There are amazing and interesting places to run in the Birmingham metro area. See the interactive map and descriptions below.
The BTC Long Run Group is a group of runners that began training together in 2006. Each year they pick a goal Marathon/Half Marathon in the fall and train together. Saturday morning routes and water stops are coordinated by the BTC with members dropping water along the route. Paces range from 8:00 to 12:00. Distances for Saturday morning runs range from 8 to 22 miles. This is not a group for beginners. The BTC Long Run Group is an open group. There is an e-mail list maintained by the BTC that you can request to be on. Email the Long Run Coordinator or visit the group’s Facebook page for information.
This group is currently on hiatus. Moderate Runs are included in the Long Run Group above.
Birmingham Track Club organized Saturday morning moderate distance run (3.5 – 7 miles typically) for new runners wanting to increase their distances or existing runners wanting a group to run with but not interested in longer mileage. Check them out on Facebook for more information.
A variety of walking trails accommodate runners, walkers, and casual meanderers, including the Magic City Loop (3/4 mile), Rail Trail (1/3 mile), Powell Avenue Promenade (1/3 mile), and Limestone Trace (1/2 mile). A variety of walking trails accommodate runners, walkers, and casual meanderers, including the Magic City Loop (3/4 mile), Rail Trail (1/3 mile), Powell Avenue Promenade (1/3 mile), and Limestone Trace (1/2 mile).
Railroad Park Map (pdf)
Birmingham’s much anticipated Rotary Trail opened April 2016. At its entrance, the trail features a 46-foot-tall sign which reads: “Rotary Trail in the Magic City.” It is modeled after the historical “Birmingham the Magic City” sign.
Birmingham’s mile-long Vulcan Trail scales the ridge of 1,025-foot Red Mountain. In summer, the tree-lined trail offers cool respite from the heat, while bare winter trees yield city views. Best of all, it takes little effort to enjoy this breathtaking scenery; like most rail-trails, the route is flat.
The paved surface is especially inviting for walkers, joggers and those taking pets for a stroll. The route runs below 10-acre Vulcan Park, home to the world’s largest cast-iron statue and trail/park namesake.
One of the most popular trails in Birmingham. The Lakeshore Trail (officially known as the Shades Creek Greenway) is located in Homewood along Lakeshore Parkway. The paved trail offers 2.5 miles of flat, paved surface without the worry of motor vehicles. The trail runs from Brookwood Blvd near Highway 31 (next to Target) to Greensprings Highway/Columbiana Road (near the Homewood Soccer Park). There are water fountains and parking spaces at both ends of the trail.
The Wednesday evening run from The Trak Shak in Homewood is a popular weekly event. It begins at 5:30PM and there are 3, 5, and 8.5 mile routes.
Trak Shak Wednesday 3-Mile Route
Trak Shak Wednesday 5-Mile Route
Many runners begin their weekend long run from the National Bank of Commerce parking lot at 813 Shades Creek Parkway (Shades Creek Parkway and Highway 280 just east of the Brookwood Village Mall.)
Lakeshore to Homewood to English Village to Mtn Brook Village – 10-Mile Route
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Jemison Park Trail
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Watkins Trace Trail
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Nature Trail
The Gardens encourages everyone to lead a healthy lifestyle. Birmingham Botanical Gardens is a wonderful location for your walking/jogging routine. To make it easier, we have plotted a 2 mile trail.
View our Walking/Jogging Trail Map: https://bbgardens.org/garden-map.php
This park has a greenway with a 1.8 mile walking trail and a disc golf course. It is located on 77 acres in North Shelby County near Lake Heather and Highway 280.
This park has a 5K cross country trail and a walking/ running trail.
Heardmont Park covers seventy-four acres which includes the Oak Mountain High School Football Stadium with rubberized track and walking trails.
The Hillsboro Trail contains over 3 miles of trail. The majority of the trail is paved and constructed on an old rail bed with three pedestrian tunnels and bridges making it ideal for walking, jogging and cycling. Many scenic and recreational opportunities will be found along the trail with overlooks and viewing areas. The tunnels and bridges provide safe passages beneath and above local roadways offering safe routes for both adults and children to schools, parks and commercial areas.
The Northern portion of the trail is accessible at the Appleford development off of County Highway 52 with access to County Road 91 and Helena Middle School.