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Richard Martin Trail
4.6 ★★★★★ 83 Google reviews · Running trail in Elkmont, Alabama · Hours vary
Runner's snapshot
- Surface
- Crushed gravel
- Distance
- 10 mi
- Shape
- Not reported
- Shade
- Tree cover
- Access
- Not reported
Confirmed from Richard Martin Trail'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.
Flat, shaded 10-mile trail for hikers, horses and bikes, with covered bridges.
What runners say about Richard Martin Trail
“Shady, well maintained, restrooms at parking lot.”
“Always a beautiful walk, run, or ride up the Richard Martin Rails to Trails!”
“Love this trail, gravel is packed well for easy walking and biking, wildlife, wildflowers, very well shaded.”
“Love this trail, gravel is packed well for easy walking and biking, wildlife, wildflowers, very well shaded.”
Amazing place to walk , ride bikes , take the fur babies for a stroll !!! I had no idea it was as long as it was 10+ miles to walk the entire trail, covered bridges, creeks, benches to rest plenty of room and lots of wildlife to see , and very shady , it’s very cool and breezy and your not in alot of direct sun…
This is not a true "hiking" trail. There are no major inclines or descents, no navigational technicalities. A wheelchair or stroller may easily transverse the entirety from Piney Chapel to Veto on a relatively smooth gravel surface.
I love biking here from Athens to Veto. It is my favorite biking trail in Northern Alabama. I recommend this for anyone of any age! there are places to sit and rest along the trail if needed, and very pretty views to enjoy. Also, there is a stop in Elkmont, which has a gas station close by if needed.
One of my favorite places to ride my bike. Shady, nice views, mostly flat. If you're a bit out of shape and middle aged like me, would recommend starting in Elkmont, then head up the trail North first while you are fresh and plenty of energy. It's the toughest part, the South end of the trail is nice and easy.
Trail conditions & character
“there are places to sit and rest along the trail if needed, and very pretty views to enjoy.”
“Love this trail, gravel is packed well for easy walking and biking, wildlife, wildflowers, very well shaded.”
“A wheelchair or stroller may easily transverse the entirety from Piney Chapel to Veto on a relatively smooth gravel surface.”
“I use this trail when I get to the 18-22 mile training run stage.”
“Good trail to go walk me and my friends go there that have restrooms tables to set at.”
“you can ride tour horses there and free parking you will like it very much”
“Some parts have you run by some private residences with loose dogs, but otherwise enjoyable.”
“A wheelchair or stroller may easily transverse the entirety from Piney Chapel to Veto on a relatively smooth gravel surface.”
Plan your run at Richard Martin Trail
The practical stuff
- AccessHours vary — hours are not posted for this trail, so check before an early or late run
- SurfaceCrushed gravel — the rail-trail classic: softer than asphalt, still smooth enough for tempo work
- Distance10 mi as reported — check whether that is one way or a round trip before you commit. Long enough for a real long run.
- ShadeRunners describe real tree cover here — it makes a summer afternoon workable
- 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.
Running trails near Elkmont
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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Swan Creek Park
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Swan Creek Greenway National Recreation Trail
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Marbut's Bend
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Gravel and boardwalk paths traversing a swampy area with wetlands and the Elk River, all ideal for casual walking.