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Wildwood Preserve
4.4 ★★★★☆ 23 Google reviews · Running trail in Birmingham, Alabama · Dawn to dusk
Runner's snapshot
- Surface
- Not reported
- Distance
- Not reported
- Shape
- Not reported
- Shade
- Not reported
- Access
- Dawn to dusk
Confirmed from Wildwood Preserve'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.
What runners say about Wildwood Preserve
“It's short, maybe 1/4 to 1/3 mile, but well marked and full of lovely sniffs for my girl.”
The preserve is a small (50 acres) park with a short trail (0.8 miles) between Shades Creek and I-65. The gravel parking lot holds 4 cars (as long as everybody parks respectfully). The noise from I-65 can be annoying, but when you descend the hill, the noise starts to retreat and becomes more of a white noise.
Great trail. Easy to find spot. Very well maintained area. As a visitor from out of state, I'm always looking for new trails. It surprised me that the preserve was right next to a beautiful neighborhood. It was a nice, quick walk to unwind from a long day at work.
I feel really dumb because I've lived less than mile from here for almost 30 years and never knew this little pocket of nature existed. It's really nice! Took my border collie (on leash, as requested) and we took the upper loop trail along the ridge.
A nice, hidden gem. It's a little less than a mile hike but pleasant. You get some noise from the highway early in the hike but it quickly fades away as you make it farther into the woods.
Trail conditions & character
“It's short, maybe 1/4 to 1/3 mile, but well marked and full of lovely sniffs for my girl.”
“The gravel parking lot holds 4 cars (as long as everybody parks respectfully).”
Plan your run at Wildwood Preserve
The practical stuff
- AccessDawn to dusk — the gates close, so do not plan a run that finishes after dark
- 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
- Websitefreshwaterlandtrust.org
- Phone+1 205-417-2777
- Social Instagram · Facebook
Hours
| Monday | 6 am–9 pm |
| Tuesday | 6 am–9 pm |
| Wednesday | 6 am–9 pm |
| Thursday | 6 am–9 pm |
| Friday | 6 am–9 pm |
| Saturday | 6 am–9 pm |
| Sunday | 6 am–10:30 pm |
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.
Blue Ridge Nature Trail
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Wald Park
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Vestavia Hills Parks & Rec
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Kid-friendly space with ball diamonds and basketball facilities, plus a playground.
Grace's Gap at Red Mountain Park
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Park featuring hiking trails, a tree house, and zip line, plus picnic areas.
