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Mary Ann Nelson Park
4.5 ★★★★★ 126 Google reviews · Running trail in Fairhope, Alabama · Posted hours
Runner's snapshot
- Surface
- Mixed
- Distance
- Not reported
- Shape
- Not reported
- Shade
- Tree cover
- Access
- Posted hours
Confirmed from Mary Ann Nelson 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.
Tranquil park featuring views of the water and picnic tables (some shaded).
What runners say about Mary Ann Nelson Park
“The water was gross from storms but normally I bet gorgeous.”
“There's a few concrete uncovered picnic tables, shady and sunny areas, and a really pretty view.”
“Mary Ann Nelson Park is a quietly charming waterfront spot that’s perfect if you’re looking for a peaceful place to relax and enjoy the beauty of Mobile Bay.”
Quaint, quiet and clean. Wonderful view. A boardwalk would be awesome going out over the water. The picture with the piers in them are all privately owned. There is a porta-john available for public use. There are two grills and three picnic tables. Handicap parking is available.
Mary Ann Nelson Park is a quietly charming waterfront spot that’s perfect if you’re looking for a peaceful place to relax and enjoy the beauty of Mobile Bay. It’s not a big, developed park with lots of attractions — and that’s part of its appeal.
Trail conditions & character
“There's a few concrete uncovered picnic tables, shady and sunny areas, and a really pretty view.”
“There's a few concrete uncovered picnic tables, shady and sunny areas, and a really pretty view.”
“Mary Ann Nelson Park is a quietly charming waterfront spot that’s perfect if you’re looking for a peaceful place to relax and enjoy the beauty of Mobile Bay.”
“There's a few concrete uncovered picnic tables, shady and sunny areas, and a really pretty view.”
“there's a porta potty and a couple of tables with benches.”
Plan your run at Mary Ann Nelson 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
- 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.
- ShadeRunners describe real tree cover here — it makes a summer afternoon workable
- At the trailheadrestrooms — reported by runners
Hours
| Monday | 6:30 am–9 pm |
| Tuesday | 6 am–8 pm |
| Wednesday | 6 am–8 pm |
| Thursday | 6 am–8 pm |
| Friday | 6 am–8 pm |
| Saturday | 6 am–8 pm |
| Sunday | 6 am–8 pm |
Running trails near Fairhope
Other trails within easy driving distance — useful when this one is flooded, gated, or just not the run you had in mind today.
Weeks Bay National Estuarine Research Reserve
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Relaxed nature reserve with a visitor center & self-guided trails through wetlands & forests.
Pine Beach Trail
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Scenic sand dune trail through wooded swamps to a gulf beach, featuring observation towers.
Bon Secour National Wildlife Refuge
4.7 ★★★★★ 203 reviews
Beach refuge known for sea turtles, migratory birds & other wildlife offers trails & events.
Melvin Roberts Park (Cedar Street Park)
4.4 ★★★★☆ 185 reviews
Park with ball fields, tennis courts and a playground.
