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Print Friendly MapRailroad Park is an 8-block recreational public space in downtown Birmingham that celebrates the city's railroad culture both past and present. It borders active railroad lines that transverse the city from east to west, and has elevated vantage points for trainspotting.
A 0.4-mile rail-trail travels the length of the park, past a lake, streams, wetlands, and grassy fields. Other features found within the park's 19 acres include a skate park, two playgrounds, and overlooks for viewing the city's skyline. There are an additional 1.4 miles of paved trails, which meander through the park and provide connections to all that it has to offer. Open daily from 7am to 11pm, the park also has restrooms, benches, outdoor gym equipment, and wifi.
Near its eastern end is the Rotary Trail, which is built on a former railroad bed along 1st Avenue South between 20th Street and 24th Street. Both trails are included in the Jones Valley Trail network, which is part of the Red Rock Trail System, a developing 750-mile network of multiuse trails in Jefferson County. The Red Rock Trail System connects important destinations throughout the region such as Red Mountain Park, which—at 1,500 acres—is one of the largest urban parks in the country.
Street parking is available along the outer perimeter of Railroad Park (1600 1st Avenue South), along 1st Avenue South.
Birmingham's public transit system, BJCTA, provides convenient access to the trail. Visit the BJCTA website to plan your trip.
I love riding my bike around the park and in downtown Birmingham on the weekend. The park is green and right next to the active railroad. It’s an easy short ride but there are lots of folks enjoying the park.
Railroad park is an absolute favorite of mine for ease of trails and seeing city around the oasis of park. It winds around in several ways so not sure who came up with .4 miles. It’s not accurate.
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