trail Reviews. In simplest terms, the trails of Alabama's Gulf State Park are absolutely awesome! My wife and I traveled from California in March of 2022 to experience the trails and we had the time of our lives!
Be sure to visit the Gulf State Park website for a map or have the Rails-To-Trails TraiLink app handy since there are twenty-seven trails and/or connectors within the park. We wanted to ride as much of the expansive system of trails as possible, and it was like putting a challenging puzzle together to organize our routes.
Every trail has something that makes it interesting or fun. Our favorite trail was Gulf Oak Ridge for its beautiful views from the overlook platform, and for riding through the forest of trees which envelope the trail.
Kudos to Alabama State Parks for this park and its system of trails. I wish I could ride these popular trails every day like michaelraydunaway!
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