Run at Railroad Park in Downtown Birmingham

In many ways, Railroad Park has become a symbol for the revitalization of downtown Birmingham, and it’s helping to ignite a new excitement for the city. Opened in 2010, Railroad Park makes reference to the Steel City’s industrial past, and runs parallel to rail lines that are still used today. The park includes 19 acres of green space, several trails, scenic waterways, bridges, an amphitheater and more, with the Birmingham skyline easily visible from nearly any vantage point. Plans are underway to eventually extend green spaces across downtown, which would connect the park to other trail systems, and historic sites such as Sloss Furnace. 

The outer trail that circles the park, Magic City Loop, is approximately 3/4 of a mile, and easily connects to any of the other trails including Rail Trail (1/3 mile), Powell Avenue Promenade (1/3 mile), and Limestone Trace (1/2 mile). Two full laps around the park make a really nice 1.5 mile run, or you can easily add distance by continuing on 1st Avenue South past 18th Street, and connecting to the recently developed Rotary Trail at 20th Street. Trail surfaces within the park are asphalt, gravel, rubber-coated asphalt, and boardwalk paths. All trail surfaces are even, with minimal incline, which make them very accessible to runners and walker of all abilities. The vast majority of the park is handicap accessible and stroller friendly, though there are stairs in a couple places on the west side of the park.

Metered parking is available along 1st Avenue South and the adjacent blocks, and is free after 6pm and on weekends. 

You can check out upcoming events happening at Railroad Park here.