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Run at Railroad Park in Downtown Birmingham

Birmingham, Alabama

4.3/5
based on 4 reviews

Details

Distance

1.5 miles

Elevation Gain

20 ft

Route Type

Loop

Description

Added by John Sides

Get your heart rate up on a quick run around Birmingham’s best downtown park.

In many ways, Railroad Park has become a symbol for the revitalization of downtown Birmingham, and it’s helping to ignite a new excitement for the city. Opened in 2010, Railroad Park makes reference to the Steel City’s industrial past, and runs parallel to rail lines that are still used today. The park includes 19 acres of green space, several trails, scenic waterways, bridges, an amphitheater and more, with the Birmingham skyline easily visible from nearly any vantage point. Plans are underway to eventually extend green spaces across downtown, which would connect the park to other trail systems, and historic sites such as Sloss Furnace. 

The outer trail that circles the park, Magic City Loop, is approximately 3/4 of a mile, and easily connects to any of the other trails including Rail Trail (1/3 mile), Powell Avenue Promenade (1/3 mile), and Limestone Trace (1/2 mile). Two full laps around the park make a really nice 1.5 mile run, or you can easily add distance by continuing on 1st Avenue South past 18th Street, and connecting to the recently developed Rotary Trail at 20th Street. Trail surfaces within the park are asphalt, gravel, rubber-coated asphalt, and boardwalk paths. All trail surfaces are even, with minimal incline, which make them very accessible to runners and walker of all abilities. The vast majority of the park is handicap accessible and stroller friendly, though there are stairs in a couple places on the west side of the park.

Metered parking is available along 1st Avenue South and the adjacent blocks, and is free after 6pm and on weekends. 

You can check out upcoming events happening at Railroad Park here.  

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Features

Fitness
Photography
Running
Bathrooms
Dog Friendly
Easy Parking
Family Friendly
Food Nearby
Groups
Lake
Picnic Area
Scenic
ADA Accessible

Run at Railroad Park in Downtown Birmingham Reviews

One of the best inner city parks I’ve been to. Beats Austin, San Diego, and LA that’s for sure. Lots of interesting park features and a cool historic view of the railroad and downtown. Agree that you can’t run super far, but you can do a few combinations of loops that adds up to a few miles!

Great place to run to, but it’s really not big enough for anything other than a mile or so. Awesome as a part of a longer downtown run though. It’s beautiful, clean, and a great oasis in the middle of a resurgent city.

The park is a great little space in downtown Birmingham! It's a nice place to run if you live in the city, and is great for walking, relaxing, bringing your kids, and attending events!

Leave No Trace

Always practice Leave No Trace ethics on your adventures and follow local regulations. Please explore responsibly!

Nearby

Bike to Sloss Furnace from Railroad Park

Jemison Park Nature Trail

Trail Run to Skyhy Tree House at Red Mountain Park

Hike to Ruffner Mountain's Hawk's View Overlook

Kayak the Cahaba River

Bouldering at Moss Rock Preserve