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Black Creek Park's Rails to Trails
4.7 ★★★★★ 438 Google reviews · Running trail in Birmingham, Alabama · Posted hours
Runner's snapshot
- Surface
- Crushed gravel
- Distance
- 6 mi
- Shape
- Not reported
- Shade
- Not reported
- Access
- Posted hours
Confirmed from Black Creek Park's Rails to Trails' 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.
Park and trail system featuring playgrounds and softball fields, as well as picnic tables and benches.
What runners say about Black Creek Park's Rails to Trails
“Bring your bike and be happy or put on your running shoes for a fast run on a flat, well maintained surface, but bring a podcast when you are hiking or walking.”
“I went for a walk today at Black Creek for the 1st time and it was beautiful!”
“It would be nice if they had porta potties at each mile marker like they do a bench.”
“The other side after you cross Rowe Road is very pretty, easy walk.”
My dog & I, frequent this Beautiful place. It is a unique spot... that is clean & peaceful, with running water nearby. Also has a designated dog park.. for ur pups socialization time. Highly recommend. It’s our happy place.
These trails are perfect for walking, running, and biking (or any non-motorized mode of transport.) The 3.4 mile trail follows an old railway path, though the tracks have been removed. There are several offshoots leading to more challenging trails through the woods that run along the creek.
Finally git an opportunity to go here last week, my 1st day of bike riding fitness journey!!! Amazing !!!👏🏾 Absolutely love the trail, I rode about 6.5 miles round trip from fultondale to close to Gardendale The only thing is that my lil ol bike is not equipped to ride gravel trails!!!
The trailhead of the rail-to-trails greenway is formed by a ballpark, dog park, and an interesting looking playground. The parks and trailhead are right at the inviting looking creek with small shoals running over shale.
Trail conditions & character
“Black Creek Park utilizes a former railroad track path that leads under the interstate and connects to the Children's Park and dog park.”
“5 miles round trip from fultondale to close to Gardendale The only thing is that my lil ol bike is not equipped to ride gravel trails!”
“I went for a walk today at Black Creek for the 1st time and it was beautiful!”
“This park is amazing, it has a playground, a senior center, baseball fields, public restrooms, and multiple walking trails.”
“Bring your bike and be happy or put on your running shoes for a fast run on a flat, well maintained surface, but bring a podcast when you are hiking or walking.”
“It would be nice if they had porta potties at each mile marker like they do a bench.”
“👏🏾 Absolutely love the trail, I rode about 6.5 miles round trip from fultondale to close to Gardendale The only thing is that my lil ol bike is not equipped to ride gravel trails!”
Plan your run at Black Creek Park's Rails to Trails
The practical stuff
- AccessPosted hours — posted hours below; park gates sometimes close earlier than the listing says
- SurfaceCrushed gravel — the rail-trail classic: softer than asphalt, still smooth enough for tempo work
- Distance6 mi as reported — check whether that is one way or a round trip before you commit. Long enough for a real long run.
- ShadeNot reported. Assume some of it is exposed and carry water in summer.
- LightingRunners report lights on the path — useful for pre-dawn and after-work miles. Lighting and opening hours are separate things, so check both.
- At the trailheadrestrooms — reported by runners
- DogsWelcome, per reviewers. Leash rules vary by park — the trailhead sign is the authority.
- Websitefivemilecreekgreenway.org
- Phone(205) 841-4481
Hours
| Monday | 5 AM–10 PM |
| Tuesday | 5 AM–10 PM |
| Wednesday | 5 AM–10 PM |
| Thursday | 5 AM–10 PM |
| Friday | 5 AM–10 PM |
| Saturday | 5 AM–10 PM |
| Sunday | 5 AM–10 PM |
Running trails near Birmingham
Other trails within easy driving distance — useful when this one is flooded, gated, or just not the run you had in mind today.
Gardendale Civic Center Walking Trail
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Jefferson State Community Park
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Clean park featuring a playground, a swing set and a baseball field plus picnic areas.
Ruffner Mountain
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1,038-acre preserve with hiking trails, old mining sites, a modern nature center & rustic pavilion.