Home › Alabama › Athens › Big Spring Memorial Park
Big Spring Memorial Park
4.6 ★★★★★ 771 Google reviews · Running trail in Athens, Alabama · Posted hours
Runner's snapshot
- Surface
- Not reported
- Distance
- Not reported
- Shape
- Not reported
- Shade
- Not reported
- Access
- Posted hours
Confirmed from Big Spring Memorial Park's own listing, the park or land manager's website, and runner reviews. Blank cells mean we could not verify that fact — we would rather say "not reported" than invent one. There is no Easy / Moderate / Hard rating on this page on purpose: a one-word difficulty score tells you nothing about whether a trail suits your run. Surface, distance, shade and hours do.
Relaxing park featuring a duck pond, playground and tennis courts, in addition to a pavilion.
What runners say about Big Spring Memorial Park
“The bathrooms are well maintained and I love that we got to feed the fish!”
“Beautiful park, but not a place for dogs because of the ducks.”
Feed the ducks, take a walk, play tennis, or let the kids play at the little park! Seems like a lot of people park and sit on their lunch breaks. Nice spot to get some energy out!
Big Spring Park is located on Market Street in Athens. The park consists of a large duck pond, a pavilion, three tennis courts, and a playground. There are machines to purchase duck food to feed the ducks and a couple of large swings located near the pond.
You can't go wrong with the duck pond. You can feed the ducks, play with your little ones on the play equipment, or play tennis. It's within walking distance from the square and some great restaurants. I've been to a wedding, several birthday parties, and a gender reveal here. The duck pond is great for all occasions.
Trail conditions & character
“Beautiful park, but not a place for dogs because of the ducks.”
“They’ve got tennis / pickle ball court and decent size of playground for kids, bathroom and picnic area for family and friends.”
Plan your run at Big Spring Memorial Park
The practical stuff
- AccessPosted hours — posted hours below; park gates sometimes close earlier than the listing says
- DistanceNot reported. Trail systems often quote total path mileage rather than a single loop, so measure the route you actually want before you drive out.
- ShadeNot reported. Assume some of it is exposed and carry water in summer.
- At the trailheadrestrooms — reported by runners
- Websiteathensal.us
- Phone(256) 233-8740
- Social Instagram · Facebook
Hours
| Monday | 8 AM–10 PM |
| Tuesday | 8 AM–10 PM |
| Wednesday | 8 AM–10 PM |
| Thursday | 8 AM–10 PM |
| Friday | 8 AM–10 PM |
| Saturday | 8 AM–10 PM |
| Sunday | 8 AM–10 PM |
Running trails near Athens
Other trails within easy driving distance — useful when this one is flooded, gated, or just not the run you had in mind today.
Swan Creek Park
4.6 ★★★★★ 122 reviews
Park with a baseball field, tennis court, playground, picnic areas, and walking trail.
Robert Allen Tinnon Park
4.1 ★★★★☆ 152 reviews
Recreation area with 2 baseball fields, a playground & a picnic shelter with restrooms.
Swan Creek Greenway National Recreation Trail
4.8 ★★★★★ 89 reviews
Miles-long gravel, tree-shaded trail for walking, running and biking along a creek.
Richard Martin Trail
4.6 ★★★★★ 83 reviews
Flat, shaded 10-mile trail for hikers, horses and bikes, with covered bridges.
Marbut's Bend
4.7 ★★★★★ 102 reviews
Gravel and boardwalk paths traversing a swampy area with wetlands and the Elk River, all ideal for casual walking.