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James D. Martin Wildlife Park
4.5 ★★★★★ 136 Google reviews · Running trail in Gadsden, Alabama · Posted hours
Runner's snapshot
- Surface
- Mixed
- Distance
- 4 mi
- Shape
- Not reported
- Shade
- Not reported
- Access
- Posted hours
Confirmed from James D. Martin Wildlife 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.
Locale offering waterside trails & boardwalks popular for bird watching & wildlife viewing.
What runners say about James D. Martin Wildlife Park
“Childrens playground was clean and well let with no signs of cigarettes butts or graffiti.”
“It's a beautiful park as you start to walk with beautiful sceneries, and as you go further, you hear the beautiful bird sounds and species.”
Awesome walking trails with scenic relaxing pathways. Loooong dock system leading to secluded island in a swamp. Very cool nature walk right in the city. Awesome place to reconnect with nature and exercise too! Dog park is top notch as well. Take your family!
This is my favorite place to get a good walk/run in. The views are Absolutely breathtaking!!!! They have a very large bark park one side is for small dogs and the other is for large breeds. Plenty of room for your furry friend to run and play with other dog's. You can also fish here in many different spots.
Great area to enjoy the sights and sounds of nature. Be advised that dogs are NOT allowed on the walk way around the lake. Childrens playground was clean and well let with no signs of cigarettes butts or graffiti. Test rooms were clean for public restrooms in a park.
Once I figured out what side to park on it was great I initially navigated to the Bark Park. There's a cool Boardwalk to walk on and saw a crane.
Trail conditions & character
“Beautiful dog park that Gadsden needed and a good 3 mile or so trail over boardwalks on the lake to an island.”
“It's a beautiful park as you start to walk with beautiful sceneries, and as you go further, you hear the beautiful bird sounds and species.”
“Water is supplied in each area (very muddy around the cement slab after it rains so take towels or blanket to protect your car).”
Plan your run at James D. Martin Wildlife Park
The practical stuff
- AccessPosted hours — posted hours below; park gates sometimes close earlier than the listing says
- SurfaceMixed — more than one surface along the route, so check the segment you plan to run
- Distance4 mi as reported — check whether that is one way or a round trip before you commit
- ShadeNot reported. Assume some of it is exposed and carry water in summer.
- At the trailheadparking, restrooms — 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.
- Websitealabamabirdingtrails.com
- Phone+1 256-549-4500
- Social Facebook
Hours
| Monday | 6 am–6 pm |
| Tuesday | 6 am–6 pm |
| Wednesday | 6 am–6 pm |
| Thursday | 6 am–6 pm |
| Friday | 6 am–6 pm |
| Saturday | 6 am–6 pm |
| Sunday | 6 am–6 pm |
Running trails near Gadsden
Other trails within easy driving distance — useful when this one is flooded, gated, or just not the run you had in mind today.
James Martin Trail Park
4.4 ★★★★☆ 30 reviews
Park with a dog park featuring scenic trails for walking or running, plus a boardwalk and wildlife viewing.
Riverwalk City Park
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Tranquil wooded site featuring a river view, plus walking and fishing opportunities.
Noccalula Falls
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Popular natural attraction with a main track, known for waterfalls and trails.