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North Trailhead

4.9 ★★★★★ 108 Google reviews · Running trail in Birmingham, Alabama · Hours vary

Runner's snapshot

Surface
Not reported
Distance
Not reported
Shape
Not reported
Shade
Not reported
Access
Not reported

We have not been able to confirm the surface, distance or shape of North Trailhead yet from its own listing, the park's website or runner reviews — so those cells stay blank rather than guess. What is below comes straight from the listing and from reviewers' own words. 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.

ScenicHillyTrailhead parking

Hiking area featuring varied trails leading to a popular scenic overlook.

What runners say about North Trailhead

Pulled from public reviews of this trail (108 of them) — the things people bring up again and again, in their own words. Nothing here is written by us.

🏞️ beautiful scenery 7 mentions

“Love the views and the scenery, but is a super busy Trail, that goes up to a Scenic Outlook called Eagle's Nest, that is definitely a must-see.”

One of the two best and number one trailhead in Oak Mountain. From here you have access to many beautiful and exciting trails. The most popular one it's called King's chair.

★★★★★ — Brian , May 2024

Love it! Took our 3 year old for his first hike. It was a little challenging for him distant wise but he did it all and spelt great that night.

★★★★★ — Hollyann , Sep 2023

Nice expanded parking. Access to red, white, yellow, blue, campground, and north connector trails here. Vault toilet.

★★★★★ — Clay , Sep 2024

This is one of my fav trails to hike. It is so worth it once you get to the top. The view is amazing.

★★★★★ — Christel , Jun 2024

Excerpts from public Google reviews. Read all 108 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 13 mentions

“Love the views and the scenery, but is a super busy Trail, that goes up to a Scenic Outlook called Eagle's Nest, that is definitely a must-see.”

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🅿️ Trailhead parking 12 mentions

“Good bit of parking, very well kept, lots of great views and a wonderful time.”

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⛰️ Hills / elevation 3 mentions

“The blue trail can be difficult as the terrain is steep, but it is rewarding.”

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Plan your run at North Trailhead

The practical stuff

  • AccessHours vary — hours are not posted for this trail, so check before an early or late 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.
  • ShadeNot reported. Assume some of it is exposed and carry water in summer.
  • At the trailheadparking — reported by runners
  • Phone+1 800-252-7275

Where to find North Trailhead

Oak Mountain Park Rd, Birmingham, AL 35242

Get directions

Running trails near Birmingham

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

Maggie's Glen

4.8 ★★★★★ 23 reviews

Birmingham, AL

100 miBoardwalkScenic

under a mile away

Heardmont Park

4.7 ★★★★★ 762 reviews

Birmingham, AL

PavedShadedLitScenic

Scenic park with a football stadium, baseball & soccer fields, trails, a senior center & more.

1.1 miles away

Oak Mountain State Park

4.8 ★★★★★ 5,432 reviews

Pelham, AL

100 miMixedScenic

Home to a petting zoo, golfing & beaches, this vast park has camping, hiking trails & fishing.

2.1 miles away

Veterans Park

4.7 ★★★★★ 1,578 reviews

Meadowbrook, AL

Crushed gravelShadedScenicDog-friendly

Lakeside green space with a 3-mile running trail, playgrounds, volleyball courts & a war memorial.

2.6 miles away

Dunnavant Valley Greenway

4.7 ★★★★★ 102 reviews

Birmingham, AL

1.8 miMixedShadedScenic

Easy but steep in places, 1.8-mile hike featuring trees, streams, and waterfalls.

4.0 miles away

Hoover Inverness Nature Park & Trails

4.4 ★★★★☆ 89 reviews

Birmingham, AL

1.8 miMixedScenicDog-friendly

Large park with paved hiking paths, disc golf courses, hills and woods.

4.2 miles away

All running trails in Birmingham, 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.