HomeAlabamaOpelika › City Park (Monkey Park)

City Park (Monkey Park)

4.7 ★★★★★ 445 Google reviews · Running trail in Opelika, Alabama · Posted hours

Runner's snapshot

Surface
Natural surface
Distance
Not reported
Shape
Not reported
Shade
Not reported
Access
Posted hours

Confirmed from City Park (Monkey 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.

Natural surfaceScenicStroller / ADARestroomsWater

Family-friendly park and playground featuring barbecues and a covered bridge, plus picnic tables.

What runners say about City Park (Monkey Park)

Pulled from public reviews of this trail (445 of them) — the things people bring up again and again, in their own words. Nothing here is written by us.

well-maintained 8 mentions

“There were age appropriate play areas for numerous age ranges, the neighborhood was quiet, the park was well kept, and the scenery was BEAUTIFUL ❤️”

🏞️ beautiful scenery 5 mentions

“There were age appropriate play areas for numerous age ranges, the neighborhood was quiet, the park was well kept, and the scenery was BEAUTIFUL ❤️”

👟 good for all levels 2 mentions

“Wonderful playgrounds, the children's train and concessions ensure a great time for all ages.”

We were looking for a natural area to spend time with our kids and grill up some steaks. This place was a perfect fit for us. There were at least 3 grill locations with several playgrounds and some amazing natural areas. There is a beautiful covered bridge and lots of photo ops by the cascading creek under it.

★★★★★ — Thaddeus , Jan 2023

Great park for the community. Plus don't skip the Caroline Dean Wildflower Trail adjacent.

★★★★★ — Douglas , Mar 2024

Monkey Park is a favorite stop for our family! We love riding the train when it's running. There are picnic shelters that are nice on hot Alabama summer days. There are several playgrounds located at this one park. The bathrooms are well cared for and clean.

★★★★★ — Ashley , Sep 2024

Great place for kids and picnics. Even a Christmas train at Christmas. The azaleas are gorgeous this year. There’s even a covered bridge and trails of nature.

★★★★★ — Fern , Apr 2021

Excerpts from public Google reviews. Read all 445 reviews →

Trail conditions & character

What this trail is actually like underfoot and overhead, taken from its own listing and from reviews. Each one links to every other trail with the same character. Busy or quiet is reported as a plain fact, not a plus or a minus — a runner heading out alone at dawn often wants company on the path, and someone running intervals wants an empty one.

🏞️ Scenic views 5 mentions

“There were age appropriate play areas for numerous age ranges, the neighborhood was quiet, the park was well kept, and the scenery was BEAUTIFUL ❤️”

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🚻 Restrooms 2 mentions

“The bathrooms are well cared for and clean.”

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🚰 Water fountains

“I'd give it 5 stars if there were a water fountain.”

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🌲 Natural surface / singletrack

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Stroller / ADA accessible

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Plan your run at City Park (Monkey Park)

The practical stuff

  • AccessPosted hours — posted hours below; park gates sometimes close earlier than the listing says
  • SurfaceNatural surface — easiest on the joints and the most fun, but expect roots, rocks and mud after rain
  • 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, water — reported by runners
  • Stroller / wheelchairReported as smooth and step-free enough for a running stroller or a chair.
  • Websiteopelika-al.gov
  • Phone+1 334-705-5549
  • Social Instagram

Hours

Monday 8 am–5 pm
Tuesday 8 am–5 pm
Wednesday 8 am–5 pm
Thursday 8 am–5 pm
Friday 8 am–5 pm
Saturday 8 am–5 pm
Sunday 8 am–5 pm

Posted hours for the park or trailhead. Gates and parking lots often close earlier than the trail itself, and seasonal hours change — worth a check before a pre-dawn or after-dark run.

Where to find City Park (Monkey Park)

N 5th St, Opelika, AL 36801

Get directions

Running trails near Opelika

Other trails within easy driving distance — useful when this one is flooded, gated, or just not the run you had in mind today.

Municipal Park

4.7 ★★★★★ 705 reviews

Opelika, AL

Natural surfaceLit

City park with a relocated covered bridge, picnic tables, shelters & a children's playground.

under a mile away

Stern Park Opelika, AL

4.8 ★★★★★ 42 reviews

Opelika, AL

Dog-friendly

under a mile away

West Ridge Park

4.5 ★★★★★ 148 reviews

Opelika, AL

Park with a playground, hiking trail, and baseball/softball facilities, plus picnic tables.

2.3 miles away

Shady Park

4.3 ★★★★☆ 69 reviews

Opelika, AL

Shaded

Peaceful green space featuring swings, benches and a playground for kids.

2.6 miles away

Wood Duck Nature Preserve

4.3 ★★★★☆ 129 reviews

Opelika, AL

2 miNatural surfaceShadedScenic

Park for bird-watching that features a lagoon and shaded trails.

2.9 miles away

Trailhead, Creekline Trail

4.7 ★★★★★ 31 reviews

Opelika, AL

PavedShadedScenic

3.4 miles away

All running trails in Opelika, AL →

Nearby towns

Listing verified July 2026 from public records, the trail's own website and runner reviews. Trail conditions change — paths flood, gates close at dusk, and shaded woods stay muddy for days after rain. Something out of date? Report a correction. Manage this trail? Send us the details — it is free.