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Flora Johnston Nature Park
4.7 ★★★★★ 73 Google reviews · Running trail in Irondale, Alabama · Posted hours
Runner's snapshot
- Surface
- Natural surface
- Loop distance
- 1 mi
- Shape
- Loop
- Shade
- Not reported
- Access
- Posted hours
Confirmed from Flora Johnston Nature 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.
Calm city park, featuring walking trails through woods and mountainside.
What runners say about Flora Johnston Nature Park
“This trail is well maintained, it can flood after a big rain and some patches can get muddy.”
“For walkers with limited mobility, this is a a simple out-and-back trail through beautiful woods with many kinds of trees and a creek nearby.”
“This is a great place for a quiet hike with your Fuzz Kids and there's plenty of hills and adventurous hiking.”
Nice little trail, easily accessible, and very biodiverse for such a snall space. So nice to have a hiking trail like this just a few minutes away from the house. Try the top trail for a challenge or to go in a loop, or walk the bottom trail out and back for an easier hike.
The hike originally seemed perfect! But pay clear attention to when it’s going to be dark. One minute it’s bright and clear the next you’re speed walking through the woods with just your phones “flashlight”. Sounds seem very different when it’s just you hoping you didn’t just see a the sign that still said 1/2 mile.
🚫♿️This trail is a hidden gem. It is not for those with mobility issues however. There are stairs leading down amd once on the trail you are just in the middle of the woods. I followed it as long as I could without needing help to get out.
I really like this little park. I rarely see others there. To get to the trail, you park in the lot which is behind houses (ONE HOUSE HAS BEE HIVES WITH BEES THAT ARE ACTIVE IN WARM WEATHER SO PARK ON THE SIDE OPPOSITE HOUSES IF YOU ARE ALLERGIC OR HAVE KIDS..
Trail conditions & character
“The trail is a loop but you can start off by going up to the top trail and then returning on the lower trail or vice versa.”
“This is a hidden neighborhood gem with two trails and some elevation change, lovely for locals, probably not exciting for a traveling adventurer.”
“For walkers with limited mobility, this is a a simple out-and-back trail through beautiful woods with many kinds of trees and a creek nearby.”
“The trails tend to have muddy spots, nothing you can't go around but if you jog you may want to be prepared to get wet!”
“Trailhead is blocked by a guard rail on Elder Street but neighbors installed helpful steps to get over the rail.”
“This is a great place for a quiet hike with your Fuzz Kids and there's plenty of hills and adventurous hiking.”
“There is one long mostly flat trail if you go straight at the start- or you can turn right when you first start (my recommendation).”
“From what I can tell, they are clearing the other side to add another trail that would be level and accessible to those in ♿.”
Plan your run at Flora Johnston Nature 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
- Loop distance1 mi back to where you parked
- ShadeNot reported. Assume some of it is exposed and carry water in summer.
- At the trailheadparking — reported by runners
- DogsWelcome, per reviewers. Leash rules vary by park — the trailhead sign is the authority.
- Stroller / wheelchairReported as smooth and step-free enough for a running stroller or a chair.
- Websitebirminghamal.gov
Hours
| Monday | 6 AM–8:30 PM |
| Tuesday | 6 AM–8:30 PM |
| Wednesday | 6 AM–8:30 PM |
| Thursday | 6:30 AM–9 PM |
| Friday | 6 AM–8:30 PM |
| Saturday | 6 AM–8:30 PM |
| Sunday | 6 AM–8:30 PM |
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Other trails within easy driving distance — useful when this one is flooded, gated, or just not the run you had in mind today.
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