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Van De Graaff Park & Arboretum
4.7 ★★★★★ 215 Google reviews · Running trail in Northport, Alabama · Open 24 hours
Runner's snapshot
- Surface
- Not reported
- Distance
- Not reported
- Shape
- Not reported
- Shade
- Not reported
- Access
- Open 24 hours
Confirmed from Van De Graaff Park & Arboretum'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.
Public park offering walking trails, a pond, and a playground, plus picnicking and fishing.
What runners say about Van De Graaff Park & Arboretum
“The creek that runs under the bridge was beautiful and you get some local history as it has Alabama's oldest iron bridge 🌉”
This place is sooo much bigger than you think... there's a few trails that lead back to the main road. Lots of pretty scenery! Great place to clear your mind! Not to mention you can fish here (mainly bass)!! It's a $5 daily fee and I think it's like $60 year round!! I know I enjoyed myself and I think you would too!!
Great park! We camped here with a big group and it was pretty cheap. There’s a nice lake/pond in the front and another one as you go deeper into the woods. There’s also a beautiful stream down one of the trails. Great place to go for nature and even some pictures!
Nice park! Cheap camping with plenty of trails, creeks, and ponds to checkout. Nice spot for bird watching. Bring a hammock or chair and stay for a while! The park ranger who works there is cool, helpful and laid back as well!
Love it because of how quiet it is. There several trails you can explore and picnic tables with fire pits in different spots. There is a beautiful porch swing overlooking the pond as well. Dogs are welcome. No play equipment, just nature for your kids to run around in.
Trail conditions & character
“The creek that runs under the bridge was beautiful and you get some local history as it has Alabama's oldest iron bridge 🌉”
“Nice little park looks like a place to put RVs and go fishing cost $10 to go fishing and the second gate has a dog area coming soon edge of the pond”
“Bathrooms, fishing locations, streams, picnic tables, grills, tent & RV locations on site.”
“Paths are rock & not made for wheelchair or stroller.”
Plan your run at Van De Graaff Park & Arboretum
The practical stuff
- AccessOpen 24 hours — no gate to beat, so a 5am or a 10pm run both work
- 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, 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.
- Websitetcpara.org
- Phone(205) 562-3220
- Social Instagram · Facebook
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 |
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