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Print Friendly MapShades Creek Greenway, also known as the Lakeshore Trail, will one day stretch 6 miles through Homewood, a southern suburb of Birmingham. Currently, 2.6 miles are complete paralleling Lakeshore Drive and the wooded banks of Shades Creek. In the future, it will reach Jemison Park, a 54-acre natural oasis in the city. Along the way, the trail offers access to schools, shopping areas, neighborhoods and workplaces.
In addition to its practical uses, the trail is also simply beautiful. With its American Sycamore, Box Elder and other tree species, the riverside corridor provides a welcoming environment for wildlife. In 2018, the well-canopied route was designated as an Alabama Birding Trail.
Dedicated trail parking is available on the trail's western end at Columbiana Road.
lovely trail; not too busy at 7 am on a saturday in early summer. the trail is completely paved, but there are sections where there is a fair amount of dirt on top of the asphalt, so it can get a little squirrely sometimes. also a fair amount of slopes (most aren’t super steep though) and somewhat rocky/bumpy sections, but if you’ve got good form you’ll make it through.
The trail is paved with mile markers spray painted on the trail. Most people were walking, running and taking leisurely strolls with their pups. Not too hilly, but I got a good exercise for the five mile round trip.
Rode this trail last week. Quite a few people on the trail mainly walking but was still able to ride the bike without any slowdowns.
Just enough inline and decline to give a good workout. Wonderful trail for family riding.
Great trail to tide when there is minimal foot traffic. Most runners and walkers know and understand trail educate however, many who walk this trail do not. Dogs on long leashes held by clueless walkers are a danger as well as large groups who choose to stop in the middle of the trail and hold long conversations completely oblivious to the traffic. Many great rides with no frustration have been enjoyed as well as the complete opposite.
Shared asphalt greenway for bikers, walkers, runners. Follows a beautiful creek. Screened from road traffic but not remote. Used by All ages. Popular morning, day & early evening. Although shared, most bikers know to shout "on your right!" as they overtake walkers. Plenty of parking at east end of trail. Pro: Wide, Shaded, Mowed & caretaken, Easy. : No potties unless Homewood field potties are open, a few car breakins recently so stash your goodies well, dog walkers sometimes don't clean up w/doggie bags.
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