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James Martin Trail Park
4.4 ★★★★☆ 30 Google reviews · Running trail in Gadsden, Alabama · Open 24 hours
Runner's snapshot
- Surface
- Boardwalk
- Distance
- Not reported
- Shape
- Not reported
- Shade
- Not reported
- Access
- Open 24 hours
Confirmed from James Martin Trail 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.
Park with a dog park featuring scenic trails for walking or running, plus a boardwalk and wildlife viewing.
What runners say about James Martin Trail Park
“Very clean, good place to observe some wildlife, most of the other visitors were respectful of the area as well.”
“Beautiful place to walk or take pictures for an event.”
“This is a beautiful and peaceful area to walk.”
Very clean, good place to observe some wildlife, most of the other visitors were respectful of the area as well. Wonderful place to walk my dog, he loved all the different smells and meeting people on the trail.
Great place to run or walk. Lots of wildlife here. I went during the night time the other day & there arent any lights, but it was still cool.
Very nice walking trail by the Coosa river behind the Gadsden Mall. Just be careful not to walk up on a goose nest, they can be real buts.
Very scenic and great place to walk and explore. Enjoy having the dog park to take my dog too.
Trail conditions & character
“Beautiful place to walk or take pictures for an event.”
“Walking 4 miles this way was so easy, I will be returning and bringing my service dog back to enjoy the dog park.”
“This is a beautiful and peaceful area to walk.”
“There needs to be a yellow flashing light, or some kind of safety measures in place to notify motorist of crossing pedestrians.”
“To get to the park from parking lot is concerning.”
Plan your run at James Martin Trail Park
The practical stuff
- AccessOpen 24 hours — no gate to beat, so a 5am or a 10pm run both work
- SurfaceBoardwalk — flat and scenic, and slick when wet, so watch your footing
- 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.
- 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 trailheadparking — reported by runners
- DogsWelcome, per reviewers. Leash rules vary by park — the trailhead sign is the authority.
- Websitecityofgadsden.com
- Phone+1 256-549-4680
- Social Instagram
Hours
| Monday | Open 24 hours |
| Tuesday | Open 24 hours |
| Wednesday | Open 24 hours |
| Thursday | Open 24 hours |
| Friday | Open 24 hours |
| Saturday | Open 24 hours |
| Sunday | Open 24 hours |
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.
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